Minister for Tourism & IT, Rohan Khaunte interacts with an autistic youth. Captured by : The Goan
PORVORIM
New Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte stated that autistic children with special needs require special attention and not sympathy from the society.
"Autistic children need better care and their families should not be stigmatised by the society,” said Khaunte. He was speaking at a programme organised by Porvorim Rising and Rotary Club of Porvorim in association with Sethu and Ties at Arts Parks Porvorim to observe World Autism Awareness Day.
Khaunte said that the theme for ‘World Autism Awareness Day 2022’ is “Inclusive Quality Education for all”.
"Access to education that was made easy for years, especially for autistic persons was disrupted after 2020 with the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. Autism is development disorder. There is not much awareness about Autism which is why parents go to several places and take innumerable consultations which end up in nothing," the minister said.
"Hence there is a need for creating awareness about Autism. Further inclusive education along with normal kids is a must to boost the morale of the autistic children. The parents should not lose their heart and the State should do everything possible to ensure better future for autistic children," Khaunte said.
The Minister for Tourism & IT complemented the Rotary Club of Porvorim, Sethu and Ties for organising the awareness programme. Khaunte also visited stalls which had displayed art works by the children with special needs and interacted with the autistic children.
