Embracing Neurodiversity: Sree Abirami College of Occupational Therapy Celebrates World Autism Awareness Day 2025**
Theme: “Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”
Date: April 27, 2025
On April 27, 2025, Sree Abirami College of Occupational Therapy came together with purpose, passion, and pride to celebrate World Autism Awareness Day 2025. In alignment with this year’s powerful global theme, “Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” the event emphasized acceptance, accessibility, and advocacy for individuals with autism, while celebrating the richness of neurodiverse perspectives.
A Gathering of Dignitaries & Changemakers
The event was made truly special with the presence of a distinguished panel of guests, each a champion of health, service, and community:
- Chief Guest: Padmashri Dr. G. Bakthavathsalam, Chairman, KG Group of Institutions and Hospitals
- Presided by: Dr. K. Karthikeyan, IPS, Superintendent of Police (Rural), Coimbatore
- Chairperson: Dr. P. Periyaswamy, Chairman, Sree Abirami Institutions and Hospitals
- Guest of Honour: Dr. Sujata Missal, Director, KMCH College of Occupational Therapy
- Special Address: Dr. Sangeetha, Senior Speech Language Pathologist & Counselling Psychologist
Their encouraging words and presence added prestige and significance to the event, reinforcing our collective commitment to building a more inclusive world for individuals with autism.
A Walk for Awareness: Unity in Action
The day began with a symbolic Flag Wave and Walkathon at Race Course Road, Coimbatore, bringing together over 300 enthusiastic participants — including students, faculty, healthcare professionals, and the general public. The walk served as a bold visual statement of solidarity with the autism community, advocating for awareness, acceptance, and action.
Participants held banners and wore blue — the official color of autism awareness — symbolizing calmness, understanding, and compassion. The energy was uplifting, and the shared goal was clear: to shift the narrative from “awareness” to “acceptance.”
Street Play: Breaking Barriers Through Performance
One of the most impactful parts of the event was the street play performed by students of Sree Abirami College of Occupational Therapy. The dramatization beautifully depicted the challenges faced by individuals with autism — including social isolation, lack of understanding, and stigma — and emphasized the power of empathy, inclusion, and support.
The performance struck an emotional chord with the audience, making a compelling case for a society that values differences as strengths, rather than deficits.
Neurodiversity and the SDGs: A Shared Mission
This year’s theme tied autism awareness to a larger global mission — the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It focused on how advancing neurodiversity contributes directly to goals such as:
- Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Goal 4: Quality Education
- Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
- Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals
At Sree Abirami College of Occupational Therapy, we embrace this vision by promoting inclusive education, accessible therapeutic services, and awareness initiatives that advocate for policy-level and community-wide change.
Occupational Therapy: Empowering Every Ability
Occupational therapy plays a transformative role in the lives of individuals with autism. Our approach focuses on enhancing functional independence, improving social and communication skills, and helping individuals build the tools they need for daily living.
Our therapists and students are trained to tailor interventions to each individual’s unique needs, supporting everything from sensory integration and motor development to emotional regulation and academic readiness.
Through therapy, education, and engagement, we work toward creating a world where individuals on the spectrum are not just supported, but celebrated.
A Day to Remember, A Mission That Continues
World Autism Awareness Day 2025 was not just a one-day event — it was a reminder of our ongoing responsibility to educate, advocate, and include. At Sree Abirami College of Occupational Therapy, we remain dedicated to empowering individuals with autism and creating environments where everyone, regardless of neurological profile, can thrive.
