Focus on early intervention at UNICEF workshop on inclusive child development

Inclusive early childhood development comprises systems that should reach every child, including those with special needs for whom early interventions can make a significant difference, Vivek Virendra Singh, Lead – Health, Communication Specialist, UNICEF India, has said. He was speaking at a media workshop on ‘Inclusive early childhood development’ organised by UNICEF in association with Press Information Bureau here on Tuesday.

Dr. Singh pointed out that 3% to 10% of the nearly 4 lakh children born in the State could have special needs. He also spoke about district early intervention centres for multi-sectoral interventions for children with special needs.

Deepa Bhaskaran, director, Child Development Centre, Thiruvananthapuram, in a session on ‘Parenting children with spectrum disabilities’ spoke about intervening when the first signs of autism are identified rather than wait for more to appear. Avoiding eye gaze, not responding to being called by name by six to nine months, or not babbling by 12 months were all things that mothers should look out for, she said. She spoke about how to parent children on the spectrum, teaching them emotions, regulating emotions not only of the children but also of parents, coping toolkit, and everyday strategies.

Amar Fettle, State Nodal Officer for Adolescent Health, National Health Mission, spoke on building an inclusive health system, from the primary and family health centre upwards to the CDC, and how these along with systems such as Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) helped in assessment of children and providing appropriate interventions.

Muralikrishna Chinnadurai, trainer, Google News Initiative India Network and AI expert, conducted a session on ‘Using AI for effective storytelling.’ Syam Sudheer Pandi, communications specialist, UNICEF also spoke.