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.