Pune: The Vaidehi Dattaji Gaikwad Training Institute for Autism, a collaboration between the Small Steps Morris Child Development Centre at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital and Sundarji’s Global Academia, held its second convocation ceremony on Sunday (October 6) for 80 students who completed their training in Autism Management.
The courses offered include a one-year Post Graduate Diploma in Autism Management and a seven-month Certified Foundation Course in Autism, accredited by Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU).
The ceremony, held at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital, featured distinguished guests including Chief Guest Aarti Deo, Director of the Learning and Development Academy in Mumbai, and Guest of Honour Ajinkya Deo, renowned actor.
Other key attendees included Abhay Kudale, Head of the Department of Health Sciences at SPPU, and the institute’s course directors, Dr. Suneel Godbole and Masrat Tawawala. Dr. Rajan Joshi, Head of Pediatrics at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital, and real estate developer Dattaji Gaikwad were also present.
Chief Guest Aarti Deo said, "It is crucial to create an environment that offers choices and motivation for these children." She also urged parents not to feel guilty or ashamed and advised them to maintain their own mental and physical health while caring for their children.
Abhay Kudale shared that the Autism Management courses are now reaching rural areas of Maharashtra. He suggested that Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital apply for a university-affiliated PhD program to facilitate further research and training in the field.
Course Director Dr. Suneel Godbole explained that autism is a growing global concern that affects behavior and social interactions. Although there is no cure, treatments and therapies can help reduce the severity of symptoms.
The institute’s courses, which began in 2023, aim to train professionals to manage and support children with autism. Open to graduates, parents, educators, and caregivers, the course features hands-on training from over 30 expert faculty members.
Upon completion, certified professionals are equipped to work as resource room managers in inclusive schools, shadow teachers for autistic children, or early intervention specialists.