PANAJI
More than 150 mental health professionals, researchers, rehabilitation practitioners and students from across India gathered at the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU), Goa Campus, for a three-day national workshop aimed at strengthening clinical skills to address relationship distress among couples and families affected by autism.
The National Continuing Rehabilitation Education (CRE) Workshop on ‘Enhancing Clinical Competencies in Understanding and Managing Relationship Distress in Autism-Affected Couples and Families’ began on October 16 at the NFSU campus in Curti, Ponda, and concluded on October 18.
The programme was recognised for Continuing Rehabilitation Education by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI), New Delhi.
Jointly organised by the Department of Psychology, Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla, the NFSU Goa Campus and the Indian Association of Health, Research and Welfare (IAHRW), the workshop aimed to equip participants with practical skills and evidence-based approaches to understanding and managing the psychological and relationship challenges faced by individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families.
Dr Sunil Saini, president of IAHRW; Prof. (Dr) Lokesh Chouhan, Dean of Academics at NFSU Goa Campus; Dr Mrinmayee Kale, Assistant Professor at NFSU Goa Campus; and Sunderlal Sharma, Deputy Registrar at NFSU Goa Campus, inaugurated the workshop.
The organisers noted that ASD can affect not only individuals but also marital relationships, parenting experiences and wider family dynamics, often creating emotional and communication challenges for caregivers and family members.
Over the three days, nine resource persons conducted expert-led sessions covering various aspects of autism, relationship distress and family support
interventions.
The workshop also provided a platform for professional interaction, knowledge exchange and capacity-building.
It was coordinated by Dr Sunil Saini, Dr Mrinmayee Kale and Ms Gauri of Himachal Pradesh University.
