PESHAWAR, Sep 10 (APP):Experts at a special awareness workshop at the Mardan Medical Complex (MMC) termed greater awareness, early recognition, timely intervention, teamwork and community support to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children with autism and their families. The workshop, titled "Special Awareness Session on Autism Spectrum Disorder," was organized by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Qasim Khan, Head of the Department of Paediatrics at MMC Mardan in collaboration …
Experts stress awareness, early recognition, timely intervention to make difference in lives of autistic patients
PESHAWAR, Sep 10 (APP):Experts at a special awareness workshop at the Mardan Medical Complex (MMC) termed greater awareness, early recognition, timely intervention, teamwork and community support to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children with autism and their families.
The workshop, titled “Special Awareness Session on Autism Spectrum Disorder,” was organized by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Qasim Khan, Head of the Department of Paediatrics at MMC Mardan in collaboration with Behavioral Aided Support Education and Services (BASES) Mardan.
Medical Director Prof. Dr. Muhammad Said was the chief guest at the event. The session was attended by a distinguished gathering of faculty members, medical officers, post-graduate trainees and clinical leadership, including Prof. Dr. Naveed Ali, Associate Prof. Dr. Muhammad Muslim, Associate Prof. Dr. Shah Zeb, AP Hemasa Gul, AP Dr. Shafiq Alam, AP Dr. Ajab Khan, Dr. Abbas, and IT Manager Mohsin Ali. Dr Zakir was the moderator for the session.
Dr. Jawahir Alvi, CEO of R.I.F.E Trust USA and CEO of BASES and a renowned autism and psychology specialist from the United States, served as the keynote speaker.
Sharing her personal journey in the field, Dr. Alvi recounted how her interactions with children with disabilities while working at a Montessori in the United States inspired her lifelong dedication to the welfare, treatment and betterment of individuals with autism.
Addressing clinical realities, Dr. Alvi noted that autism is a lifelong condition that currently lacks a medical cure, yet affected individuals can thrive and live healthy lives through structured daily routines, sensory support systems and balanced nutrition combined with regular exercise.
Providing an in-depth clinical overview, she discussed the Autism and its increasing prevalence, different presentations and features of autism, diagnosis and early recognition, challenges faced by children and their families and therapeutic and pharmacological management options and the vital importance of awareness and early intervention.
She shared that her organization, BASES, currently provides specialized care to 500 autistic patients and individuals with behavioral disorders in Pakistan, alongside 60 patients in the United States, with active plans to expand these vital services to other regions of the country.
Prof Dr Muhammad Said informed participants that the institution wanted to start dedicated services for autism and said that the management will appreciate any assistance from Dr Alvi in this regard.
He highlighted the importance of multidisciplinary teamwork to achieve better and more meaningful outcomes.
He stressed that through collective efforts and public-private collaboration, therapeutic interventions can become more accessible and feasible for the general public, ultimately improving the quality of life and wellbeing of children with special needs.
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Qasim Khan stressed that understanding, early recognition and timely intervention are the foundational pillars for managing autism effectively. He noted that the interactive session was focused on equipping healthcare professionals with the knowledge required for early identification, appropriate patient referrals and evidence-based interventions to support autistic patients and their families.
The session concluded with words of gratitude and the distribution of shields of appreciation by Medical Director Prof. Dr. Muhammad Saeed to the BASES organization in recognition of their valuable contribution and support.
