Proposal for opening Autism clinic at JNIMS

As the world celebrates World Autism Day today, a proposal has been made for the opening of an Autism Clinic at Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) at Porompat in Imphal East district.
Head Assistant Prof Dr T Hemchand Singh of Psychiatry Department, JNIMS made the proposal while attending the World Autism Awareness Day 2026 observation held at the seminar hall of the department on Thursday.
Medical Superintendent Prof Dr Kh Lokeshwar Singh of JNIMS, Head Prof Dr N Kameshore Singh of Paediatric Department, Speech & Language Therapist RK Thouba of ENT department JNIMS also attended the observation which was held under the theme “Autism and Humanity- Every Life has value.”
Speaking on the occasion Medical Superintendent Dr Lokeshwar informed the gathering that they will take up the necessary works required for Autism by consulting the concerned authorities while experienced Paediatrician Dr Kameshore Singh expressed the need to spread awareness on autism spectrum disorder.
Speech Therapist RK Thouba also spoke on the occasion wherein an interaction session with parents of children with autism spectrum disorder was also held.
On the present status of autism, Dr Yumnam Sana Devi of Psychiatry department said that early detection of autism followed by early intervention is the key to good outcome. So, the day is observed to raise awareness of autism, promote acceptance, appreciation and inclusion, she said. Afterall a coordinated multidisciplinary approach is required to address the issues of autism.
So parents need to raise their voices, she added. Any child with a red flag sign for autism requires assessment. Red flag signs include no big smile or joyful expressions by six months or thereafter, no babbling by 12 months,no words by 16 months,any loss of speech or social skills at any age.