In an important step to improve healthcare for children with developmental conditions, the Government of Punjab has supported the launch of a Centre of Excellence for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Mohali. This centre is located in Sector 79 and works under the Dr BR Ambedkar State Institute of Medical Sciences.
The centre aims to provide proper diagnosis, treatment and long-term support for children and adults with autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions. It is one of the first public sector centres in India to offer such a wide range of services under one roof.
Autism is a lifelong condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts with others and behaves. According to the World Health Organization, about 1 in 127 people worldwide are diagnosed with autism. Another estimate suggests that 1 in 36 children are affected globally.
Despite these numbers, many children in India are diagnosed very late. This delay means they miss early support, which is very important for their development.
Experts say that autism is not a disease but a neurodevelopmental condition. This means the brain develops differently, affecting social and communication skills. With the right support at the right time, children with autism can improve their abilities and lead meaningful lives.
However, many families do not get proper help due to lack of awareness and limited services. In some regions, there are very few centres for diagnosis and therapy. This creates a gap between need and availability of care.
A study conducted in Chandigarh between 2015 and 2017 showed that autism cases were present among children, but many remained undiagnosed or untreated. This highlights the importance of building strong healthcare systems.
The new centre in Mohali aims to solve this problem by providing early diagnosis and timely intervention. Experts believe that identifying autism at an early stage can change the future of a child. It can improve learning, communication and daily living skills.
The centre also focuses on supporting families. Instead of sympathy, families need guidance, training and proper systems. This initiative aims to provide that support.
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One of the key features of this centre is that it offers many services in one place. This makes it easier for families to access complete care without visiting multiple hospitals.
The centre provides diagnostic and intervention services, which help in identifying the condition and starting treatment early. It also offers parent training, so families can learn how to support their children at home.
Medical services include neurodevelopmental paediatrics and child and adolescent psychiatry. These help in understanding the child’s development and behaviour. Psychological services are also available to assess and guide emotional and mental health.
For education and communication, the centre provides special education and speech and language therapy. These services help children improve their learning and communication skills.
Other important services include occupational therapy, physiotherapy and sensory integration. These therapies help children improve movement, coordination and daily activities.
The centre also offers audiology services, dental care and special clinics such as ENT, eye care and orthopaedics. Social workers and nursing staff are also part of the team, ensuring complete support for patients and families.
The centre will be open from Monday to Saturday, from 9 am to 4 pm. People can book appointments through a helpline number provided by the authorities.
This initiative is not only about treatment but also about building a long-term system of care. It aims to support individuals from childhood to adulthood. For adults, the centre will also provide vocational training and career guidance.
The goal is to help individuals become independent and lead a better quality of life.
This centre reflects Punjab’s commitment to inclusive healthcare. It aims to ensure that people with neurodevelopmental conditions are not left behind. The initiative is also in line with global goals such as improving rehabilitation services and providing healthcare for all.
In conclusion, the Centre of Excellence in Mohali is a major step forward in autism care in India. By focusing on early diagnosis, complete treatment and family support, it aims to create a better future for children and adults with autism.
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