Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, April 24, 2025, Cooch Behar : In an effort to raise awareness and provide support for children facing neurodevelopmental challenges, Blossoms Special School in Cooch Behar, North Bengal, recently organized a workshop aimed at educating parents and the broader community about the importance of early intervention. The event saw the participation of over 100 children and their families from across North Bengal.
The focus of the workshop was on two crucial themes: “Sensory Diet and Environment: Role in Developing Children’s Daily Living Skills and Occupational Abilities,” and “Words Without Context: Teaching the Unspoken Rules of Communication in Autism.” These discussions aimed to address the hidden difficulties children with autism and other speech-related challenges encounter in daily life and communication.
The workshop featured prominent speakers including Dr. Md. Sahidul Arefin, a renowned speech and hearing expert, and Mr. Subhendu Moulick, an experienced occupational therapist. Both experts shared insights into how appropriate therapy can significantly improve communication skills and help children with autism develop independence.
One of the key messages of the event was the importance of early therapy and parental awareness. According to Dr. Arefin, early intervention can make a profound difference in overcoming speech and language difficulties. “Appropriate therapy can significantly improve speech difficulties,” he emphasized during his address.
Mr. Moulick added that it is crucial for both the government and the private sector to take responsibility in ensuring that children with special needs receive the support they deserve, regardless of where they live. “Every child deserves equal opportunities—whether in a city or a village,” he said, stressing the need for widespread access to therapy and specialized support services.
Suparna Majumdar, a mother from Alipurduar, shared her appreciation for the workshop’s impact. “Workshops like these are usually only held in big cities. We’ve traveled to Kolkata many times for treatment. Now it feels like something meaningful is possible even in our district. That thought inspired this initiative,” she remarked.
The workshop concluded with a hopeful message from the founder of Blossoms Special School, Mr. Abhijit Biswas. He expressed his hope that every district in West Bengal will eventually have dedicated experts like Dr. Arefin and Mr. Moulick, ensuring that children with special needs receive the therapy and support they require.
This initiative marks a significant step towards addressing the challenges faced by children with neurodevelopmental disorders in North Bengal, and it highlights the vital role of community awareness and support in enhancing the lives of these children.