Shaheed Benazzir Bhutto Women University Celebrates World Autism Day
‘One Day Awareness Seminar on Causes, Symptoms & Early Treatment of Autism’
Dr.Farhat Humayun, Incharge Department of Bio- Informatics, SBBWUP in collaboration with PASTIC (Pakistan Scientific & Technology Information Center) Peshawar organized the World Autism Day by arranging One day awareness seminar titled “Causes, Symptoms & Early Treatment of Autism”. Dr.Mehar Taj Roghani, Peadiatrics & Advisior to CM for Social Welfare graced the event as Chief Guest.
World Autism Awareness Day aimed to increase people’s awareness about Autism, especially children, with autism. Autism is a brain disorder that often makes it hard to communicate with and relate to others. With autism, the different areas of the brain fail to work together. Most people with autism will always have some trouble relating to others. But Autism tends to run in families, so experts think it may be something that you inherit. Scientists are trying to find out exactly which genes may be responsible for passing down autism in families.
To highlight the importance of awareness of autism the experts from Clinical and Psychological fields were invited to deliver and share their information among the students and faculty of SBBWU. Dr. Saqib Siddique TMO /Junior registrar, Psychiatry Department, KTH Peshawar. Dr. Syeda Kaniz Fatima Haider, Psychologist / Principal Home Economics College Peshawar Dr. Muhammad Irfan Assistant Professor Psychiatry, Peshawar Medical College. Peshawar were the speakers of the awareness seminar
The seminar started with the recitation of Holy Quran.
Ms. Nageen, Director PASTIC briefly explained the history and evolution of PASTIC since its inception in 1983. She explained that the objective of PASTIC is the promotion of scientific research among students by providing them relevant abstracts, references and articles by collaborating with worldwide scientific libraries. She thanked Prof. Dr. Razia sultana for joining hands with PASTIC to promote the objective of scientific based research.
Dr.Mehar Taj Roghani, Peadiatrics & Advisor to CM for Social Welfare and chief guest of the seminar enlightened the audience about Autism and stressed on working for disabled people. Moreover, she pinpointed the negligent attitude of society towards disabled and stressed upon changing it by providing a facilitative environment for the disabled. She further enlightened the audience about ongoing welfare projects and efforts being put in by the government of KP.
Dr. Syeda Kaniz Fatima Haider, Psychologist / Principal Home Economics College Peshawar explained Autism to be a genetic neurological disorder and emphasized on providing a better environment to autistic children in order to make them fel as a part of normal society.
Dr. Muhammad Irfan, Assistant Professor Psychiatry Department, Peshawar Medical College, Peshawar gave a presentation on Autism, its causes, characteristics and effective approaches to treatment. He elaborated common symptoms of Autistic children, their deviated and anti-social behavior and activities. The only treatment he proposed is cognitive development taught in natural setting. Early diagnosis and treatment have helped more and more people who have autism to reach their full potential.
Dr. Saqib Siddique, TMO /Junior registrar, Psychiatry Department, KTH Peshawar emphasized on surveillance factors in autistic children and role of primary care for early detection of Autism as early diagnosis and treatment have helped more and more people who have autism to reach their full potential. According to him Autistic children are normal but have special needs.
Ms. Kousar Syed, Research Officer, PASTIC shared guidelines with students regarding thesis write up and research papers/articles and abstracts acquisition through PASTIC. She also demonstrated how to browse through and ask for relevant material.
Prof. DR. Razia sultana, Vice Chancellor, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University, Peshawar appreciated the joint efforts made by department of Bio-informatics, SBBWUP and PASTIC (Pakistan Scientific & Technological Information Center) in spreading thought provoking information about Autism. She gave brief history of SBBWUP and its achievements in short span of time. Dr. Razia, with reference to the importance of female education aimed at strengthening the standard of University, linking university with Industry and facilitating the idea of knowledge based economy. In her opinion, research is only key to any problem.
The seminar ended with distribution of shields among the participant speakers and vote of thanks by Deputy Director PASTIC, Ms. Ghazala Ali.
