Shishu Sarothi, a premier non-profit organization based in Guwahati working in the disability sector, successfully conducted a two-day workshop on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) on February 21 and 22, 2025.
This initiative was generously supported by the Kong Kong Lige Loyi (KKLL) Foundation, marking another milestone in their ongoing collaboration to enhance the capabilities of professionals in the disability sector.
The KKLL Foundation, established in memory of a young visionary, is committed to fostering social awareness, education, and cultural enrichment. Since its inception, the foundation has been instrumental in promoting and supporting social welfare programs aimed at achieving balanced societal growth. In partnership with Shishu Sarothi, the KKLL Foundation has supported impactful programs such as the “Workshop on Techniques of Seating, Posture, and Wheelchair Usage” and the “Workshop on Awareness of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities,” fostering a more inclusive and informed community.
The workshop was conducted by Indrani Basu, the Founder and Director of the Autism Society West Bengal (ASWB) based in Kolkata. Basu, an educator with a degree from the University of London, has dedicated her career to the field of autism after her two sons were diagnosed with ASD.
Her profound personal experience and professional expertise have been the driving force behind ASWB, an organization committed to advocating for individuals with autism and providing them with essential support services. Basu’s unwavering dedication has earned her national and international recognition, including the prestigious 2009 award for creativity and innovation in special education from Heartspring, Kansas, USA.
The necessity for such programs has become increasingly evident with the rising awareness and diagnosis of autism in India. Ketaki Bardalai, Executive Director of Shishu Sarothi, observed that recent studies indicate approximately 1 in 100 children under the age of 10 in India are on the autism spectrum, underscoring the urgent need for early intervention and specialized support services. As more children with ASD seek assistance, it is imperative to continually develop and refine the skills of professionals in this field.
This workshop aimed to bridge the knowledge gap and empower Shishu Sarothi’s team to deliver comprehensive and empathetic care to individuals with autism across various age groups.
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