Chinnappa Mathanda, a parent of a child with special needs and one of the people behind aSpecialWorld talks to PatientsEngage on the amazing experience of youth on the autism spectrum riding the waves in Chennai. Don't miss the videos below
1. Tell us how and why you thought of getting kids with autism to go surfing
I came across some really exciting videos of children with special needs, not just autistic children, learning surfing in the US. This sowed the idea in our minds.
2. How did you go…
"Hippocratic: 18 Experiments in Gently Shaking the World" is a documentary movie that chronicles the journey of Dr M. R. Rajagopal, founder chairman of Pallium India and his initiation into the field of Palliative Care. A film synopsis and review by Dr. Shital Raval. Released in 2017, the movie is based on 18 experiments or quotes by Mahatma Gandhi who happens to be his inspiration and guide. Founder chairman of Pallium India, Padma Shri award winner and lovingly called the “father of…
Children who are out of town patients often miss school for months on end. This affects the child socially and psychologically and often makes reintegration back to school difficult. Dr. Shital Raval visits Canshala which helps bridge that gap by providing continuity of education and normalcy to a child’s life. Set in a Municipal Marathi school in Parel, Canshala is a school for children with cancer, run in collaboration with the Mumbai MCGM. In contrast to the drab exterior, Canshala is a…
Yuna Angell, who has schizophrenia, advocates it is important to be empathic and sensitive to people living with mental illness and advises how best to communicate with them. Although I have schizophrenia and depression, it still does make me feel awkward when people tell me they have mental illness. I’m at a loss as to what to respond afterwards sometimes. For me, I’ll just say, “Me too. I have schizophrenia and depression. How are you coping with your medication or counselling sessions?” I…
Minu Budhia and daughter Preeyam Budhia, co-founders of Café ICanFlyy in Kolkata, a café which employs individuals with disabilities and empowers them to chart out their course in life, talk about the vision behind setting up this one-of-a-kind café in the country. Tell us about Cafe ICanFlyy. How did it take shape? Cosy, quirky, and certainly a labour of love, Cafe ICanFlyy is a 50-seater cafe run by individuals with special needs. Whether you’re making a quick stop for a cuppa, a short…
Understanding neglect, disrespect and other forms of Elder Abuse with Sonali Sharma, Communications Director, Helpage India and how to protect yourself against abuse. Spotlight on the programmes organised for Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15. ‘While the taboo topic of elder abuse has started to gain visibility across the world, it remains one of the least investigated types of violence in national surveys, and one of the least addressed in national action plans’ : How much would you agree…
Raviraj Shetty, a lead Therapist, Supervisor and Project Manager at Ummeed Child Development Center talks about his work using Narrative Psychology. He has published a paper in the Indian Journal of Occupational Therapy in the context of handwriting training using Narrative Therapy. 1. What is Narrative psychology? Narrative therapy is a respectful and a non-blaming approach of counselling used for children, individuals, families, couples and communities. Narrative therapy is based…
Menstual pain or period pain is often considered normal, even when it is severe. This Menstrual Hygiene Day, PatientsEngage highlights the misdiagnosis of endometriosis and what women can do to detect the condition in its early phases. Women all over the world, have experienced menstrual pain at some point of their monthly cycles. Menstrual pain, usually begins a couple of days before the period date, and sometimes continues for two days after it. Women generally experience cramps in their…
Dr Mangala of SCARF (Schizophrenia Research Foundation) of Chennai shares wonderful case studies where friends and relatives have supported the person with schizophrenia empathetic and responsible caregiving. Plus 20 practical tips for caregivers. The warmth and comfort we receive from a caring family member in times of distress, especially illness, often leaves us reflecting “What would I have done without him/her?" The presence of a loving relative by our side is far more reassuring…
