"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."

- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

#Autism

Positive Reads

Innovative QR Code Lockets Help Locate Missing People, Inspiring Hope for Families

In a groundbreaking initiative, 24-year-old Akshay Ridlan has developed QR code lockets to aid in locating missing individuals, particularly those with dementia and autism. This innovative solution brings hope to countless families who have experienced the anguish of searching for their loved ones. Every month, a staggering 64,851 people go missing in India, as reported by the World Population Review in 2023. Moved by these distressing statistics, Akshay Ridlan, a UPSC aspirant, decided to take action. His motivation stemmed from reading newspaper reports about missing children and the heart-wrenching story of Tarun Gupta, an autistic teenager who went missing in 2019. Through his project named "Chetna," launched in September 2023, Akshay introduced unique QR code tags that can be worn as pendants. These tags contain vital information such as emergency contacts, medical conditions, and home addresses. When scanned with a phone, the QR code provides access to this crucial data, enabling a swift identification process. The initiative aims to assist vulnerable patients and individuals with mental health issues who are prone to disorientation or wandering. Akshay's empathetic approach and extensive research, which involved speaking to caregivers, doctors, and parents of children with disabilities, have contributed to the development of a fool-proof system. To ensure widespread adoption, Akshay is working on technology that sends notifications to caregivers when someone scans the QR code, even if the missing person is far away. However, awareness and cooperation from authorities, such as the railway police, are necessary for the success of this solution. With these QR code lockets, Akshay Ridlan has ignited a ray of hope for families searching for their missing loved ones. The Chetna project stands as a testament to the power of innovation and compassion in addressing critical societal challenges.

4 Jan 2024
Positive Reads

How to Limit Screen Time in Children

It is a common practice nowadays to get things done by children with the lure of the mobile or television.  For example, if you want your child to eat, then put his/her favourite show on the screen and food disappears from the plate. However, I wonder whether this is the right thing to do. You will be alarmed to know that there are more than a million cases of ADHD (Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder) and autism in India and according to a renowned doctor, the figures can be brought down considerably by just not giving access to screen in the first three years of a child’s life and restricting screen time in the following years. In present times, I find even toddlers glued to smartphones or tablets almost all the time. This unrestricted screen time can be a hindrance to a child’s mental and physical growth. However, a total ban on screen time may not be feasible, yet one can limit a child’s screen time with the following simple steps Lay down the rules One need not be very harsh on the child while limiting his/her screen time. Explain to the child why other activities like outdoor play, art and crafts are also important. Allocate specific time for television and internet and at other times, try to make your child more productive. Practice what you preach Be a role model for your child. Well known author Robert Fulghum has said – ‘ Don’t worry that children never listen to you; worry that they are always watching you’. So limit the use of gadgets in the presence of children and set a positive example. Education vs entertainment Nowadays, children need to access the net for their projects. Online learning has also almost become an indispensable part of the education system. In these circumstances, it is imperative for parents to help the child understand what is essential for his or her learning process and what can be considered a waste of time. Spending quality time We are living in an era in which technology has become an inherent part of our lives. We must acknowledge the fact that we can use technology to our advantage. Spend your time with your child and together you can surf the internet and help him/her learn new things. Guide them to use the net in a way which broadens their scope of gaining knowledge, identifying their interests and hobbies which may, in turn, help them choose their career in the long run.    By following the above steps, a child will be able to steer clear of excess screen time and avail the benefits of technology by proper use of the internet.  

10 Aug 2019
Positive Reads

Knowing Autism

Signs of Autism appear in early childhood. It is known as Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which is complex developmental disability. It affects an individual’s ability to interact and communicate with others. Why World Autism Awareness Day is observed? There are millions of children affected with Autism around the world. To raise awareness in this regard World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) is commemorated on 2nd April every year by the United Nations. The Member States of the United Nations initiate drive to deal with issues  about children with autism.   How it started ? The United Nations General Assembly designated the day  according to resolution "62/139 for World Autism Awareness Day". It was passed on November 1, 2007 in council. The same was adopted on December 18, 2007. The first Autism Awareness Day was observed by the UN branches all over the world on 2nd April, 2008. The main events were conducted at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. These included a panel discussion by World Health Organization and the NGO Autism Speaks. A briefing for NGO's on topics about autism awareness was also held. How it is observed ? This day  brings  autism organizations together for diagnoses, treatment, and research on the disease. The UN also encourages the Member States to sensitize people regarding  autism at all levels in society. The UN Secretary-General delivers an address  to member states and all other UN organizations on the topic of dealing with Autism. In all countries, people and organizations mark the occasion with relevant programmes, events and awareness drives with the theme of Autism. Organizations in Various Countries: There are many organization in world dealing with Autism. Prominent among them is Autism Speaks. It is one of the biggest non-governmental organizations. Light It Up Blue is the initiatives taken up by  Autism Speaks. Autism-Europe works in this regard with more than 80 affiliated organizations in various countries of the continent. In India, various  organizations work in the field of Autism treatment  and  support. These  include National Organization for Autism in India and Autism Society of India as also several other of them in different  states. How You can help ? You can help by knowing more about Autism and spreading awareness. Following points can be of interest. 1. The good thing is, Autism is treatable. The early diagnosis and treatment can give improved outcomes, according to certain study reports. 2. Early Identification is important. The signs for identification are: Delay in learning to speak language and repeating  language. Motor mannerisms including  flapping of hand Avoiding  eye contact No interest in friendship or peer relationships No spontaneous playing. Let’s have compassion and spread basic knowledge about Autism on this World Autism Awareness Day.        

1 Apr 2017
Positive Reads

Star Citizens

Banker turned special educator

As the whole world observes April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day and entire month is dedicated to spread awareness regarding this ever increasing spectrum since last few years, MyIndianDream speaks to a banker turned special educator who believes that awareness is the only way to accept child having autism.  Working successfully as a branch manager of India’s topmost nationalised bank, Anuradha Deshpande had achieved milestones in her career. But after her son Aniket received professional help as he was detected with Down Syndrome, she felt of giving back the same professional help to the society.  She said, “It was my daughter Madhura who is now working as a special educator in Australia who motivated me to take up this work. When Aniket was in his teens, Madhura decided to take up special education as her career and worked hard for the same. She did her degree in Australia and now is successfully working for children with special needs.” “I thought if a 16-years-old girl can take this decision after looking at her brother’s successful changes in behaviour which was possible just because of professional help, even I decided to give up banking and give back to the society.” Anuradha then completed her remedial education degree, did masters in clinical psychology and counselling course and now is all set to do one-year course in autism. After taking formal education in this field, Anuradha started a Centre for Ability Enhancement and Recreation (CAER) in Dombivli and is giving professional help to the children with special needs. Though a small set up with 16 students, she believes in giving back to the society what she received for her son and therefore is happy in this transformation from a banker to special educator. Aniket also being a part of CAER now he is being trained in administrative work.  with graduation of their students to  professionally exhibiting their creativity which they learn as a part of vocational training, the students at CAER are doing well and carving their niche in their favourite activities. Out of 16 there six students with autism Spectrum Disorder at CAER, among them Gayathri has also completed her graduation.  According to her, with the changing life patterns, autism Spectrum Disorder could be seen in more children and spreading awareness among the parents is the only way wherein they can realise the early symptoms and work towards its cure. Five years before, it was one in 200 who would be ailing with autism but now the same number has gone down to one in every 58 children. Autism is such a disorder which could not be detected before birth and the signs could be observed only between 1 to 3 years and in such cases early intervention is needed.    Early signs and Symptoms for Autism  Child is not Responsive Child cant focus on a single activity  Repetitive Behaviour No Social smile  No communication  In all these cases, parents can contact the neurologists and with the help of early intervention can help your child to conquer Autism. 

4 Apr 2017
Star Citizens

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