With children suffering from disorders always being ignored, workshops are the need of the hour. Spreading awareness on the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), the Education Department of the Government of Karnataka and Sattvam Initiates, a non-profit group, came up with unique initiative of organising an awareness workshop for the teachers.
In a wonderful initiative to make the teachers aware of the disorders associated with the children, the education department of Government of Karnataka and Sattvam Initiates, a non-profit group arranged for a workshop at MES Kishore Kendra on January 28, Saturday. It is the first part of a pilot project initiated to create awareness among teachers with regard to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Explaining on the symptoms of ADHD, the awareness sessions included sharing about the signs and symptoms about lack of attention, excess of hyperactivity or impulsiveness among children in class rooms. Nearly 120 teachers participated in the awareness workshop organised by DDPI, Bangalore North, and Sattvam Initiates.
"One out of every ten children has symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Statistics show that there is approximately four per cent increase in the number of such children every year. In India, the awareness regarding this is really low, as this is treated as one of the mental diseases. But the actual fact is that it is not a disease, but a disorder that can be managed better with an integrated approach," said Dr Deepak Shah, director of Sattvam Initiates.
Different specialists and health professionals also voiced out their concern regarding the increasing incidence of ADHD and the repercussions resulting in behavioural problems, during the workshop. "Teachers play a key role in early intervention and identifying the symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity among students in the class. Making them aware of the scenario and on how to handle such cases would help both the children and the teachers," said Dr Sreekantiah, Director of AYUSH inaugurated the session along with Kannada Cine artist, Roopasree.
The workshop focussed on the 4-M formula for teachers (Mapping, Mentoring, eM-powering and Monitoring) and teachers from different schools were empowered to identify and monitor ADHD children in classrooms.

--CITYPLUS NEWSDESK