Expressnews
Madurai, April 2025: Meenakshi Mission Hospital & Research Centre (MMHRC), Madurai, has recently hosted Neurodiversity 2025, a special event to mark World Autism and Down Syndrome Day, bringing together over 70 families of children with autism and Down syndrome. Themed “Aware, Accept, and Accommodate”, the event featured a comprehensive special camp offering specialised assessments, medical consultations, and screenings, providing vital support for children and their families.
Dr. Mary Lalitha, a renowned Developmental Pediatrician from Vellamadam, Kanyakumari, participated as the Chief Guest. The program also witnessed the presence of several key dignitaries, including Dr. Ramesh Arthanari, Medical Director of MMHRC; Dr. A. Kannan, Head of the Department of Pediatrics, Neonatology & Child Development Centre; and Dr. B. Kannan, Medical Administrator at MMHRC, who reiterated the hospital’s commitment to supporting neurodiverse children and their families.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior, while Down syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by the presence of an extra chromosome 21, leading to developmental and intellectual delays. World Down Syndrome Day is observed on 21st March, while World Autism Awareness Day is marked on 2nd April each year to raise awareness, promote understanding, and advocate for the rights and inclusion of individuals with these conditions.
A key highlight of Neurodiversity 2025 was an engaging panel discussion led by Chief Guest Dr. Mary Lalitha, along with the hospital’s transdisciplinary team of specialists. This interactive session created a meaningful platform for parents to directly connect with experts, voice their concerns, and receive practical insights and guidance on supporting their children’s development. The session emphasised the importance of early identification, inclusive education, and a strong support system for families navigating autism and Down syndrome.
The comprehensive special camp, organised exclusively for children with Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorder, offered a wide array of services, including growth and developmental assessments, socio-emotional and behavioral evaluations, eye and dental consultations, expert pediatric and specialist medical consultations, and parental counseling. Additional screenings such as echocardiograms, blood investigations at concessional rates, and nutritional guidance were also made available to ensure a holistic approach to child health.
A collaborative effort by the developmental pediatricians and the CDC team ensured that each child’s developmental history was carefully reviewed. Based on individual needs, children were evaluated by speech therapists, occupational therapists, and behavioral specialists, ensuring a personalised and supportive assessment process. Families were provided with detailed recommendations for further investigations and customisedfollow-up plans, reinforcing MMHRC’s commitment to long-term care and inclusion for every child.
The program was meticulously coordinated under the leadership of the Organising Secretaries: Dr. A. Kannan, Head of the Department of Pediatrics; Dr. V. Uma Muralidharan, Senior Consultant & Developmental Paediatrician , Department of Pediatrics; and Dr. M. Nagarajan, Coordinator, Child Development Centre (CDC). Other key contributors included Dr. K.P. Arun Priya, Associate Consultant, Department of Pediatrics; Dr. S. Senthil Kumar, Pediatric Intensivist; and Mr. Pandiyarajan, Senior Manager – Marketing.
