Proceedings of the World Disability & Rehabilitation Conference

UNVEILING AND GENERATING AWARENESS ABOUT AUTISM IN PUNE DISTRICT IN INDIA

Mrs. Seema Gunendra Patil, Dr. Vijaya Deshmukh — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0530

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) It is a developmental disorder that impairs the ability to communicate and interact. Children and adults on the spectrum find difficulty in communication, play, understanding emotions, unfamiliar situations and change in routine. The prevalence of autism has been increasing over the past few years. 1 in 68 children in India are autistic. As per World Health Organization, Care for autistics needs to be accompanied by actions at community and societal levels for greater accessibility, inclusivity and support. Scientifically backed sustained early interventions can have a positive impact on the quality of life of the individual and their families. A general public awareness in an urban setup in Pune was assessed and information about autism was shared in direct interviews and awareness sessions. The survey included testing the general awareness, signs and symptoms, knowledge about care and inclusion, reducing stigma and debunking common myths about autism and understanding if their school or office environment was inclusive for autism. Coefficient of Autism Awareness was calculated, it revealed that the awareness does not have any statistical correlation with age, education, income, profession. Awareness should be targeted at all levels of society, regardless of demographic factors. This inclusive approach is essential to ensure that information about autism reaches individuals across diverse backgrounds and demographics. Inclusive Education is deemed to be best foot forward for sustainability. However, the diverse individual needs of the population have to be understood in depth. Autism being one of key diversities impacting education of many, needs more awareness from policy makers to implementers.

RISING A STAR WITH JAIPONG DANCE IN CEREBRAL PALSY: A CASE REPORT

Ellyana Sungkar, Mellavenia — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0530

Cerebral palsy is a disorder that results in abnormal posture and movement, caused by non-progressive damage to the developing brain. Movement disorders that can be seen include spasticity, flaccidity, impaired coordination and balance. Permanent abnormalities in cerebral palsy are not progressive, but can undergo changes with age and the growth process. Therefore, the role of a physiatrist is to bring these changes towards benefits. As a physiatrist, providing therapy for cerebral palsy to transcend their limitations to be able to perform activity and participation well in life is essential. One of the recommended therapies for person with cerebral palsy is full-body movement exercises, such as dance therapy. Dance therapy can be an option with many benefits to help person with cerebral palsy cope with their disability, as well as a source of recreation and social activity. Dance skills can increase self-confidence while improving the function of limbs. One of Indonesia's traditional cultural dances is the Jaipong dance, which originated in West Java, Indonesia. Jaipong dance performances require good coordination between dance movements and music to produce the beauty and elegance of traditional cultural dance. The application of dance therapy in the form of Jaipong dance for cerebral palsy aims to improve motor function, balance, walking patterns, and cardiovascular capacity, with the ultimate goal of helping person's participation in society. In conclusion, the application of Jaipong dance intervention as dance therapy for cerebral palsy can provide many benefits as well as rising a new star as an effort to preserve traditional Indonesian culture, regardless of one's disability status.