Early Intervention in Neuro Divergent Children : Project update 2023-24
Director: Rtn. Renu Basu
Chair: PP Shernaz Vakil
Co-chair: Rtn. Sunny Pariyaram
Members: Rtn. Dr. Mehernosh Dotivala, Rtn. Niloufer Lam, Rtn. Rhea Bhumgara, Rtn. Meher Vakil, Rtn. Ptn. Ami Jagtiani, Rtn. Moy Biswas, Rtn. Reema Damani
Objective: The Mankhurd Early Intervention Centre provides specialised support to neurodivergent children and their families from birth to school entry (up to 6 years old). Our club supports this project in the field of mental health in Mankhurd, partnering with the Association for Welfare of Mentally Handicapped in Maharashtra (AWMH), a parents’ association dedicated to the welfare and rehabilitation of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Support Provided
• The centre offers a range of services, including:
• Special Education: Helping children reach their maximum learning potential.
• Group Therapy Sessions: Play activities to improve social skills, and art/ music therapy.
• Occupational Therapy: Sensory stimulation to enhance body awareness.
• Developmental and Psychological Assessment: Regular evaluations to monitor progress.
• Counselling and Training for Parents: Providing guidance for homebased
programmes.
Number of Beneficiaries
Approximately thirty children, mostly autistic or with cerebral palsy, benefit from these services.
Budget for 2024-25
The budget needed is nil as ₹15 lakhs has already been paid. Recent Visit to the Centre
Committee members visited the Mankhurd Centre, interacting with the dedicated staff and children. We organised a Christmas lunch and handed out gifts to the children and their parents. During our visit, we observed the structured programmes and individualised routines that benefit each child daily.
• Occupational Therapy: Therapists worked with each child, recommending daily routines to be followed at home.
• Clinical Psychology: A psychologist monitored progress and recommended further treatment.
• Speech Therapy: A therapist visits weekly, though there is a need for more speech therapists.
Parent Involvement and Community Outreach
Daily reports detail each child’s development, and parents are taught how to manage their children’s needs, preparing them for specialised schools. Social workers find children in the slums, bringing them to the centre and giving parents hope for their child’s future. The centre organises outings and events to bring joy into the lives of the children and their families.
Our Committee’s Commitment
We are committed to not just financial support, but also dedicating our time and talent. We organise art and craft sessions, tea parties, and provide nutritional and other guidance to mothers. We seek suggestions from the staff to improve our involvement.
Emotional Impact
Our visit was deeply emotional as we interacted with parents who lovingly support their children. We met Gulam, whose mother lovingly cares for him despite his severe disabilities. Another child, Afroze, gave us a magical smile, highlighting the profound impact of our empathy and support.