World Autism Day : A Mother’s Journey

“A mother’s fight “

When a child as young as three years old is diagnosed with autism, it seems like the entire world comes crashing down for the family. It is not just the child who is diagnosed—it is the parents, the grandparents, and everyone who loves the child who experiences the impact. This was exactly what happened to me when I found out that my daughter was diagnosed with autism. My world shattered in an instant.

The question Why me? haunted me day and night. I was stuck in that question for a long time, unable to move forward, drowning in sadness and uncertainty. It is a common experience for every parents whose child receives an autism diagnosis. The depression phase is real, and it can last for months or even years. It is filled with denial, fear, and a deep sense of helplessness. No parent ever dreams of this journey, yet here I was, forced to navigate an unknown world.

For a long time, I allowed myself to grieve. The dreams I had for my daughter seemed to fade away. I looked at other children her age and felt an ache in my heart, wondering why my daughter could not do what they did. People around me had different reactions—some were supportive, while others dismissed my concerns, telling me she would ‘grow out of it.’ Somebody said she will be fine one day.But deep down, I knew I could not wait for time to fix things; I had to act.

One day, amidst my despair, something inside me changed. I realized that if I stayed in this dark phase forever, I would be of no help to my child. Autism was not going to wait for me to be emotionally ready. My daughter needed me to be strong, to fight for her to understand her world. That day, I made a promise to myself—I would learn everything I could, do everything in my power, and dedicate myself to helping her.

I started reading journals, searching Google every day and night, and diving deep into the world of autism. I read about therapies, interventions, and techniques that had helped other children. I discovered that early intervention was key and that the sooner I started working with my child, the better her chances of improvement would be.

I found articles on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), speech therapy, occupational therapy, and sensory integration. Through out my journey my father helped me a lot whenever he can.He is the pillar of my strength..I joined online forums and groups where other parents shared their experiences. I reached out to experts, therapists, and educators. .

Slowly, I started implementing what I learned. I have started therapies what we can afford.I followed structured routines to make her days predictable and comfortable for her.Every little progress, no matter how small, became a victory worth celebrating.

But the journey was not easy. There were days when I felt exhausted, days when nothing seemed to work, days when I cried whole night.My journey is still going on .When I am writing this tears rolling down from my eyes.But giving up is never an option. I reminded myself that my daughter needed me to be her guide, her advocate, and her biggest supporter.

Over time, I realized that my perspective had shifted. Instead of asking Why me?, I started asking How can I help my daughter thrive? The more I learned, the more confident I became in handling better.I stopped comparing her to other children and instead focused on her individual progress.

I was no longer alone in this journey my family, my husband’s support became invaluable..

Autism is not the end of the world; it is a different path, one that requires patience, learning, and unconditional love.

Today is a world autism day .On this day I would like to tell all the parents who has neurotypical children please you can model inclusive behaviour by encouraging your children to invite ASD peers to play, school activities, or birthday parties.Educate your children on being patient and understanding if an ASD child does not respond in a typical way.
Every individual on the spectrum deserves love, inclusion and opportunities to shine..
Doyel Chakraborty

#autismacceptance
Comments

If you are lucky to be close to a Child with Special need, a whole new world of joy and excitement will uncover before you. Thats the time you realise what ‘Happiness’ is.
Amit Chakraborty

Workshop on DANCE THERAPY and A New Intervention in AUTISM

DANA will organise a day-long workshop on ‘Dance for Wellbeing’ and ‘New Intervention for Autism’ on Sunday the 13th April, 1925. The tentative prigramme is as follows:

11am to 2 pm : Workshop on ‘DANCE FOR WELLBEING’. by Dr Subhamita Maitra, Neuro-Biologist based in Sweden.

2 pm – 3 pm : LUNCH BREAK

3pm : Neurodiversity: Talk by Dr Anirban Roy, Child Psychiatrist.

4.30pm – 6pm : Connexion & Communication in Autism: Talk by Dr Aditi Bandyopadhay.

Registration Fee of Rs 500 from Students.
Kindly Contact DANA 9051252231 for registration.

DANA 25 years Celebrations on 23rd & 24th Nov, 2025

DANA”s 25 years celebration programmes were held at Birla Academy Auditorium on 23rd & 24th November, 2024.
On 23rd programmes include musical presentation “Basundhara”, illustrated talk “Chobir Bhabna”, Discussion “Boyos barlei buro!”
On 24th programmes include debate on “Ajkalkar chelemeyera annoder kotha bhabe na”, illustrated talk “Bhalo achi, thakbo”, Musical drama “Anirban Agni” & ” Ajo Kande Shankhochil” by BAK.
Diagnostic & Applied Neuropsychological Association (DANA)
47/1B, Bosepukur Road, Kasba, Kolkata 700042
Contact – 9051252231

DANA’s 25th Year Celebration on 23rd & 24th November

A series of invited programmes are being organised to commemorate DANA’s 25th year. Next 2 programmes on various issues of Mrntal Health will in the form of discussion, debate, audio-visual presentations and musical shows will be presented at Birla Academy Auditorium on Southern Avenue on 23rd & 24th November, 2024 at 5.30 pm. All are cordially invited to attend and participate. The programme is attached.

MENTAL HEALTH AT THE WORK PLACE – COMMEMORATIVE PROGRAMME ON 6TH OCTOBER

10 October is World Mental Health Day
The overall objective of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health.

The Day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.

In the World Mental Health Week, DANA will organise an Interaction Programme on this year’s theme ‘Mental Health in the Work Place’ on 6th October, 2024 at 11 am. Dr Gautam Bandyopathay, Ms Ratna Mitra and others will speak on the occassion.

Interested persons including DANA’s students and members are invited to attend this programme as a part of our seeking justice for ‘Tilottoma’ this year.

25 Years of DANA – Day Long Programme

As a part of DANA’s 25th year celebration, a Day Long Programme is planned on Sunday, the 14th July at 11 am. Interested persons may intimate DANA 9051252231 about their participation. There is no Registration Fee. DANA’s students and associates will get preference.

BEHAVIOUR THERAPY – NEW DIMENTIONS

11 am : CBT Speaker Dr Sheila Banerjee.
2 pm : DBT Speaker Dr (Prof) Gautam Bandyopadhyay.

ALL ARE WELCOME

DANA – Annual General Meeting

DANA’s Annual General Meeting for the year 2023-2024 was held at DANA Premises on Sunday, the 23rd June,2024. The Secretary presented the Annual Report and The Treasurer presented the Audited Statement of Accounts. There was elaborate discussion on various programmes both inside and outside DANA i the current year for celebrating 25 years of DANA.

DIAGNOSTIC AND APPLIED NEURO-PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION

(D A N A)

ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2023-2024

To be presented in the Annual General Meeting of DANA, which is to be held on June 23, 2024, at 12 p.m.

Diagnostic and Applied Neuro-psychological Association (DANA) is a registered non-profit organization which was established on February 10, 2000 by a group of Professional Mental Health Workers with a noble mission to render services to the community for promoting mental health status of the same.

DANA continues its work as a registered NGO since 2002, though in fact it has completed twenty-four years of its existence. Among the different categories of MEMBER there are 12 GENERAL MEMBERS, and 12 LIFE MEMBERS,32 ASSOCIATE MEMBERS beside 1 HONORARYMEMBER.

The Executive Committee of DANA for 2022-2024 consists of

Dr. Amal Kr. Mallick as President, Dr. Sheila Banerjee as Vice-President,

Dr. Sayandip Ghosh as Secretary, Mrs. Pallabi Mukhopadhyay as Jt. Secretary,

Mr. Pranab Kumar Moitra as Treasurer, Dr. Amit Chakraborty,

Dr.Gautam Kumar Bandopadhyay, Mrs. Sutapa Chakraborty,

Mrs. Bandana Mukherjee, Mrs. Ratna Mitra and Mrs. Rita Roy as Members.

Mrs. Sutapa Chakraborty, as Co-coordinator ensured very smooth functioning of DANA.

The Executive Committee Meetings were held on 25th June 2023, 25th September 2023, 6th November 2023, 21st December 2023 & 16th February 2024 on Hybrid (offline & online) platform.

Different Activities of DANA (April, 2023 to March 2024)

A – Clinical Services

The services offered by DANA can be assessed from the following statistics:

The professionals were associated with:

(1) Registered New Clients (Online and Offline mode): 450 338(till December’23) 450(all the year total)

2. No of Counseling Sessions, including Assessments (Online and Offline): 3002

3. A SPECIAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENCE CENTRE was set up last year,(2022-2023) which continues to Diagnose and Support Children with Special Needs (therapy and behavior management ). Total number of sessions: 39

Two Special Educators were appointed on a part-time basis to support the children.

4. DANA also supports the Non-privileged persons and those with Physical Disabilities for free treatment or, at times, with nominal Consultation Fees.

B- Orientation Programmes/ Workshop

The following Orientation Programmes were held by DANA between April 2023 to March 2024.

1. A series of workshops titled ‘Child & Adolescent – Challenges & Outcomes’ were held by DANA between 30th April 2023 to 11th June 2023, on Hybrid (Online and Offline) platform. Total number of sessions: 10.

2. On 10th September 2023 DANA organized a programme against suicide on “Suicide Prevention Day” at Bangla Academy. The Key Speakers were Dr. Amit Chakraborty Mr Pracheta Gupta, Mr Sanjit Sengupta, Dr Nilanjana Paul, Dr Gautam Bandopadhyay and Dr Suddhendu Charaborty. The Moderator was Mrs Ratna Mitra. Dr. Sheila Banerjee introduced the topic and it was followed by the inaugural song, sung by Mrs. Subhra Banerjee Paul. The programme was followed by a play directed by Mr Soumitra Basu(ANTARMUKH) entitled “Chole Jete Jete Ekbar.

3. On the occasion of the World Mental Health Day DANA organized a Workshop on a topic “MENTAL HEALTH IS A UNIVERSAL HUMAN RIGHT” on 10th October 2023. Dr Gautam Bandopadhyay was the key speaker in that programme.

4. A training- cum- Workshop entitled ‘DAY TO DAY MENTAL HEALTH’ was held at DANA between 25th November 2023 to 17th December 2023, on Hybrid (online and offline) platform. Total number of sessions : 12

C – Cultural Activities

(a) On 25th October, 2023 DANA organized a “Bijoya Sammilani” which was hosted by Dr. Amit Chakraborty at his residence.

(b) On 24th March 2024, DANA celebrated “Bosonto Utsab” which was hosted by Dr Gautam Bandopadhyay at his residence.

D- Other Activities

a) To commemorate the 25th anniversary of DANA, a Special Promotion Reel was produced by Mrs. Koel Chakraborty, Graphic Designer through commissioning in English and Bengali for a duration of fifteen minutes each .

b) In order to celebrate the 25th year of DANA Indoor Seminars on various topics and two Invited Audiences’ Programmers’ at Birla Academy auditorium have been chalked out.

E – Computerization

E-billing and E- management of data related to all registered clients of DANA have been continuing over the last eleven financial years and is being effectively carried on.

F- Acknowledgement

A deep sense of gratitude is expressed to N P S M& Associates Chartered Accountants auditing the Accounts of DANA like previous years at a nominal fee.

Last, but not the least, it is the whole hearted co-operation from all Members and Office colleagues viz Ms. Puja Dutta, Mr. Subhas Moitra, and Mr. Animesh Patra, that has helped DANA to successfully render its service.

Dr. Amal Kumar Mallick President
Dr. Sayandip Ghosh Secretary.