NAMASTE celebrated World Autism Awareness Day in April 2025 across our sites in South Asia. 

Sri Lanka College of Paediatricians (SLCP) 

SLCP hosted a special book reading session with three interactive readings for children aged 2 to 5+ years. 

These were: 

• Saying Hello – Author Mokshini Jayamanne led a fun activity for children aged 2-5, helping them explore their emotions through happy and sad face placards. 

• We’re Going on a Bear Hunt – Ms. Malathi Kahandaliyanage took the kids on a sensory adventure from the book, with a little binocular-making session. 

• Baby, Be Careful – Author Samurdika de Silva read to the 5+ age group using a sensory board that depicted different unsafe situations children should be aware of. 

Each child received a snack and a thoughtfully prepared goody bag, all made possible thanks to the generous donations we received. Pictures from the day can be viewed on NAMASTE Sri Lanka’s Facebook page.  

Sangath, India 

Dr Anup Netravalkar, Senior Program Coordinator for Sangath India, was featured in Goa’s local newspaper, the Navhind Times, on 2 April 2025. 

Anup wrote an article titled Advancing autism care in Goa to talk about NAMASTE’s work in training Anganwadi workers to aid early interventions for autism. 

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