Banner Advertise

Sunday, July 31, 2011

[chottala.com] Saima Wazed enters public life for raising Autism Awareness .....



Mr. Mohiuddin Anwar
 
In Autism issue, the public awareness is a very important factor.
Saima Wazed Putul has taken a lead role for which she should
be appreciated.
 
No where in the world there is a Ministry for Autism Control...just tell us
why Bangladesh should be an exception?
 
This issue of Autism and other disablities among the population
has many aspects. Learning disabilities due to autism is primariliy
falls within the realm of education ministry..... whereas the health
ministry and social welfare ministry has to play their roles in the
appropriate cases.
 
Importantly, public attitude towards the disabled persons in general,
and autistc persons in particular are also very important.
 
In any case, Saima Wajed Putul has expressed clearly
""I have no interest in politics; I have no ambition to engage in politics,"
So keep her out of the question for a "ministry" for now.......
 
Her current initiative on autism issue is very positive and let her continue
on that ...Your appreciation on her dedication for the Autistic childrens of
Bangladesh  is praise-worthy.
 
Thanks
 
Syed Aslam
 
PS:
 
 


 
On Sun, Jul 31, 2011 at 1:47 PM, Mohiuddin Anwar <mohiuddin@netzero.net> wrote:
Mr. Aslam,
 
Why you taking my comments personally.
I am just expressing my opinion. Please see white as white and black as black.
In other developed nations,  first ladies/first daughters engage in publc services. Sheikh Hasina appointed Putul's father in law in the Ministry, it was ok, he is running the Ministry effectively , than why if she creates a MInistry to improve the condition od Autistic childrens of Bangladesh and appoints her daughter as Minister, what is wrong ? Afterv all first daughter Putul dedication her service for the Autistic Childrens of Bangladesh, no doubt about it.
 While Hasina and Khaleda won't be in this World, who will represent the party and government ?
Do you think  other senior leaders will lead the party ?
This was my personal observation and requesting Hasina to appoint her daughter . They  can accept it or not, that's their choice.
If Hasina's political opponents give her good constructive advise, what's wrong to accept that for the greater interest of the rerpublic and its peopole ?
I think I explained my position.
If Hasina does any good I will appreciate it,  but if she does wrong I will oppose it, that's my intention..
 
Many thanks,


---------- Original Message ----------
From: Syed_Aslam3 <syed.aslam3@gmail.com>
To: Mohiuddin Anwar <mohiuddin@netzero.net>
Subject: Re: Fw: Saima Wazed enters public life for raising Autism Awareness
Date: Sun, 31 Jul 2011 13:19:25 -0400

Mr. Mohiuddin Anwar
 
Are you using your sarcasm to express your life-long anti-Hasina
grudge and prove your pro-BNP-Jamaat dedication
(by proposing Ministry of Autism Control)..?
 
Perhaps you  have not read the news just showing your intolerance
based of the headline of the news.
 
The news item clearly says
 "NO-NO TO POLITICS
Talking about a possible foray into politics, she said she has no intention.
"I have no interest in politics; I have no ambition to engage in politics,"
said Saima, the granddaughter of Bangladesh's founding father
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
 
She said, "My family is with me…a political family. So, if I can help our
children in disability and families with disability using the political influence,
then I am hundred percent with them (the political family)."
She encouraged everybody to 'come forward' and 'reach' her.
"Those who help me, I will also help them."  ....."
 
Undoubtly, Saima Wajed has brought new awareness about the Autism
and related disability issues in the media that was hitherto had a very
low prirority in Bangladesh. This is very positive initiative that should
be well appreciated .....
 
Autism Speaks Goes to Bangladesh:
 
 
 
Thanks for your patience.
 
Syed Aslam
 

 
On Sun, Jul 31, 2011 at 11:48 AM, Mohiuddin Anwar <mohiuddin@netzero.net> wrote:
Hasina administration should consider creating a new MInistry call Ministry of Autism Control and appoint her daughter and Autism Activist Saima Wazed Putul as a full Minister. Nation needs her service as she is the only internationally known Bangladeshi Autism activist.
 
Autism is a life long disabilty and needs to be taken careearly by the government as well as private sector.
If intervened and diagnosed  and treated earlier much improvement can be done and those Autistic childrens could became almost nearly a regular person. Curently USA has the best treatment for this disease. Experts from USA's service could be taken to introduce latest Autism  management in Bangladesh
Autistics childrens arenot a burden of the soiciety rather could become an asset and active part of the soiciety with proper management.
I wish Mrs Putul will initiate Autism awareness as well as visionery Autism Management program in Bangladesh with active support of the Hasina admnistration.
 
 
 
---------- Forwarded Message ----------
From: Syed_Aslam3 <syed.aslam3@gmail.com>
Subject: Saima Wazed enters public life for raising Autism Awareness
Date: Sun, 31 Jul 2011 08:35:25 -0400

  

 
EXCLUSIVE
'Bangladesh a role model in autism care'
Sun, Jul 31st, 2011 12:57 am BdST
 
 
Nurul Islam Hasib
bdnews24.com senior correspondent
 
Dhaka, July 30 (bdnews24.com) – 'Creative' utilisation of resources can bring smiles to the autistic children in Bangladesh where family bonding, robust healthcare facilities and IT infrastructure-like 'important tools' are in place for helping those gifted kids.

Saima Hossain Putul, the chief architect of the just-concluded mega conference on autism in the capital, feels there is no need of additional investment in autism care. What is needed is to be 'creative in utilising the existing resources'.

"We are not setting up anything new. We want to develop what already exists. I want cooperation, collaboration and partnership."

She also suggests incorporation of autism into the existing government programmes.

BANGLADESH SHOWS THE WAY

The USA-licensed school psychologist and daughter of prime minister Sheikh Hasina Saima, in an exclusive interview with bdnews24.com said the conference was 'the biggest boost for those who work on disability'.

Global research organisation Autism Speaks in collaboration with Bangladesh government organised the high-profile event that heard Indian National Congress president Sonia Gandhi, prime minister Sheikh Hasina, Sri Lankan first lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa and Ilham Hussain, the wife of the Maldivian vice president.

Representatives from the Middle East countries and the United Nations also attended the conference.

"We garnered support from regional political leaders, experts and international institutions to generate greater awareness of autism."

According to Saima, Bangladesh has become a 'role model' for autism awareness after the successful completion of the first-ever international conference in the region.

"It's just the beginning…larger tasks lie ahead," she said.

The conference helped garner global support for the disability, she said. "We have given a direction to autism care. Those who came (to the conference) stand solidly behind us…hundred percent."

CALL TO PARENTS

She advised the parents of 'special kids' to come forward. "They are the best advocates. They can put forward the issue."

"I am with you," she told parents, "please let me know how I can help you. You are my guide and you are my teacher."

"It's (autism) such an issue that everyone is directly or indirectly affected. There is much about it we still do not understand. It's a complex (neuro) disorder."

The soft-spoken psychologist said every child is individually affected. "It's a specialised issue."

"No one can diagnose it considering a single trait," she said, "It has multiple factors."

"You have to see their language skills, mannerism, intellectuals, gross and fine motor skills and social skills to diagnose."

She said even medical professionals sometimes cannot understand the disorder.

"This is because they lack understanding and lack of knowledge. They (doctors) should not only be aware of it, but also understand it."

She said autistic children need support to function in the society. "They need support in the education system. They need medical support for many complications."

She called upon all for 'cooperation, collaboration and partnership'.

"We will work to make autistic children more functional, adaptive and productive members of the society…we want to help children. They are our future."

SOCIAL STIGMA

She termed disabled people in Bangladesh 'victims' of the society. "They are the victims. When you go outside, how many disable people you see? And why you don't see, is that they don't exist?

"We see disable people out of the streets in many countries. They come out, go for shopping, and even use public transport. But here you will not see them in shops or outside. They are social victims."

So the need of the hour is greater awareness. "Everyone must speak about it."

She urged media to highlight the special kids' achievements. Despite all challenges, one cannot even imagine how much they can achieve if they get proper attention, she says.

SOUTH ASIAN NETWORK

Saima said they had already formed a South Asian Autism Network. "It's a high-level political and professional alliance."

But it needs some formalities to come into action.

She said those who participated in the conference came with the full support of their respective governments.

"We have adopted Dhaka Declaration which was also unanimous," she said, "Of course it will be a challenge to implement them all."

"The UK has one of the best and most comprehensive support systems, but still they have challenges."

"We are a populated country. Majority of our people are poverty-stricken. We must target them. They do not have financial resources to seek support from other countries."

Putul said she had talked 'personally' with various ministers, including the health and social welfare ministers. "They are committed to work together."

COMMUNITY CLINICS

She said they have community clinics where there will be a community healthcare provider.

"What we need is to train them. They (community healthcare providers) could work as the first line of screening and also as the first line of professionals to get information."

If they are able to tell parents what to look for soon after giving birth, it will help identify the problem right in the beginning, she said.

"We already have a good IT infrastructure. It's a great help particularly in training.

"We cannot train all physically. We cannot even train all doctors. We must be judicious in this regard, too."

PARENTS' ROLE

Citing researches she said doctors do not do the necessary all the time.

"Parents and caregivers should be trained. If they are informed, they can take care of their kids constantly."

For instances, she said, establishing eye-to-eye contact is vital for autistic children.

"They miss social queue, unless. They face problem later when social issues get complicated. During early age, it's (eye-to-eye contact) not a problem."

A therapist can come once a day, but that will not suffice, she said. "It's the family members who have to take care of them."

"We are fortunate that we have joint families and closely-knit families. So our family structure can help parents manage those kids."

But they need to be taught, Saima says. "They are the best tools for autism. At the same time, they are also strong 'advocates' of the disability."

WEB-BASED TRAINING

Saima had also invited 13 USA-based international experts, who imparted post-conference training in BSMMU in the last three days (July 27 to July 29). Said she could organise more trainings, but that would have been 'sustainable.'

"They were ready to train more. They are with us. But we must build up our skills here to make it sustainable."

She says one can take trainings online as well. Citing researches, she said both web-based training and training with physical present are equally effective.

"We have that IT infrastructure that many countries do not have. The Maldives do not have internet facilities in all of its islands. But we have even in many of our villages."

She said there is no need of additional funding, if the existing programmes are utilised properly and creatively.

"Many of the government's development activities are overlapping, but nothing is related to autistic kids. We need to prioritise it. We have to be creative to get 'more bang for the bucks'."

GAPH INITIATIVE

"We launched Global Autism Public Health (GAPH) initiative. It was an initiative by the Autism Speaks to form global partnerships and learn from one another," Saima, also the Bangladesh envoy of research-based global organisation Autism Speaks, said.

They are launching the initiative in developing countries. "But we (Bangladesh) could make the biggest impact. We had four high-profile politicians of the region during the conference.

"I personally talked with them all. They will support us."

Even the World Health Organisation's director general sent their representative from the regional office, she said. "And they also vowed to support us."

"We cannot change anything over night. We have to work slowly and effectively for 'lasting effective change'."

NATIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Saima Putul, also chairperson of the National Advisory Committee on Autism, says, "It's made up of international experts apart from few Bangladeshi experts.

"It's a small body. But there will be four task forces that will work on advocacy and awareness, education, service delivery and research."

She went to add, "We have also discussed it during the conference. The task forces will be independent, broader and more inclusive."

The task forces would monitor the overall activities of autism care. "They (members of the task force) are also experts. They will work on (the issue) and give feedback."

Asked about the availability of modern appliances for autism detection and care, she said, "We (Bangladesh) have tools and appliances that need to diagnose autism and help those children in developing their communications and behavioural skills.

"We can also bring more tools if necessary. I will do what whatever I can."

NO-NO TO POLITICS

Talking about a possible foray into politics, she said she has no intention.

"I have no interest in politics; I have no ambition to engage in politics," said Saima, the granddaughter of Bangladesh's founding father Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

She said, "My family is with me…a political family. So, if I can help our children in disability and families with disability using the political influence, then I am hundred percent with them (the political family)."

She encouraged everybody to 'come forward' and 'reach' her.

"Those who help me, I will also help them."
 
On Sat, Jul 30, 2011 at 9:24 PM, Isha Khan <bdmailer@gmail.com> wrote:
 
 

Is Saima Wazed entering public life?

The international conference onAutism in Dhaka with high profile
participants like the Indian National CongressPresident and chief of
the UPA government Sonia Gandhi as chief guest with someother special
dignitaries saw in the sidelines the presence of another new facein
the person of Saima Hossain Wazed ( Putul) last week

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinapresented her daughter to the audience as
a social worker and specialist onautistic disorder who, she said, as
an organiser of the conference from behindthe scene has inspired her
to make arrangement.

But political analysts in thecapital wonder something that may have
bearing beyond the conference, ended atthe week-end after three-day
technical sessions with the adaptation of theDhaka declaration to set
up a joint platform to fight for the cause at regionallevel.

But they wonder at the same timewhy Sajeeb Wazed Joy, the Prime Minister's son
and her sister Sheikh Rehana weremost conspicuous by their absence
from the floor.

It may be part of a strategy,they said to allow Saima Wazed a singular
demonstrative outreach from theconference floor not be overshadowed by
any other family member.

It may be a good explanation ofthe absence of Joy. But how can one
explain the absence or lack of visibilityof Sheikh Rehana from the
floor, they said wondering is it also an agreeddecision or part of a
unilateral decision of the Prime Minister to go alone.

The high profile projection ofSaima Wazed at the opening of the
conference, her intensive interactions withSonia Gandhi on the floor
and the constant presence on the conference flooruntil it ended
brought her time and again on the TV camera lance portraying
heractivities as an emerging face to public life.

But analysts wonder how to lookinto the absence of Rehana from the
scene. Is it that she is going into thesideline in the way Ms Manika
Gandhi, widow of Sanjoy Gandhi disappeared fromthe center of politics
of the Gandhi family?

In India Rahul and Priyanka arenow dominating the political thinking
as the future heir of the Gandhidynasty.

The Prime Minister may also bepromoting her daughter to public life,
the Autism conference may have promptedit and there is nothing wrong,
analysts' say. But it looks like an excitingnews to many, they say.

http://www.thenewnationbd.com/newsdetails.aspx?newsid=13207

 



____________________________________________________________
57 Year Old Mom Looks 27!
Mom Reveals $5 Wrinkle Trick That Has Angered Doctors!
ConsumerLifestyles.org

 




__._,_.___


[* Moderator�s Note - CHOTTALA is a non-profit, non-religious, non-political and non-discriminatory organization.

* Disclaimer: Any posting to the CHOTTALA are the opinion of the author. Authors of the messages to the CHOTTALA are responsible for the accuracy of their information and the conformance of their material with applicable copyright and other laws. Many people will read your post, and it will be archived for a very long time. The act of posting to the CHOTTALA indicates the subscriber's agreement to accept the adjudications of the moderator]




Your email settings: Individual Email|Traditional
Change settings via the Web (Yahoo! ID required)
Change settings via email: Switch delivery to Daily Digest | Switch to Fully Featured
Visit Your Group | Yahoo! Groups Terms of Use | Unsubscribe

__,_._,___

[chottala.com] Autism Speaks Goes to Bangladesh



http://blog.autismspeaks.org/2011/07/21/autism-speaks-goes-to-bangladesh/

Autism Speaks Goes to Bangladesh

Posted by Andy Shih, Ph.D., vice president of scientific affairs for Autism Speaks

Saima Hossain almost always has a smile on her face. It's there when she juggles the demands of her four adorable children. It was there when she confessed to being nervous before her speech at the United Nations. She even smiled when she asked me, half seriously, "What have you gotten me into?"

It seems the only time Saima doesn't smile is when she is talking about autism. A licensed school psychologist, Saima knows that the daily struggle of those touched by autism is no laughing matter. When she talks about autism, she is thoughtful and knowledgeable, and her passion to make a difference is palpable. "I see this as my life's work," she told me.

 Saima Hossain addresses UN diplomats and guests on World Autism Awareness Day 2011

I first met Saima, the daughter of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, two years ago at a World Autism Awareness Day event that Autism Speaks hosted here in New York. I was impressed with her poise and passion even then. But I didn't get a chance to speak with her at length until last September when Autism Speaks hosted its annual "World Focus on Autism" event to raise awareness among world leaders converging for the UN General Assembly.

We talked about the challenges that individuals and families affected by autism face in Bangladesh, a poor country of over 162 million people in Southeast Asia. Saima conveyed her deep desire to make a difference in the lives of Bangladeshi children as well as all children who struggle with autism. At the end of our long conversation, we agreed to explore bringing our Global Autism Public Health (GAPH) initiative to Southeast Asia.

I can tell you that our collaboration with Saima has already reaped great rewards for Autism Speaks and the families we serve. For example, with Saima's help, Autism Speaks and Bangladesh's Permanent Mission recently co-hosted a UN celebration of World Autism Awareness Day. The many world diplomats attending included UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon. He and other influential guests expressed their solidarity with our cause and listened to a panel of experts and advocates (including Saima) who eloquently explained how international collaboration will speed the answers we need to help all who struggle with autism—including families here in North America.

Next week, I will travel to Dhaka, Bangladesh, with Dana Marnane, Autism Speaks' vice president of awareness and events, and Michael Rosanoff, associate director of public health research. There we will participate in the launch of GAPH-Bangladesh and co-host a conference — "Autism Spectrum Disorders and Developmental Disabilities in Bangladesh and South Asia" — together with the Bangladesh government, the Centre for Neurodevelopment & Autism in Children (Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University), the World Health Organization (WHO), and WHO's South East Asian Regional Office (SEARO).

Our goal is to boost regional awareness and advocacy for individuals and families touched by autism. We will be joined in this effort by Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wazed and her ministers as well as regional dignitaries including Indian National Congress President Sonia Gandhi, the First Lady of Sri Lanka Madam Shiranthi Rajapaksa, and the Second Lady of the Maldives Madam Ilham Hussain — all of whom have expressed their desire to learn more about autism and explore how they can collaborate with each other and Autism Speaks.

Michael and I have been in daily contact with Saima in the past two weeks, and her team in Dhaka has been amazing. We're awed to see this tremendous endeavor take shape, gain momentum, and become one of the region's most anticipated events. We know this is the beginning of much hard work, even as it is giving us and the autism community of Bangladesh and South Asia a sense of pride and hope for tomorrow.

For news coverage of the 'Autism Spectrum Disorders and Developmental Disabilities in Bangladesh and South Asia' Conference, visit here.

Are you interested in learning more about how Autism Speaks' global initiatives will reap benefits for families here in North America?

 

World Autism Awareness Day 2011 - Message by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

News Coverage of Bangladesh Autism Conference

Autism Speaks participated in the launch of GAPH-Bangladesh and co-hosted a conference — "Autism Spectrum Disorders and Developmental Disabilities in Bangladesh and South Asia" — together with the Bangladesh government, the Centre for Neurodevelopment & Autism in Children (Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University), the World Health Organization (WHO), and WHO's South East Asian Regional Office (SEARO). Andy Shih, Ph.D., vice president of scientific affairs for Autism Speaks, provides more background in 'Autism Speaks Goes to Bangladesh.'

Here is the official press release, International Conference Launches Revolutionary South Asia Autism Network.

Several news outlets provided coverage of the "Autism Spectrum Disorders and Developmental Disabilities in Bangladesh and South Asia" Conference. Here are some major headlines:

Sonia Gandhi for South Asian partnership on autism (The Hindu)
Congress Party president Sonia Gandhi on Monday praised Bangladesh's "path breaking innovations" in micro-finance, education, women's empowerment and public health as she underlined the need for a partnership in South Asia to provide affordable services to millions of autistic children. Read more.

Meeting on autism begins in Dhaka (BBC)
A two-day international conference on autism has begun in the Bangladeshi capital, Dhaka. Experts and policy makers from around the globe will focus on promoting awareness on autism in Bangladesh and other South Asian countries. Read more.

Recognise gifted kids as persons: Sonia (bdnews24.com)
The first-ever international conference on autism in the region has kicked off amid tight security and with high hopes of generating 'greater awareness' on the plight of the 'gifted' children. Read more.

Sri Lanka's First Lady speaks at the autism conference in Bangladesh  (ColomboPage)
Sri Lanka's First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa addressed the two-day international conference on autism that began today at Ruposhi Bangla Hotel in Dhaka to seek ways to enhance autism related services in Bangladesh as well as in the South Asian region. Read more.

Meet'll promote autism cause, says Saima (bdnews24.com)
As Dhaka is ready to host the region's first-ever international conference on autism on July 25 and 26, the child psychologist who envisaged the high-profile meet regards it as a 'way forward for autism awareness'.  Read more.

Better care for autistic children (The Financial Express)
Autism is a disease specially noted in children that afflicts sufferers with varying degrees of mental impairment. Cases of autism are not uniformly the same. Some autistic children are seen to have reasonable intelligence to produce even average results in examination. But others are seen to be performing too poorly in academics from their mental handicaps. One similarity seen among autistic children in their varying degrees of mental capacities is the inability to communicate or form relationship with others. Read more.

  1. Rajesham Kokkula
    July 26, 2011 at 1:28 am | #5

    This is wonderful event in Asia and very much required to promote autism awareness and help Autistic persons and families in the region.

    Great about this event is that the top leaders of nations involvement like Smt Sonia Gandhi from India, Madam Shiranthi Rajapaksa from Sri Lanka, Madam Ilham Hussain from Maldives.

    Thanks to Saima Hossain and Autism Speaks..

  2. Sayeed Nasim
    July 26, 2011 at 2:06 am | #6

    This is a very good effort by Autism Speaks. Please don't keep your activities limited only to a seminar or a three days workshop. I am father of two autistic children Ananta and Duranta. On behalf of parents and teachers of autistic children I really appreciate the extension hands for mutual co operation by Autism Speaks for less previledged countries like Bangladesh. Strongly believe we, the parents and the teachers for the autistic children, will be benifited from such effort. Thanks to Saima Hossain. Looking forward to see more programs taken to help the development of autistic children.

  3. shajjad hossain
    July 29, 2011 at 9:57 pm | #7

    we are delighted to see the grant success of the conference on autism held in Dhaka, Bangladesh under the leadership of saima hossain . She has done a great job coming bravely to address the needs of current time in Bangladesh. We are the victim of that nature. No one will understand this problem until they will see it in their family. Look forward to seeing further work on this particular issue. Good luck.



__._,_.___


[* Moderator�s Note - CHOTTALA is a non-profit, non-religious, non-political and non-discriminatory organization.

* Disclaimer: Any posting to the CHOTTALA are the opinion of the author. Authors of the messages to the CHOTTALA are responsible for the accuracy of their information and the conformance of their material with applicable copyright and other laws. Many people will read your post, and it will be archived for a very long time. The act of posting to the CHOTTALA indicates the subscriber's agreement to accept the adjudications of the moderator]




Your email settings: Individual Email|Traditional
Change settings via the Web (Yahoo! ID required)
Change settings via email: Switch delivery to Daily Digest | Switch to Fully Featured
Visit Your Group | Yahoo! Groups Terms of Use | Unsubscribe

__,_._,___

[chottala.com] Sonia: 8 million children with autism in India.



 

Sonia, Hasina emphasise awareness
Mon, Jul 25th, 2011 5:40 pm BdST
Dial 2000 from your GP mobile for latest news  
Dhaka, July 25 (bdnews24.com) -- The first-ever international conference on autism began in the capital on Monday with regional policymakers endorsing the 'priority actions' to meet the healthcare needs of the children with developmental disorders. 

Autistic children's captivating musical show gave the perfect start to the function where politicians, health actors and advocates, civil society representatives and other stakeholders from South East Asia got together.
 

India's Congress Party chief Sonia Sonia opened the mega gathering and portrayed the challenges of autistic children, venturing some immediate priorities to ensure those children's the dignity and respect.
 

Sonia, also the chief patron of India-based Action for Autism, hoped the conference would be a 'landmark journey together', in which 'the South Asian Autism Network will play a vibrant role.'
 

She suggested the developing countries to focus on the interventions that have been found 'effective and relevant' to the regional context.
 

"But we must examine what impact autism is making on our family structures and culture."
 

Giving the similarity of social problems and cultural backgrounds, she said, collaborative research projects would greatly help the policymakers and caregivers alike of this region.
 

She said the disabled do not need only food, education and shelter, but "to be recognised as persons."
 

Sonia appreciated Bangladesh's role in addressing the health and social issues.
 

Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina said her government would do whatever possible "within the shortest possible time" to make a significant progress in creating "necessary social and legal infrastructure" for autistic children.
 

The prime minister said as a leader of a developing country, she has always been 'mindful of the needs of the underprivileged', especially of those who faced the challenges of autistic disorders. And poverty puts their families' fortune at stake.
 

"It's more challenging for a family living in poverty when they have …(such) a child," she said.
 

Hasina said in many countries like Bangladesh, people tend to ignore mental illness, and thereby, 'miss the significant benefits the countries could gain otherwise from early detection and timely interventions.'
 

She said the conference would begin the process of 'cooperation and collaboration' with one another, so that as a region South Asia can develop scientifically sound practices for social application.
 

As the number of autistic children is rising across the globe with one child per 110 being born with the disorder that robs of their communication and behavioural skills, the leaders said South East Asia is not spare of it.
 

Sonia said the prevalence is 'widespread' in India with 8 million people with autistic disorders. "But public awareness remains limited."
 

Bangladesh government estimates 0.15million autistic people in the country.
 

Sri Lanka's first lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa said, "It's not new in this region, but lack of awareness has led to social stigma."
 

DHAKA DECLARATION
 

Shiranthi read out the Dhaka Declaration, which was adopted to promote 'stronger and coordinated' actions in the region to improve the access and quality of healthcare services for individuals with autism.
 

In the declaration, South East Asian countries endorsed to increase the awareness of the rights of autistic children, strengthen healthcare capacity, increase the capacity of professionals and mobilise and allocate human and financial resources for the healthcare of those children.
 

The declaration recognises that low- and middle-income countries need 'prioritisation and support' for adaptation of methodologies of care according to local context.
 

It also called upon the governments to strengthen their mental health services and prepare them to attend to the needs of people with developmental disorders.
 

It appeals the donors to pay attention to the needs of millions of people suffer developmental disability and autism.
 

"We are inspired by the universal declaration of human rights," the first lady said, reiterating constitutional provisions of respective countries to 'safeguard against all sorts of discrimination.'
 

MISINFORMATION
 

The Bangladesh prime minister says the society must have a clear vision to remove social stigma and misinformation about the autistic children, fondly called "gifted" kids.
 

She said in many developing countries, the rights of autistic and disabled people are rarely recognised.
 

She said a lack of expertise and treatment centres limit support to those children in these countries.
 

ENORMOUS CHALLENGE
 

Sonia Gandhi, also the chairperson of National Advisory Council of India, said autism represents an enormous challenge to our region. "There is much about it that we still do not understand."
 

Science itself in seven decades of research has not yet found clear answers or explanations for its causes, she said.
 

The Italian-origin Indian politician ventured a few thoughts of immediate priorities.
 

The empowerment of parents, vocational trainings of autistics children and creating research institutions could be other major issues to deal with, she said.
 

"Parents have been the driving force for change. Each family with an autistic child has become a resource for others, creating a ripple effect.
 

"The stronger this movement grows, the greater will be the pressure on governments to provide more services."
 

Till then, she said, parents must be helped with the knowledge they need to cope in constructive ways.
 

She said the problems of autistic adolescents and adults remain relatively 'neglected.' "One cannot but feel for their (autistic child's) parents, and share their pain and worry as they see their young grow to adulthood."
 

"We must help through vocational training to provide them livelihood support, and prepare them for when their parents are no longer there to support them."
 

She called it "unfortunate" that in South Asian societies the disabled usually do not command the empathy they deserve.
 

Global research and advocacy forum Autism Speaks, in collaboration with the Bangladesh government, BSMMU and World Health Organisation (WHO), is hosting the high-profile meet, titled 'Autism Spectrum Disorders and Developmental Disabilities in Bangladesh and South Asia'.
 

Prime minister Sheikh Hasina's daughter Saima Hossain Putul, also a USA-licensed child psychologist, mooted the conference for the greater awareness of the developmental disorders.
 

bdnews24.com/nih/sam/1740h
 
 
www.currenthealthscenario.blogspot.com 


__._,_.___


[* Moderator�s Note - CHOTTALA is a non-profit, non-religious, non-political and non-discriminatory organization.

* Disclaimer: Any posting to the CHOTTALA are the opinion of the author. Authors of the messages to the CHOTTALA are responsible for the accuracy of their information and the conformance of their material with applicable copyright and other laws. Many people will read your post, and it will be archived for a very long time. The act of posting to the CHOTTALA indicates the subscriber's agreement to accept the adjudications of the moderator]




Your email settings: Individual Email|Traditional
Change settings via the Web (Yahoo! ID required)
Change settings via email: Switch delivery to Daily Digest | Switch to Fully Featured
Visit Your Group | Yahoo! Groups Terms of Use | Unsubscribe

__,_._,___

[chottala.com] Saima Wazed enters public life for raising Autism Awareness



 

 
EXCLUSIVE
'Bangladesh a role model in autism care'
Sun, Jul 31st, 2011 12:57 am BdST
 
 
Nurul Islam Hasib
bdnews24.com senior correspondent
 
Dhaka, July 30 (bdnews24.com) – 'Creative' utilisation of resources can bring smiles to the autistic children in Bangladesh where family bonding, robust healthcare facilities and IT infrastructure-like 'important tools' are in place for helping those gifted kids.

Saima Hossain Putul, the chief architect of the just-concluded mega conference on autism in the capital, feels there is no need of additional investment in autism care. What is needed is to be 'creative in utilising the existing resources'.

"We are not setting up anything new. We want to develop what already exists. I want cooperation, collaboration and partnership."

She also suggests incorporation of autism into the existing government programmes.

BANGLADESH SHOWS THE WAY

The USA-licensed school psychologist and daughter of prime minister Sheikh Hasina Saima, in an exclusive interview with bdnews24.com said the conference was 'the biggest boost for those who work on disability'.

Global research organisation Autism Speaks in collaboration with Bangladesh government organised the high-profile event that heard Indian National Congress president Sonia Gandhi, prime minister Sheikh Hasina, Sri Lankan first lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa and Ilham Hussain, the wife of the Maldivian vice president.

Representatives from the Middle East countries and the United Nations also attended the conference.

"We garnered support from regional political leaders, experts and international institutions to generate greater awareness of autism."

According to Saima, Bangladesh has become a 'role model' for autism awareness after the successful completion of the first-ever international conference in the region.

"It's just the beginning…larger tasks lie ahead," she said.

The conference helped garner global support for the disability, she said. "We have given a direction to autism care. Those who came (to the conference) stand solidly behind us…hundred percent."

CALL TO PARENTS

She advised the parents of 'special kids' to come forward. "They are the best advocates. They can put forward the issue."

"I am with you," she told parents, "please let me know how I can help you. You are my guide and you are my teacher."

"It's (autism) such an issue that everyone is directly or indirectly affected. There is much about it we still do not understand. It's a complex (neuro) disorder."

The soft-spoken psychologist said every child is individually affected. "It's a specialised issue."

"No one can diagnose it considering a single trait," she said, "It has multiple factors."

"You have to see their language skills, mannerism, intellectuals, gross and fine motor skills and social skills to diagnose."

She said even medical professionals sometimes cannot understand the disorder.

"This is because they lack understanding and lack of knowledge. They (doctors) should not only be aware of it, but also understand it."

She said autistic children need support to function in the society. "They need support in the education system. They need medical support for many complications."

She called upon all for 'cooperation, collaboration and partnership'.

"We will work to make autistic children more functional, adaptive and productive members of the society…we want to help children. They are our future."

SOCIAL STIGMA

She termed disabled people in Bangladesh 'victims' of the society. "They are the victims. When you go outside, how many disable people you see? And why you don't see, is that they don't exist?

"We see disable people out of the streets in many countries. They come out, go for shopping, and even use public transport. But here you will not see them in shops or outside. They are social victims."

So the need of the hour is greater awareness. "Everyone must speak about it."

She urged media to highlight the special kids' achievements. Despite all challenges, one cannot even imagine how much they can achieve if they get proper attention, she says.

SOUTH ASIAN NETWORK

Saima said they had already formed a South Asian Autism Network. "It's a high-level political and professional alliance."

But it needs some formalities to come into action.

She said those who participated in the conference came with the full support of their respective governments.

"We have adopted Dhaka Declaration which was also unanimous," she said, "Of course it will be a challenge to implement them all."

"The UK has one of the best and most comprehensive support systems, but still they have challenges."

"We are a populated country. Majority of our people are poverty-stricken. We must target them. They do not have financial resources to seek support from other countries."

Putul said she had talked 'personally' with various ministers, including the health and social welfare ministers. "They are committed to work together."

COMMUNITY CLINICS

She said they have community clinics where there will be a community healthcare provider.

"What we need is to train them. They (community healthcare providers) could work as the first line of screening and also as the first line of professionals to get information."

If they are able to tell parents what to look for soon after giving birth, it will help identify the problem right in the beginning, she said.

"We already have a good IT infrastructure. It's a great help particularly in training.

"We cannot train all physically. We cannot even train all doctors. We must be judicious in this regard, too."

PARENTS' ROLE

Citing researches she said doctors do not do the necessary all the time.

"Parents and caregivers should be trained. If they are informed, they can take care of their kids constantly."

For instances, she said, establishing eye-to-eye contact is vital for autistic children.

"They miss social queue, unless. They face problem later when social issues get complicated. During early age, it's (eye-to-eye contact) not a problem."

A therapist can come once a day, but that will not suffice, she said. "It's the family members who have to take care of them."

"We are fortunate that we have joint families and closely-knit families. So our family structure can help parents manage those kids."

But they need to be taught, Saima says. "They are the best tools for autism. At the same time, they are also strong 'advocates' of the disability."

WEB-BASED TRAINING

Saima had also invited 13 USA-based international experts, who imparted post-conference training in BSMMU in the last three days (July 27 to July 29). Said she could organise more trainings, but that would have been 'sustainable.'

"They were ready to train more. They are with us. But we must build up our skills here to make it sustainable."

She says one can take trainings online as well. Citing researches, she said both web-based training and training with physical present are equally effective.

"We have that IT infrastructure that many countries do not have. The Maldives do not have internet facilities in all of its islands. But we have even in many of our villages."

She said there is no need of additional funding, if the existing programmes are utilised properly and creatively.

"Many of the government's development activities are overlapping, but nothing is related to autistic kids. We need to prioritise it. We have to be creative to get 'more bang for the bucks'."

GAPH INITIATIVE

"We launched Global Autism Public Health (GAPH) initiative. It was an initiative by the Autism Speaks to form global partnerships and learn from one another," Saima, also the Bangladesh envoy of research-based global organisation Autism Speaks, said.

They are launching the initiative in developing countries. "But we (Bangladesh) could make the biggest impact. We had four high-profile politicians of the region during the conference.

"I personally talked with them all. They will support us."

Even the World Health Organisation's director general sent their representative from the regional office, she said. "And they also vowed to support us."

"We cannot change anything over night. We have to work slowly and effectively for 'lasting effective change'."

NATIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Saima Putul, also chairperson of the National Advisory Committee on Autism, says, "It's made up of international experts apart from few Bangladeshi experts.

"It's a small body. But there will be four task forces that will work on advocacy and awareness, education, service delivery and research."

She went to add, "We have also discussed it during the conference. The task forces will be independent, broader and more inclusive."

The task forces would monitor the overall activities of autism care. "They (members of the task force) are also experts. They will work on (the issue) and give feedback."

Asked about the availability of modern appliances for autism detection and care, she said, "We (Bangladesh) have tools and appliances that need to diagnose autism and help those children in developing their communications and behavioural skills.

"We can also bring more tools if necessary. I will do what whatever I can."

NO-NO TO POLITICS

Talking about a possible foray into politics, she said she has no intention.

"I have no interest in politics; I have no ambition to engage in politics," said Saima, the granddaughter of Bangladesh's founding father Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

She said, "My family is with me…a political family. So, if I can help our children in disability and families with disability using the political influence, then I am hundred percent with them (the political family)."

She encouraged everybody to 'come forward' and 'reach' her.

"Those who help me, I will also help them."
 
On Sat, Jul 30, 2011 at 9:24 PM, Isha Khan <bdmailer@gmail.com> wrote:
 

Is Saima Wazed entering public life?

The international conference onAutism in Dhaka with high profile
participants like the Indian National CongressPresident and chief of
the UPA government Sonia Gandhi as chief guest with someother special
dignitaries saw in the sidelines the presence of another new facein
the person of Saima Hossain Wazed ( Putul) last week

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinapresented her daughter to the audience as
a social worker and specialist onautistic disorder who, she said, as
an organiser of the conference from behindthe scene has inspired her
to make arrangement.

But political analysts in thecapital wonder something that may have
bearing beyond the conference, ended atthe week-end after three-day
technical sessions with the adaptation of theDhaka declaration to set
up a joint platform to fight for the cause at regionallevel.

But they wonder at the same timewhy Sajeeb Wazed Joy, the Prime Minister's son
and her sister Sheikh Rehana weremost conspicuous by their absence
from the floor.

It may be part of a strategy,they said to allow Saima Wazed a singular
demonstrative outreach from theconference floor not be overshadowed by
any other family member.

It may be a good explanation ofthe absence of Joy. But how can one
explain the absence or lack of visibilityof Sheikh Rehana from the
floor, they said wondering is it also an agreeddecision or part of a
unilateral decision of the Prime Minister to go alone.

The high profile projection ofSaima Wazed at the opening of the
conference, her intensive interactions withSonia Gandhi on the floor
and the constant presence on the conference flooruntil it ended
brought her time and again on the TV camera lance portraying
heractivities as an emerging face to public life.

But analysts wonder how to lookinto the absence of Rehana from the
scene. Is it that she is going into thesideline in the way Ms Manika
Gandhi, widow of Sanjoy Gandhi disappeared fromthe center of politics
of the Gandhi family?

In India Rahul and Priyanka arenow dominating the political thinking
as the future heir of the Gandhidynasty.

The Prime Minister may also bepromoting her daughter to public life,
the Autism conference may have promptedit and there is nothing wrong,
analysts' say. But it looks like an excitingnews to many, they say.

http://www.thenewnationbd.com/newsdetails.aspx?newsid=13207




__._,_.___


[* Moderator�s Note - CHOTTALA is a non-profit, non-religious, non-political and non-discriminatory organization.

* Disclaimer: Any posting to the CHOTTALA are the opinion of the author. Authors of the messages to the CHOTTALA are responsible for the accuracy of their information and the conformance of their material with applicable copyright and other laws. Many people will read your post, and it will be archived for a very long time. The act of posting to the CHOTTALA indicates the subscriber's agreement to accept the adjudications of the moderator]




Your email settings: Individual Email|Traditional
Change settings via the Web (Yahoo! ID required)
Change settings via email: Switch delivery to Daily Digest | Switch to Fully Featured
Visit Your Group | Yahoo! Groups Terms of Use | Unsubscribe

__,_._,___

[chottala.com] Court can not quash Parliament's ACT, 1972 constitution was illigal



Dear Sirs,
 
As per English law a court can not quash Parliament's ACT but how it has happen in Bangladesh ? The court of Bangladesh Awami league quashed the 5th Amendment of the constitution. English is our Bangladesh & Indian law at present.
 
The original constitution was made in 1972 by the late president Sheikh Muzibur Rahaman with 4 principal fundamentals was not by the elected parliament of Bangladesh, therefore it is illigal.


__._,_.___


[* Moderator's Note - CHOTTALA is a non-profit, non-religious, non-political and non-discriminatory organization.

* Disclaimer: Any posting to the CHOTTALA are the opinion of the author. Authors of the messages to the CHOTTALA are responsible for the accuracy of their information and the conformance of their material with applicable copyright and other laws. Many people will read your post, and it will be archived for a very long time. The act of posting to the CHOTTALA indicates the subscriber's agreement to accept the adjudications of the moderator]




Your email settings: Individual Email|Traditional
Change settings via the Web (Yahoo! ID required)
Change settings via email: Switch delivery to Daily Digest | Switch to Fully Featured
Visit Your Group | Yahoo! Groups Terms of Use | Unsubscribe

__,_._,___

[chottala.com] Ramadan Planning ......... For All Muslims

Ramadan Planning ......... For All Muslims

http://funtainmentworld.blogspot.com/2011/07/ramadan-planning-for-all-muslims.html

------------------------------------

[* Moderator's Note - CHOTTALA is a non-profit, non-religious, non-political and non-discriminatory organization.

* Disclaimer: Any posting to the CHOTTALA are the opinion of the author. Authors of the messages to the CHOTTALA are responsible for the accuracy of their information and the conformance of their material with applicable copyright and other laws. Many people will read your post, and it will be archived for a very long time. The act of posting to the CHOTTALA indicates the subscriber's agreement to accept the adjudications of the moderator]
Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/chottala/

<*> Your email settings:
Individual Email | Traditional

<*> To change settings online go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/chottala/join
(Yahoo! ID required)

<*> To change settings via email:
chottala-digest@yahoogroups.com
chottala-fullfeatured@yahoogroups.com

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
chottala-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/