NRS Medical College launches dance movement therapy for autistic children and parents

A new chapter has begun in the care of autistic children at Nilratan Sirkar Medical College Hospital (NRS) in Kolkata. For the first time, the government hospital has launched 'Dance Movement Therapy' sessions not only for autistic children but also for their parents. The aim is to make families self-sufficient in providing therapeutic care at home, especially for economically challenged households.

Kanika Naskar traveled from distant Bankarahat to NRS Hospital with her autistic daughter, Adrita. She learned new ways to keep her child engaged and happy through dance and singing. Dance Movement Therapy is recognized as an effective intervention in autism care, where social and emotional growth often lag behind.

Private sector therapy sessions often come with a high price tag, making them inaccessible to many. Recognizing this gap, NRS Hospital has taken the initiative to provide therapy classes free of cost. In Thursday’s session, parents were trained by Dr. Aditi Banerjee to perform simple but effective dance-based therapy routines at home, targeting the core deficits seen in autistic children.

Experts note that autism affects social development, making children struggle with interactions and play. According to Dr. Mihir Sarkar, Professor of Pediatrics at Calcutta Medical College, one in every 68 children in India is currently diagnosed with autism. The numbers are similar across West Bengal, making affordable therapies a crucial need.

The initiative is being spearheaded by Dr. Yashodhara Chowdhury, Assistant Professor of Pediatric Neurology at NRS. She emphasized that many families from remote districts like Murshidabad and Malda have monthly incomes as low as 4000 rupees, making paid therapies unattainable. Through this program, parents are being empowered to deliver Dance Movement Therapy and Music Therapy at home.

Doctors stressed that while there is no definitive cure for autism, early intervention and continuous therapy greatly enhance a child's development. NRS Hospital plans to organize these therapy training sessions every month to reach more families in need. Strengthening early intervention centers is also a part of the broader government strategy to support marginalized families with autistic children.