Passion and Inspiration Are the Two Words That Defines This Founder of Autism School
When
we hear the word ‘autism’, most of us either frown or show sympathy. But there
are very rare who actually take initiative to help these kids out. And one such
example is Mr. Dattaram Fonde, Founder of Santosh Institute for Autistics. We
had the pleasure of interviewing this influencing personality and understand
what exactly is Autism. We normally think that autistic kids are not
coordinated or slow, but the reality is totally the opposite. Mr. Fonde
explained autistic children as hyperactive kids with extra sensitive senses.
That is why they cannot stay in a single place or focus on one thing. Their
extra sensitive senses are also what makes them flinch at high voices. So,
how does this school help the kids? The founder of the school explained that
they help children by channelizing their energy into activities. There are
ideally 4 different skill development stages. The first step is to develop
sports or physical activity like cycling, swimming, running, skating, yoga,
exercises, cricket, etc. that helps in developing skills as well as channeling the
hyperactive energy levels. The next stage is to help them learn activities in
daily life (ADL) like brushing their teeth, taking shower, eating food, etc.
The next is the home-bound program that involves activities like using a
washing machine, drying clothes, folding them, help in the kitchen, etc. And
finally, this school helps kids with the development of social skills. In
short, the school helps autistic kids to be self-reliant. When
asked Dattaram ji what is his future plans about the school, he stated his
future vision includes an extended version of the residential school. Right
now, they operate a 24 hours residential care center with around 35-40
students. He plans to build one where at least 100 students can stay and build
an old-age home for the parents of these kids wherein they can live their life
with satisfaction and happiness.
Mr.
Fonde says that there’s a chance of 80-90% of development in an autistic kid.
And that’s their secret behind opening 9 different branches all over Mumbai
city including Mira Road, Dombivali, Bandra, Vile Parle, Kandivali, Thane, and
Belapur. With that being said, Mr. Dattaram Fonde made sure to mention that
irrespective of how much they try, without help from parents or involvement it
is an impossible task. The parents first of all need to accept the fact that
their kid is autistic and then try to stay genuinely happy around the kid as
they understand our feelings. And finally, if they can, then help the kids in
skill development rather than forcing them to develop academic skills. Written by Connect People Work [CPWWORLD]