World Autism Day: JAIN University partners with Prayatna for inclusive education

Kochi: In observance of World Autism Day, JAIN (Deemed-to-be University) collaborated with Prayatna Centre for Child Development to host a specialised session titled “Beyond Labels: Embracing Neurodiversity in Autism”. The programme aimed to enhance understanding of autism inclusion and equip educators with strategies to support neurodivergent learners.

Experts from Prayatna provided targeted training for both faculty members and students of JAIN University, focusing on inclusive teaching practices and practical tools for fostering a supportive academic environment.

“This initiative was designed to equip educators with the practical tools needed to create a more inclusive and supportive academic atmosphere,” said Dr Tom Joseph, Director of New Initiatives at JAIN University, Kochi.

Looking ahead, Prayatna plans to extend specialised guidance and training for students at JAIN University requiring additional support. “Our goal is to empower learners with tailored strategies to thrive academically and socially,” said Dr Joseph Sunny Kunnacherry, Founder of Prayatna Centre for Child Development.

The session saw participation from leading experts, including Dr Joseph Sunny Kunnacherry, Dr Neha Menon, Ms Ashitha Paul, and Ms Divya Krishna from Prayatna, along with JAIN University representatives Ms Bindhu Menon, Dr Jeena Madhavan, Dr Rachel Jyothy Alex, and faculty members from the Department of Psychology.

The collaborative initiative underscores a growing focus on neurodiversity awareness in Kerala’s educational institutions, highlighting the importance of inclusive learning environments and specialised support for autistic students.