JOYPURHAT, April 2, 2024 (BSS) - The World Autism Awareness Day-2024 was observed in the district today as elsewhere in the country aiming to raise awareness, promote acceptance and celebrate the unique strengths and experiences of autistic people.
 
This year's theme of the day is "Moving from Surviving to Thriving: Autistic Individuals share regional perspectives."
 
In 2008, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) unanimously declared April 2 as the World Autism Awareness Day to highlight the needs to improve the lives of children and adults who suffer from the disorder.
 
On the occasion, a discussion meeting was held in the conference room of the Deputy Commissioner office this morning.
 
Additional Deputy Commissioner (ICT) Tripti Kana Mandal addressed the function as the chief guest with Deputy Director of District Social Services Directorate Md. Imam Hasim in the chair.
 
Assistant Director of District Social Services Department Salekul Islam, Training Officer of District Animal Resources Department Dr. SM Khurshid Alam, Additional Deputy Director of Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) Agriculturist Sabiha Sultana, Executive Director of Non-government Organization 'Jaks Foundation' and President of District NGO Coordination Committee Md Nurul Amin, Executive Director of ESO and NGO Coordination committee general secretary Md. Matinur Rahman, journalist Shahadul Islam Saju, among others, spoke.
 
District Social Services Office Sharmin Sultana moderated the discussion.
 
Speakers said the present government has brought all the disabled people under the allowance facility to improve their quality of life.
 
The government is being provided disability allowance, education stipend and also given proper treatment to the children and adolescents with autism so that they could be an asset to their family, society as well as the state, they added.
 
Officials of the social service department, representatives of autistic children, parents, non-governmental development organizations, among others, were present.