Actual inclusion for autism happening in India:  Dr. Lim Boon Hock

GURUGRAM (INDIA): Noted special needs consultant Dr. Lim Boon Hock has said that the actual inclusion in the field of autism is happening in India.  

A renowned expert from Malaysia said this while participating in International Autism Awareness Conference 2020 held at Scottish High International School in Gurugram, near Indian capital city New Delhi on January 31.

“I am delightfully surprised that the whole of the world is talking about including special needs children in the classrooms but t is actually happening in this school,” said Dr. Lim, Special Needs Consultancy Malaysia in an interview with Asian Community News (ACN) Network on the sidelines of the conference.

“Sometimes, we think we have things way ahead of others or behind others, but when came here and interacted with various experts, teachers and especially the children in classrooms, we found them (autistic children) not so quite different from what we call ‘NORMAL’ children. And this is what makes us rethink as to what is NORMAL really? Is there anything about having special needs? Awareness is the biggest support in wanting to make inclusion work.

Scottish High International School hosted the Conference in collaboration with Charity Association of Macau Business Readers at its premises in Gurugram where renowned speakers from the USA, Macau, Malaysia, Czech Republic, along with distinguished Indian Speakers, youth leaders, special educators, teachers, parents, doctors and heads of various eminent schools participated.

The conference was for and by the special needs children who actively participated and even organized some portion of the entire event making it true for them, said Dr. Cdr. Kartikay Saini, Chairman, Scottish High International School.

“The conference, probably the biggest in India, witnessed active participation of special needs children and this what lacks in many other conferences organized for them.  We relentlessly endeavor to support people with special needs and uphold the belief that given equal opportunity to all can truly contribute to nation-building,” said Dr. Cdr. Saini. He also leads the Autism Research Centre.

In light of this, the Autism Society of Scottish High has continuously worked towards creating awareness among students, the community of schools & societies, and has also launched a nationwide campaign to promote autism awareness, inclusion, and self-determination for all.

With its path-breaking initiatives and collaboration with Inclusive India Campaign, the school ensures that each person with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) is provided equal opportunity to attain the highest possible quality of life.

To mobilize support, sensitize community, encourage friends and collaborators to come forward and participate in providing acceptance to people with autism, the conference unfolded with a warm welcome by the students, followed by a welcome speech by the Chairman, Scottish High – Dr. Cdr Kartikay Saini, who addressed the august gathering with his inspiring words and enlightening experiences.

Eminent Guest Speakers cut across various fields, from India and overseas – Dr. Boon Hock, Stephan Kuehn, Jitka Valentova along with Dr. Maitri Chand, Dr. Kalpana Shekhawat, Dr. Rajiv Mishra, Swaminathan Rajan, shared the stage as they reflected on understanding autistic mind and debate on policies that can help raise autism awareness in the society.

Engaging the audience and the participants through an intensive interactive session, the program culminated into a thought-provoking panel discussion and a breathtaking Unified Fashion Show. A special exhibition of art, craft, and merchandise by children with autism was also an exclusive feature of the conference. The delegates and the members were awarded certificates and souvenirs for their meritorious presence and contribution in making the conference a huge success.