Autism awareness campaign conducted at Yenepoya University

Media Release

Mangaluru, Apr 29: The Department of Occupational Therapy at Yenepoya (Deemed to be University) successfully conducted a comprehensive Autism Awareness Campaign across multiple community settings, including Fiza Mall, Ullal Beach, and Navajeevan Special School, with the objective of promoting awareness, inclusion, and early identification of autism. The initiative was organized in alignment with the global theme, “Autism and Humanity – Every Life Has Value.”

The program was led by Dr Dhayanithi K (OT) and Dr Ananya Jana (OT) as organising chairpersons, under the guidance and support of the head of the department, Dr Prerna Lal (OT). The organizing team included Dr Anas (OT), Dr Amanda S Phillip (OT), and Dr Ansu V David (OT) as organising members. The campaign was actively executed with the enthusiastic participation of third year and final year Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT) students.

Day 1: Community Awareness Campaign (28/04/2026)

The campaign commenced with large-scale public awareness activities at Fiza Mall, Mangalore, and Ullal Beach, where interactive and engaging events such as flash mobs, street plays, face painting, mehendi, and direct public interaction were conducted. These activities effectively highlighted the early signs of autism, addressed myths and misconceptions, and emphasized the importance of early intervention, acceptance, and inclusion.

Students actively engaged with the public by conducting awareness interactions, asking questions related to autism myths and facts, and distributing pamphlets in multiple languages to educate parents and the general public. The campaign also promoted autism advocacy and community understanding, encouraging inclusive attitudes.

An innovative component of the campaign was the use of QR-based digital resources, enabling the public to easily access reliable and simplified information about autism. The campaign reached approximately 300–500 members of the public, creating meaningful engagement and awareness.

Day 2: Navajeevana Special School, Perla, Kerala Outreach (29/04/2026)

As part of the second phase of the campaign, the team visited Navajeevan Special School, where the program began with an inauguration ceremony in the presence of Fr. Jose Chempottical and Sr. Shency Jose, followed by the presentation of a memento on behalf of the Yenepoya Occupational Therapy Department.

The event continued with a cultural dance performance, followed by a street play focusing on autism awareness, reinforcing key messages about understanding and supporting children with autism.

An awareness and caregiver training session was conducted for parents, teachers, and special school professionals, making the program both informative and practically relevant:

Dr Dhayanithi K (OT) delivered a session on “Understanding Children with Autism from a Sensory Perspective and Practical Management Strategies for Caregivers and Teachers.”
Dr Ananya Jana (OT) spoke on “Inclusive Education and Advocacy for Children with Special Needs.”
Dr Amanda S. Phillip (OT) addressed “Caregiver Burnout and Strategies for Emotional Well-being.”
Dr Anas (OT) highlighted “The Importance of Structured Routine in Managing Children with Autism.”
Dr Ansu V. David (OT) presented on “Autism: Myths vs Facts,” clarifying common misconceptions.

The sessions were highly interactive and insightful, equipping caregivers, teachers, and interdisciplinary professionals including physiotherapists, speech therapists, behavior therapists, psychologists, and special educators with practical knowledge to support children with autism and promote neurodiversity.

A screening camp was also conducted by final-year BOT students under faculty supervision, where structured assessments, intervention guidance, and home programs were provided to children and their families, emphasizing early identification and management.

The program further included fun and engaging activities such as coloring and worksheet-based tasks for children, along with face painting and mehendi, creating a joyful and inclusive environment for children, caregivers, and professionals.

To enhance accessibility of information, pamphlets in Kannada, English, and Malayalam were distributed, along with QR codes linking to digital resources, ensuring continued awareness beyond the event.

The organizing team expressed their sincere gratitude to Yenepoya (Deemed to be University) for its continuous support and encouragement in organizing such community-oriented initiatives. They also extended their thanks to the management of Fiza Mall, the Ullal Beach Police Department, and Navajeevan Special School for their cooperation in facilitating the smooth conduct of the program.

This initiative reflects the department’s commitment to community engagement and highlights the importance of building a society that understands, accepts, and supports neurodiversity, reinforcing that early awareness and timely intervention can make a significant and lasting difference in the lives of individuals with autism.