Pragathi:Giving autistic children their own space
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A state-of-the-art Children’s Intervention Centre was opened at the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital on World Children’s Day. Aptly named “Pragathi”, the centre is specifically designed and equipped to assist children with autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions.
The centre was set up by the Sri Lanka Association for Child Development (SLACD) and Citizens Development Business Finance PLC (CDB) . The “Pragathi” intervention centre is the latest project under the “Act Early for Autism” programme, initiated by the SLACD and CDB to create awareness and necessary interventions on ‘Autism Spectrum Disorder’, a growing neurodevelopmental health condition amongst children.
According to research, by 2009 approximately 1 in 93 children in Sri Lanka were affected by ‘Autism Spectrum Disorder’, and one of the major issues currently is that most parents are not even aware of such a condition, much less how it can be treated. Thus, the doctors at the “Pragathi” intervention centre also focus on educating parents on the specific treatment procedures which need to be carried out within the home setting.
Some of the special features of the intervention centre are:
One-way mirror
The one-way mirror is a tool which allows doctors and therapists to observe the children while they continue with their usual routines without the children noticing they are being observed. The intervention centre provides this facility to the North Central Province for the very first time in Sri Lanka.
Sensory room
This is for the children to practise and participate in sensorial activities stimulating their senses with colourful toys and activities.
General physical skills development
The Gross Motor room is designed for physical activities to stimulate their motor skills-equipped with a swing, a ball pit, a slide and other child-friendly, stimulating activities.
Toilet training
The intervention centre is equipped with special toilet training facilities.
The team of professionals at “Pragathi” welcomes parents and children from all walks of life to visit them and utilize these services for early detection and treatment. Parents may contact the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital and connect with the Child Guidance Clinic to connect with the “Pragathi” intervention centre.