The event is open to the public and will focus primarily on autism
Few know, but when we talk about Neurodevelopmental Disorders, we encompass various alterations in the initial processes of brain development that persist throughout life. They originate during gestation or childhood and involve deficits in social interaction and communication skills that impact the social and academic performance of individuals. The impairments range from limitations caused by intellectual disabilities to learning disorders.
Among the most debated disorders currently are Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), learning disorders, and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). To bring more knowledge on the subject, the CASA Project (Culture, Social Assistance, and Sports Activities) will hold the seminar “Neurodevelopmental Disorders with emphasis on autism” on July 5, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. The event will take place at the Ramacrisna Cultural Center and will be an opportunity for parents, family members, education and healthcare professionals, as well as those interested in the topic, to deepen their knowledge about autism and the best practices for dealing with it on a daily basis.
The seminar’s program includes discussions on the characteristics of autism, common associated comorbidities, strategies for controlling inappropriate behaviors, adapting autistic individuals in the school environment, and the different levels of impairment that can be observed. The event will feature the participation of renowned specialists in the field: Ana Paola Menezes, Behavior Analyst, Autism Specialist, and coordinator of CASA’s 10th branch, Ana Leticia Porto, Child and Adolescent Psychologist, and Laura Camille.
Solange Bottaro, Vice President of Instituto Ramacrisna – the institution responsible for the CASA project in partnership with the Betim City Hall, emphasizes the importance of actions like this for the community. “Conducting seminars like this reinforces Instituto Ramacrisna’s commitment to inclusion and support for families and professionals dealing with ASD. Providing knowledge and tools that facilitate the integration and development of this audience, promoting a fairer and more welcoming society is essential,” she emphasizes.
Ana Paola Menezes, the event’s creator and speaker, explains that this exchange of learning and access to information is fundamental for inclusion to be fully realized and not just remain on paper. “The seminar will be an opportunity for us to discuss the various particularities of ASD, from identifying characteristics and comorbidities to implementing effective strategies for dealing with challenging behaviors. Our goal is to empower participants with practical and scientific information that can be applied in their daily contexts,” she explains.
