“The Problem Child”,the day long symposium for doctors and allied health professionals aimed to focus on children with problems of brain functioning and mental health was inaugurated by the Honourable Governor of Tamil Nadu, Shri. Banwarilal Purohit
The three guest speakers were, two from Johns Hopkins University, USA (Dr. Joyce Harrison & Dr. Jay Salpekar) and one from India, Dr. Pramith Rastogi (having trained in Johns Hopkins), are working at the forefront of pediatric neuropsychiatry, a new discipline that is focused on the brain & mind of the child, from disease to health. The symposium honours two distinguished Indians from this part of the world: Late Shri. Appa Rao a freedom fighter turned rural industrialist represented here by his grandchildren and Late Dr. Krishnamoorthy Srinivas a doyen of community neurology in India.
All of us are aware that children are the future of India and the world, and their health and wellbeing are fundamental to our National and global growth. It has been pointed out, that our human capital as a society includes good physical, mental and cognitive health; especially that of children and youth. Indeed, to this we may add “spiritual health” also as many leading global organisations recommend.
It has been estimated variously that between 15 and 20% of school goers have problems with learning, cognition, behaviour and mental health, which disadvantage their human capital and potentially affect their contribution to society at large. It is imperative that we make significant strides in understanding disorders of brain and mind in childhood, leading to early diagnosis, early interventions and appropriate care.
Through 7 lectures on topics like Autism, ADHD, Epilepsy, Stress & Mental health, the three experts will enlighten the Indian audience on the recent advances in the care of “The Problem Child”. Such care goes beyond medication to include education and therapy efforts. While Dr. Jay Salpekar in his lectures will emphasise the importance of low threshold of suspicion (is there a problem?) to information sharing (early diagnosis) and early intervention (medical and therapeutic) Joyce Harrison will emphasise the need to develop best practice models of care that link medical specialists, multidisciplinary professionals, schools and other organisations that engage in care. Dr. Pramit Rastogi in his lectures will address Autism and ADHD, two early developmental conditions that pose challenges for the children so affected, their families, teachers and communities.
Shri. Banwarilal Purohit will release the TAMIL translation of “Autism the Buddhi Book” a compilation of facts about this important condition that affects the brain and mind, as also case studies and experiential research descriptions of how the integrated care approach, helps the children so affected. Published by Buddhi Clinic, the book outlines the integration of modern science and ancient wisdom, the use of Ayurveda, Naturotherapy, Acupressure and Reflexology in tandem with behavioural, occupational, neuro developmental and speech therapy, which are conventionally Buddhi Clinic combines modern technology in the best scientific traditions of medicine and healing with ancient wisdom, from diverse medical systems. Such integrated care, leverages on scientific advances, yet respects the wonderful traditions and knowledge of our ancients. As described therein, Buddhi Clinic’s “Seva program” takes these treatments through their mobile therapy units, to special schools and institutions for the differently abled, free of cost, the program being supported by Corporate Social Responsibility of major industrial groups.
Please write more along these lines? It’s been very useful to me.