NAGPUR : Chaitanya Ballal suffers from autism but produces magical melodies when he plays the piano. The teenager's splendid performance at IMA Hall on Saturday got a huge applause from the audience comprising mostly parents and relatives.

Like Chaitanya, several other children suffering from this disorder performed majestically at a special cultural event organized by Sanmvedana, the only school in Vidarbha for kids suffering from autism.

Over 30 students, despite facing difficulties, displayed their immense talents in various ways. They were ably supported by teachers who worked hard to train them. The children enthusiastically participated in various events, including singing, dancing and fancy dress.

At the fashion show based on the theme 'Unity in diversity', children of a lesser god dressed in different attires representing all religions.

The icing on the cake was an impressive skit by the teachers from Sanmvedana, based at Lendra Park. Aptly titled 'Udan Ek Asha', the skit highlighted the plight of an autistic kid who faces a host of problems when admitted to a normal school. The skit also depicted typical behaviour by such children and how to recognize it.

The play concluded with a message to parents and relatives not to underestimate autistic kids and take special care as they too can lead a life like any other normal human being. Autism is not a rare disorder. About 20 out of 10,000 people are found to be suffering from it. Kids with autism usually have a high intelligence quotient

WHAT IS AUTISM?

The concept of autism was well portrayed by Shahrukh Khan in the hit movie 'My Name is Khan' and recently by Priyanka Chopra in the critically acclaimed film 'Barfi' for which she was nominated for the 'best actress' awards. Autism is a development disability which usually takes place within the first three years of birth. In fact, it's a neurological disorder which affects the development of the brain. Children suffering from autism respond abnormally to sensations. They have distinctive behavioural patterns. Some can't talk while others struggle to communicate. They generally echo whatever is said to them and also repeat one word many times.

