Aim and Vision
- To provide umbrella care for children with special needs
Key note of Dr.Savida
"Sixteen percent of the global population is suffering from some sort of disability. Persons living with disabilities have to face many barriers during their lifetime – discrimination, and challenges related to education, employment, economy, social interactions, and both physical and mental healthcare. 'The strong ones should support the weak ones' – it is their right to benefit from inclusiveness in society, to live with dignity, respect, love, care, and equity in healthcare. In India, one out of 63 people suffers from Autism Spectrum Disorders. In addition to this, many children suffer from speech problems, poor scholastic performance, locomotor disabilities, visual and hearing challenges, and intellectual disabilities. All these children need to be addressed to get adequate care. It is high time to start child development centers to provide appropzriate care for all children with special needs throughout the country."
Dr.Savida P
HOD, Pediatrics
Infrastructure
- Occupational Therapy Square
- Integrated Multisensory Stimulatory Therapy Equipments
- Areas for Speech Therapy and Special Education
Facilities
- Screening and Diagnosis and management of childhood developmental and behavioural maladjustments.
- Autism management therapies
- Cerebral palsy management
- Cognitive behavioural therapy
- Play therapy and group therapy
- Integrated Multi sensory stimulation therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Speech therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Special education
- Adolescent counseling
- De-addiction treatment
- Parent’s counseling
- Family Counseling
- Career counseling
Events
1) Inaugural function of CDC and World Autism awareness Day Observed
Report on the Inaugural Day Functions of the Child Development Centre and Autism Awareness Day Observance
Date: April 2, 2025 Location: Mount Zion Child Development Centre, Pediatric Department, Mount Zion Medical College
- Introduction
- Event Objectives
- Inauguration and Dignitaries
- Vision for Autism Care
- Key Participants and Addresses
- Conclusion
This report provides a comprehensive overview of the inaugural functions of the Child Development Centre and the simultaneous observance of Autism Awareness Day, held on April 2, 2025, at Mount Zion Medical College. The event, hosted by the Pediatric Department's newly established Mount Zion Child Development Centre, aimed to foster greater understanding of autism and officially launch the dedicated facility for child development.
The dual objectives of this significant event were:
• To commemorate International Autism Awareness Day, highlighting the importance of understanding and supporting individuals with autism.
• To formally inaugurate the Mount Zion Child Development Centre, marking a new chapter in specialized pediatric care at the institution.
The proceedings commenced with the official inauguration by Dr. K. J. Abraham Kalamannil, Chairman of Mount Zion Medical College. The function was honorably presided over by Dr. Savida Hari Das, the Head of the Department of Pediatrics, whose leadership was central to the event's success.
A pivotal moment of the event was the articulation of Dr. Savida Hari Das's visionary proposal: the establishment of an Autism Management Therapy Garden within Mount Zion. This innovative concept underscores a progressive approach to long-term autism care and development, receiving enthusiastic endorsement and robust support from the medical college's management. This commitment signifies a significant investment in specialized therapeutic environments.
The event saw the participation of several distinguished figures who contributed valuable insights and well wishes: Dr. HarikumarSuperintendent of Mount Zion Medical College (MZC), extended his sincere felicitations and best wishes for the success of both the new centre and the ongoing initiatives in child development. Dr. Nithinfrom the Pediatrics Department delivered a cordial welcoming address, setting a collaborative tone for the gathering. Dr. Anjana Nair delivered an insightful speech, underscoring the critical importance of the 2025 Autism Awareness Day theme and its implications for community engagement and support. Dr. Anju P.M.a distinguished clinical psychologist, conducted an impactful session, providing a detailed educational class on learning disabilities, which was highly beneficial for all attendees. Adding to the cohesive atmosphere, attendees and participants prominently wore blue dresses and blue ribbons on their chests, symbolizing solidarity and support for Autism Awareness Day.
The inaugural functions of the Child Development Centre and the observance of Autism Awareness Day were a resounding success. The event effectively convened key medical personnel, specialists, and stakeholders, successfully raising awareness about autism and outlining ambitious future plans for comprehensive child development and autism management services at Mount Zion Medical College. This initiative represents a significant stride towards enhancing specialized pediatric care in the region.
2) Suganthi- One day Intellectual Developmental Workshop
Sugandhi, an innovative program from Mount Zion Medical College's Department of Pediatrics-CDC, aims to foster child development using enjoyable, brain-boosting activities. It is dedicated to nurturing child development through a series of fun and mentally stimulating exercises. These activities are intended to improve children's capacity for learning, memory retention, imaginative thinking, and inquisitiveness.
The official launch of the Sugandhi program took place on May 28th, 2025. It was designed to benefit both typically developing children and those with special needs, along with their parents. The opening ceremony, which began at 10:30 AM, featured an inauguration by Dr.Savida, the Head of Department and Professor of Pediatrics, followed by a cake-cutting event.
The subsequent workshop commenced with a screening of a life skills film, which resonated positively with all attendees. Mr. Prasad, a member of State Balavedhi, then engaged the children through storytelling, traditional songs, and games, all aimed at promoting their learning, recall, and attention spans. Dr.Anju P.M., consulting psychologist, delivered a session on crucial life skills. To support psychological well-being and cognitive skill development, the program incorporated various games and collaborative group activities. A total of 20 children, their parents, and a number of MBBS students and staff participated in the workshop, which concluded at 1:30 PM.
