On 29th November 2024, the ICON (Institute for Child of Neurosciences) successfully hosted a specialized workshop titled SUDAMA – SuspectDiagnose and Manage Autism, under the banner of the 48th Rajasthan State Conference of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP).
This workshop brought together leading pediatricians, neurologists, and child development specialists from across the state to share insights, practical tools, and recent advancements in the early diagnosis and management of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). With a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration, the event emphasized the importance of early intervention, structured therapies, and inclusive care approaches for children with autism.
The workshop served as a significant step toward enhancing pediatric neurodevelopmental services in Rajasthan, reaffirming ICON’s commitment to spreading awareness and empowering clinicians with hands-on learning experiences.
Dr. Varnit shanker
Setting the Stage: Welcome & Deep Prajwalan
The workshop commenced with a formal welcome and deep prajwalan ceremony.
Dr. Varnit Shanker, Chief of ICON Foundation, addressed the gathering, emphasizing the foundation’s commitment to early diagnosis and care for children with autism.
The ceremony set a thoughtful tone for the sessions ahead.
Dr. Praveen Suman (Head and Director, Child Development and CDC, SGRH, New Delhi)
Introduction to the Spectrum
Dr. Praveen opened the academic sessions with an insightful talk on the evolving understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). He focused on the complexities of non-verbal communication in the digital age, emphasizing how screen exposure and communication barriers affect early recognition. The session also introduced the DAM-V criteria for structured diagnosis of autism, offering clinicians a valuable framework.
Dr. Manmeet Kaur Sodhi (HOD, Department of Pediatrics, GMC Amritsar)
Clinical Suspicion for ASD
Dr. Manmeet offered practical guidance on building early clinical suspicion for autism. The session distinguished autism from its mimics, and addressed overlapping presentations such as language impairments and ADHD. Through key clinical pearls, he shared efficient strategies for faster and more accurate diagnosis of ASD.
Dr. Lokesh Saini (Head, Child Neurology, AIIMS Jodhpur)
Dr. Jayashankar Kaushik (Head, Child Neurology, AIIMS Guwahati)
Biology and Ecosystem Around ASD
This session explored the biological and environmental influences surrounding ASD. Topics included genetic predisposition, screen exposure, and the often overlooked unseen factors affecting neurodevelopment. The segment concluded with an interactive Q&A session where all faculty members addressed real-world clinical queries from participants.
Dr. Shruti Mishra (Head, CDC Ankura Hospitals, Hyderabad)
Interventions and Multidisciplinary Care
Dr. Shruti delivered a well-structured session on intervention strategies for children with ASD. She highlighted the importance of recognizing diverse parenting styles and utilizing early opportunities to intervene. The session also covered practical aspects of sensory management, creation of home-based plans, and emphasized the role of a multidisciplinary team in delivering comprehensive care.
Observe and Learn – Clinical Demonstration
Facilitators: All Faculty Members
In a unique hands-on segment, participants were divided into two groups to observe real-time behavioral presentations of children diagnosed with ASD. Under expert guidance, this session allowed participants to apply clinical insights from earlier discussions and gain a deeper understanding of autism through direct observation and group analysis.
Facilitators: All Faculty
Discussing Observations – Expert Reflections
Following the clinical observation exercise, senior faculty members shared their insights on behavioral markers, diagnosis cues, and interaction patterns observed in ASD children. The discussion bridged theory and practice, reinforcing the value of structured observation in early autism diagnosis.
Speaker: Dr. Priyanshu Mathur (head, rare Disease Department, JK Loan Hospital, SMS Medical College, Jaipur)
Controversies Around Autism
Dr. Priyanshu Mathur addressed prevalent controversies and myths surrounding autism care. The session touched upon the debated roles of dietary changes, medications, gene therapy, and various investigations. He also discussed alternative treatments and gave a clear perspective on current research trends in autism.
What You Learned But Didn’t Realise
Speaker: Dr. S. Sitaraman (Founding trustee, ICNO Foudnation and Ex HOD Department of Pediatrics, SMS Medical Collge, Jaipur)
Dr. Sitaraman concluded with a reflective talk, encouraging participants to revisit subtle lessons learned throughout the workshop. The session focused on unnoticed insights, prompting a deeper awareness of clinical patterns and patient behavior.
Dr. Varnit Shanker
Let’s Summarize & Feedback
The workshop concluded with a thoughtful summary and vote of thanks by Dr. Varnit Shanker, Chief of ICON Foundation. He acknowledged the contributions of all faculty, participants, and organizers. Valuable feedback was shared under the SUDAMA banner, highlighting the impact of this initiative in strengthening autism awareness and pediatric practice in Rajasthan.
ICON Foundation Team Participation
The workshop saw active participation from the dedicated team of ICON Foundation, including:
Dr. Pooja Shanker, Dr.Madan Chaudhary, Dr. Aayushi Gupta, Dr. Kavita Sharma, Dr. Shiwani Nathawat, Kavita Kanwar, Dimple Jangid, Mamta Yogi and Mamta Meena.
From clinical observations to hands-on sessions and collaborative discussions, the team contributed meaningfully across all segments. Their involvement not only enhanced their clinical insight into autism care but also reaffirmed ICON’s commitment to multidisciplinary learning and inclusive child development.
