Blessed Bonding, NGO for Children with IDD, observed World Autism Awareness Day, on April 2, under the theme “Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)” at AIDA Hall, Don Bosco School Campus, Riverbelt Colony, Dimapur. The event was graced by chairperson, Child Welfare Committee, Dimapur, Chairperson, Moamenla Yaden as special guest.
In her speech, Moamenla emphasized that the focus was on embracing neurodiversity and encouraging society to support individuals with autism, fostering inclusivity. She underscored that the day served as a reminder of the importance of understanding and celebrating the contributions of autistic individuals globally.
According to Moamenla, the purpose of the day, was to raise awareness about autism and advocate for the rights of people with autism.
She introduced the Child Welfare Committee, which was formed to protect children in need of care and explained that the committee, consist of five members in every district or group of district, and responsible for children under 18 in need of care and protection, particularly those abandoned, orphaned, engaged in child labor, or facing abuse.
She mentioned that under the Juvenile Justice Act (JJA), the government has formed the committee to handle matters related to children and highlighted that the committee’s role in providing rehabilitation, counselling, and assistance with adoption processes to children who have been abandoned, child labour, sexually abuse.
The committee works to ensure the children’s basic needs are met and that their cases are appropriately handled, she said. She also informed that Dimapur has institutions for “Place of Safety for children with no family”.
She therefore said that anyone could file a case or bring children to the committee, including police officers, public servants, the children themselves, NGOs, or even friends. Moamenla also termed Child Life helpline (1098) as a resource for assistance, where cases could be reported anonymously.
She further spoke on the importance of using technology for the betterment of children and emphasized on the concept of AI, highlighting how it was revolutionizing therapy and empowering individuals with autism.
Dimapur District Hospital, Clinical Psychologist, Mhiephronguno Kate spoke on “understanding Autism” noting the challenges faced by autistic individuals, such as communication, social interaction, and repetitive behaviours.
She highlighted that the focus was on understanding how autistic people think and learn. She said that the education system was shifting to be more child and family-centered, where family plays an important role in caring for the child.
She highlighted one major goal of intervention, which was to improve communication and social skills by promoting integration with peers and adults in various settings like school, work, and community.
She also discussed topics on the methods used for diagnosis of Autism and the importance of early intervention. Keystone education society, co-founder Lanusongla Lemtur spoke on “Inclusive Quality Education,” emphasizing the crucial role of community participation. She highlighted the society’s partnership with local churches, which have opened their doors to support this mission by providing their facilities for educational purposes.
Lemtur emphasized on inclusive education, ensures every child, regardless of background or ability, receives equal access to quality learning opportunities. She also addressed misconceptions surrounding disabilities, particularly autism, advocating for a perspective that views neurodiversity as a natural variation rather than a deficiency.
She called for increased awareness, policy implementation, and active community engagement to make schools more inclusive and accessible. Acknowledging the efforts of the government in promoting inclusive education through policies such as the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, she pointed out that the real challenge lies in effective implementation.
She urged schools to take proactive steps, such as arranging awareness workshops, hiring special educators, and integrating inclusive practices into their foundational design. She also called for churches and other community organizations to actively participate in fostering inclusive education, including making Sunday schools accessible to children with disabilities.
Dimapur District Legal Services Authority (DDLSA) panel lawyer, Advocate Moatula Ao, spoke on “Rights of Children with Disabilities,” emphasizing key provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act, 2016.
On the significance of the Act, Moatula highlighted its role in ensuring equality, dignity, and protection for individuals with disabilities. She elaborated on Section 4, which mandates government and local authorities to safeguard the rights of women and children with disabilities, allowing them to express their views freely with necessary support.
She also spoke on the reproductive rights, the right to vote, and access to justice, stating that the Election Commission has taken commendable steps to facilitate voting for persons with disabilities. She encouraged families to seek legal assistance from DDLSA in cases of rights violations.
On inclusive education, Moatula cited Section 16, which mandates equal access to education, sports, and recreational activities. She pointed out government responsibilities, including teacher training, provision of learning materials, and infrastructure accessibility.
Other highlights of the program included, a parent testimony by Blessed Bonding, member, Abigail Zhimo, dance performances by Christian Higher secondary school, CwSNs and Angel Home Rehabilitation Centre, CwSNs and concluding remarks by Blessed Bonding, executive member, Wanme Konyak.
Earlier, the program was chaired by Mercy Rose Konyak, invocation by Lotha Baptist Church Dimapur, Music Director, Avoni Odyuo, welcome address by Blessed Bonding, Chairman, Y. Anito Sema, and benediction.
Mount Mary College: Department of Psychology, Mount Mary College, in collaboration with the Special Needs Children of Mount Mary Higher Secondary School, celebrated World Autism Awareness Day 2025 for parents and caregivers on April 2, 2025.
Guest speaker Dr. Althea Wotsa (MBBS, MD Psychiatry) from Faith Hospital, Dimapur, shared insights on autism, its challenges, strengths, and the remarkable abilities of individuals with savant syndrome.
The event featured principal Nungshimongla Imsong, Dr. Nukshi Esther Imsong (HOD, Psychology), and chaplain Takoyanger. Sixteen special needs students received gifts from the Department of Psychology,MMC.