Workshop on ‘Intellectual & developmental disabilities’ held at CIHSR

A one-day workshop on ‘Intellectual & developmental disabilities,’ organised by Precious Gems School and department of Developmental Pediatrics, Christian Institute of Health Sciences & Research (CIHSR), was held on February 14 at CIHSR, Chümoukedima.

The workshop was attended by 170 participants from various colleges, universities and NGOs, church workers, teachers and medical professionals, CIHSR informed in an update.

Dr. Simpson, HoD of Developmental Pediatrics, CIHSR, who spoke on ‘Types of intellectual and developmental disabilities,’ dwelled on intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder, the myths surrounding the condition and the need for special education for children diagnosed with ID and ASD.

Dr. Imlitemsu Ozukum, senior specialist and in-charge, DDRC Dimapur, highlighted about the RPD Act 2016 regarding free education, free healthcare facilities for many medical conditions, 4% job reservation in NPSC, free travel in NST and disability pension, barrier-free environment and voting rights for PWDs.

Dr. Akumtoshi, consultant pediatrician at Zion Hospital, talked about various medical conditions in children with intellectual and developmental disabilities that need to be addressed by pediatricians.

Diethono Nakhro, state commissioner for disability, spoke on the different types of disabilities included in the RPD Act 2016, along with developmental disabilities and disabilities due to mental illness. She also informed the gathering about the penalties provided by the law for contravention of any of the provisions of the Act.

Orentsani N Kithan, senior psychologist at CIHSR, dwelled on the various psychometric instruments and tools used by the department to accurately assess and diagnose children with IDD. She stressed on the importance of assessments as they not only bring out the problems in children but also show the strengths and abilities of the children which can be used to plan effective intervention for their growth.

Keneitsolou Koza, audiologist and speech language pathologist, CIHSR, talked about the types of speech problems and impairments in children with IDD and how impairments vary according to the types of disabilities.

Ashish Kindo, occupational therapist, CIHSR, spoke about the importance of occupational therapy for children with IDD to improve the child’s functional performance like eating by himself or herself, toilet needs, dressing, writing etc and to enhance the child’s ability to interact within his or her physical and social environment.

Imlibenla Mongro-Domeh, clinical psychologist, CIHSR, shared how parents of children with IDD go through psychological distress, depression, anxiety, stemming from lack of family support, lack of community support in terms of facilities and provisions. She expressed that while it is the child with IDD that needs intervention the most, even parents of the child have to be given care and support as they are the ones who will be taking care of the child most of the time.