Session on Autism Awareness and Career Opportunities

On April 4, 2024, the Career Counselling Cell of Loreto College, Kolkata organised an interactive session on careers in the Disability Sector, with special emphasis on Autism. Divya Somani and Medha Dey of the India Autism Centre addressed the students of Semester VI and the B.Ed. Department of the College. Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that impacts communication and behaviour and can vary in severity. In such conditions, care, acceptance and support are crucial. The speakers explained the features of autism impairments, which include repetitive behaviour and facing challenges in social communication.

Somani then went on to address internship opportunities at the India Autism Centre, whose journey started with the Amrit Somani Memorial Centre. She stated that the collective vision of the India Autism Centre was to create a world-class ecosystem providing holistic care and opportunities for self-reliance to the neurodivergent community. Internships would be characterised by competitive salaries, dynamic and challenging work environments, and an upward career trajectory.

Somani also spoke about the acute shortage of therapists in India, where 2.8 lakh therapists are needed despite only 40,000 having been trained in the last two decades. India Autism Centre strives to fill this gap through its Training Academy, which offers several levels of training, ranging from Foundation Level to Level Four, free of cost to interested individuals. After completion of the course, students are equipped to seek employment not only at India Autism Centre but also at other daycare centres. The session concluded with an engaging quiz, with students enthusiastically answering questions on various aspects of autism.