HYDERABAD: Aiming to spread awareness on Autism, Nayi Disha, an online platform that supports families of persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) is organising a cultural programme ‘Abhivyakti’ at 5 pm tomorrow at Phoenix Arena, TSIIC Park, Phase 2, Madhapur. The event features on-stage and off-stage performances by autistic children that include recital, fashion show, handicrafts exhibition, and more.
Autism is a neurological disorder characterised, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction and displaying repetitive behaviour. As per the National Institute of Mental Heath, nearly 6 in 1,000 people have some form of autism in India.
The event would be attended by the entire special individuals’ community, along with its caregivers, siblings, therapists, and well-wishers. Principal Secretary Jayesh Ranjan would be the chief guest, while child psychiatrist Usha Naik and Swayamkrushi Founder Manjula Kalyan would be the guests of honour.
Being afflicted with autism has not deterred 17-year-old Aditya Jonnalagadda from pursuing his passion in singing. He had given his first Carnatic recital on World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) on April 2, 2016 and received praise from renowned music critics.
On this year’s WAAD tomorrow, Aditya would be opening the event with a 15-minute recital. Overall, 20 children are taking part in the event, with 12 of them giving on-stage performances and the rest off-stage.
For registration, visit www.nayi-disha.org or contact 92462 42778 / 99892 75207.