New Horizons Group

NEWSLETTER (QPM/ MNL-01, Vol. III Issue 3) | April, 2017

Developmental PediatricianDr. Samir Dalwai (MD, DNB, DCH,FCPS, DNB and LLB) founded NewHorizons Child DevelopmentCentre (NHCDC now NHD) in2003. NHD has developed 5centres and currently houses ateam of more than 60paramedical professionals. NHDprovides multi-disciplinaryservices to more than 300children daily with a ratio of onespecialist to one child in eachintervention session.

New Horizons Health & ResearchFoundation (NHHRF now NHF), isa registered non-profitorganization[Reg.No.U85100MH2012NPL23856; No.DIT(E)/80G/111/N/2014-15],which works in the areas ofhealth, impairment and earlychildhood development. NHFfollows a four-pronged approach:Research, Rehabilitation,Advocacy and Training.

Established in 2014, NewHorizons Institute ofEducation & Research (NHIERnow NHI) is the educationalwing of NHG. In May, 2015,TATA INSTITUTE OF SOCIALSCIENCES (TISS), Mumbai andNHF entered a collaborationand offer diploma courses inSpecial Education andRehabilitation Psychology.

New Horizons Educationand Training Solutions(NHETS now NHS) provideshighly specialized solutionsto schools in Mumbai. Ourspecialists are deputed atthe school on a customizedbasis for conductingevaluation, intervention andcounseling for children withacademic, emotional andbehavioural concerns.

Dr. Waheeda Pagarkarstarted the New HorizonsAudiology (NHA) and HearingAid Centre for Adults andChildren in August 2014. In itsfirst year, NHA has seenaround 400 patients, out ofwhich 20 were adults and theremaining 380 were children.35 patients were diagnosedwith hearing loss of varyingtype and degree while 10 wereprescribed with hearing aids.

1. Dr. Samir Dalwai was invited to The International Conference on Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders which took place in Thimphu, Bhutan on April 18-21, 2017. The Ministry of Health of Bhutan, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare of Bangladesh, WHO’s Regional Office for South-East Asia, Shuchona Foundation, and Ability Bhutan Society had organized this Conference. The theme of the conference was Effective and sustainable multi-sectorial programs for individuals, families and communities living with Autism and neurodevelopmental disorders.The Conference was attended by health ministers from the South-East Asia region

2. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW), Government of India, invited New Horizons Child Development Centre and New Horizons Health and Research Foundation to the Global Exhibition on Services in Noida on 18th April, 2017. Ms. Sohini Chatterjee, Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Director of New Horizons Child Development Centre and Ms. Deepti Kanade-Modak, Clinical Psychologist and In-charge of New Horizons Health and Research Foundation participated in a panel discussion at the Technical Session by MOHFW on Healthcare Services – Gateway to Opportunities & Partnerships and presented the work done by New Horizons with children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders (NDD) in Mumbai, specifically mentioning the role of community-based work in this area along with liasoning with schools for early identification and intervention. Health Ambassadors of nearly 66 countries had participated in this event. The national guidelines developed at the National Consortium organized by Dr. Samir Dalwai in 2015 in the

UPDATE FROM NEW HORIZONS HEALTH AND RESEARCH FOUNDATION (NHF) – BY TEAM NHF

as well as international experts such as Dr. Liliana Mayo Ortega, Evelyn Cherow and Dr. Andy Shih, self-advocates such as Dr. Stephen Shore, legislators, bureaucrats and representatives from the civil society, and development partners.The Conference consisted of high-level discussions among policy makers, Davos-style panel discussions with international experts on key issues pertaining to neurodevelopmental disorders, and several professional workshops and presentations. Dr. Samir Dalwai also addressed important issues at the WHO Round Table Discussion on Autism and neurodevelopmental disorders at the conference.

Dr. Samir Dalwai at Thimphu, Bhutan! Dr. Samir Dalwai (Centre) Speaking at the Conference

capacity of National Chairperson of the Chapter of Neurodevelopmental Disorders of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics, were also presented at this event at a showcase stall allotted to the Indian Academy of Pediatrics. Numerous other national and international organizations had showcased their work in the health and travel sector during this exhibit. Deputy Director General of the MOHFW, Dr. Sujeet Singh inaugurated the Indian Academy of Pediatrics exhibit stall along with Dr. Shubnum Singh, Member, CII National Health Care Council and Chief Executive and Dean, Max Institute of Health Education and Research.New Horizons team-members also had the opportunity to interact at this exhibit with Prof. Prince William Mishiki Buhini, Deputy Minister from the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Education Director of a chain of schools in Uganda, leaders of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Director Generals of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of Government of India.

3. New Horizons Health and Research Foundation’s New Horizons Institute of Education and Research which has been selected twice for a Fellowship under a funding and mentoring program of Unltd India, India’s leading social entrepreneurs foundation was invited for the HUDDLE - Annual Social Entrepreneurs meet with Corporate Leaders and Social Sector Investors. Ms. Deepti Kanade–Modak represented NHI at this event

and interacted with leaders of Accenture, Ashoka Foundation and the Social Enterprise Academy of UK and others showcasing the work done for training and developing graduates to become Special Educators and engaging in community intervention programs through the Institute. The Huddle was attended by over 150 participants and reached 3 million people on social media.

The Venue of the Global Exhibition on Services, Noida

(From Left to Right) Dr. Tanu Jain, Additional Director General, Directorate General of Health Services (MOHFW); Dr. Chhaya Prasad; Ms. Deepti Kanade-Modak; Dr. Abraham Paul; Dr. Sonia Gupta; Dr. Shubnum

Singh; Dr. Sujeet Singh; Ms. Sohini Chatterjee; Dr. Anand Krishnan, Professor, Centre for Community Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and Dr. Himanshu Chauhan, Deputy Assistant Director General,

NPCDCS, Directorate General of Health Services (MOHFW)

Ms. Deepti Kanade-Modak, Ms. Diksha Gajria and Ms. Sohini Chatterjee from New Horizons, with Prof. Prince William Mishiki

Buhini, Deputy Minister from the Democratic Republic of Congo

Ms. Deepti Kanade-Modak (Left) in a Panel Discussion with Dr. Sonia Gupta, Additional Director and Head, NCD Division, National Centre for Disease Control (Centre) and Dr. Shubnum Singh, Member, CII National Health Care Council and Chief Executive and Dean, Max Institute of Health Education and Research (Right)

(From Left to Right) Ms. Deepti Kanade-Modak, Dr. Chhaya Prasad (Secretary, Indian Academy of Pediatrics Chapter of Neurodevelopmental

Pediatrics) and Ms. Sohini Chatterjee Proud and Happy to Represent New Horizons at the

Global Exhibition on Services!

Consensus Statement of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics on Evaluation and Management of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Learning Disability and

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM - BY MS. DIKSHITA CHOUDHURY

The ‘Post Graduate Diploma in Special Education’ course run by New Horizons in collaboration with Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai involves students in fieldwork practices to help them gain experiential knowledge and the ability to work in professional set ups. As part of the practical fieldwork, visits to two organizations were planned to enhance students’ learning and experience in the field of Special Education.On the 9th of March, 2017, students visited ‘Ashiana Institute for Autism’ located at Andheri (East) for a one-day field visit. Ashiana, set up in the year 2000, works dedicatedly in imparting education and intervention to children with Autism in Maharashtra and India. The institute provides Occupational Therapy, Computer-assisted learning, Vocational Training and Remedial Education to children according to their needs, as well as parent counseling services. Our diploma students were divided into two batches and were allowed to observe sessions. Students reported it to be a great learning experience as they learnt that it is important for the child to be made aware of his/ her surroundings in every possible manner.On the 7th of April, 2017, the students visited Pragati Vidyalaya, a school for children with hearing impairment located at Dadar (West). The school follows the S.S.C. curriculum which is inclusive of vocational courses and admits children with hearing impairment from junior classes to grade X. The classes have a mixed age-group comprising of children according to their varying cognitive and functional abilities. The students observed classes taken in various grades and observed the versatile teaching methodology applied for children with hearing impairment. The students expressed learning that early detection of hearing impairment along with appropriate intervention can do wonders and that sign language is not the only form of communication for them, their speech quality can also get better with appropriate intervention.Apart from the field visits, the students also completed their Block Internship program across four organizations in Mumbai. They interned at Sahyog Sangharsh Centre, a community-based rehabilitation centre located in Ghatkopar, SOPAN Trust, a school for children with Autism located in Jogeshwari, Punarvas Education Society, a special school located in Goregaon and Kshitij, a vocational training set-up for adults with diverse needs. The field visits and Block Internship placements were fruitful for the students as they expressed in their own words:“This truly has been a great experience. Practical experience is live experience. It taught me more than I could have imagined!” – Ms. Shareeka Shetty“It has been a truly enriching experience working with children. It has been a long and extensive journey where we have grown as individuals, teaching us not only to learn but also unlearn (what) our experiences (have taught us) and also be understanding of the different aspects of the environment.” - Ms. Nicole Nazareth and Ms. Vaishnavi Dholakia“As part of the PGDSE programme, we got the opportunity to participate in multiple internships in a wide variety of environments. It is rare that a course offers so much practical exposure and training to young students. The exposure to the different schools, working for individuals with special needs, and the opportunity to teach children with or without concerns have provided us with information about the opportunities and challenges of the real world. It has equipped us with the many skills that we require to enter the field of special education as effective teachers.” - Ms. Agrima Ahluwalia

At Ashiana Institute At Pragati Vidyalaya

For exciting career opportunities with New Horizons Group, click here: http://www.enablemychild.org/new-horizons-group/nhg-careers/

NHD - Dadar (East)

1st Floor, Jeevak Nursing Home, Sai Kunj, MMSG Marg, Dadar (East), Mumbai - 400 014.

Tel: 022 65287397 / 022 24144596 / 7506171230

NHD - Bhandup (West)

Pawar Public School, Opp. DreamsMall, Off LBS Marg, Bhandup (West),Mumbai - 400 078.

Tel: 022 21663024 / 9769669332

NHD and NHAGoregaon (West)

2nd Floor,Techniplex II, Techniplex Complex,Veer Savarkar Flyover, Goregaon (West),Mumbai - 400 062.

Tel: 022 60600650 / 7506171240

NHD - Goregaon (East)

Ground Floor, Saira Mansion,Pahadi School Road 2, Goregaon (East),Mumbai - 400 063.

Tel: 022 65711586

NHD - Santa Cruz (West)

Shop No. 47, 1st Floor, Hi-Life Mall, Opp. Santa Cruz Station, Santa Cruz (West), Mumbai - 400 054.

Tel: 022 26465649 / 9819224415

www.enablemychild.orginfo@enablemychild.orgwww.facebook.com/newhorizonscdc

New Horizons Group - www.enablemychild.org

IF YOU DIDN’T DOCUMENT IT, YOU DIDN’T DO IT! – BY MS. DEVANGEE MEHTA

Ms. Devangee Mehta

Documentation: “That which provides official information or evidence or that kept as a record.”When I started my professional career in 2010, documentation was not commonly used by institutions and hospitals and its importance was completely ignored by many institutions in India. I realized the importance of documentation when I saw a child of 5-6 months, in September 2010, with a rare condition called Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome. She had hemihypertrophy of one side (condition in which one side of the body or a part of one side of the body is larger than the other to an extent considered greater than the normal variation), macroglossia (large tongue) and macrosomia (above average birth weight and length). She was referred with delayed development of milestones. When I started working with her, there was no previous documentation regarding her condition and no evidence of any developmental evaluation, due to which it was very difficult for me to convince her parents regarding her progress. She was improving but there was no previous record which could prove her progress. After regular treatment, she had improved significantly in gross motor and fine motor skills, and in a span of 5 years, she learned to stand and walk independently. However there was no documented evidence of her journey. When I started working with New Horizons Child Development Centre (NHD), in March 2016, I was able to appreciate the value of the required practice of documenting a child’s strengths and needs and the practice of maintaining regular logs to record each intervention carried out. From the OPD sheet which is filled out during the first visit by the Developmental Pediatrician, to multi-disciplinary evaluation and re-evaluation reports to customized and individualized intervention – EVERY step of every child’s journey at New Horizons is documented. Documentation plays a huge role in helping us help our children do better!

On 10th April 2017, HR Department of New Horizons declared the names of the winners of the Quarterly Rewards and Recognition Awards. Congratulations to the all the winners and may you touch the lives of many, many more children through your work at New Horizons!

THE MOST IMPORTANT JOB IN THE WORLD! – BY MS. KRUTI CHHEDA

Ms. Kruti Chheda

MY CHILD: THEN AND NOW! PARENT TESTIMONIALS COMPILED BY MS. GITANJALI PILLAI WITH INPUTS FROM CENTRE HEADS AND

DEPUTY CENTRE HEADS OF NEW HORIZONS CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTRE (NHD)

Cynthia Karthikeyan, parent of Srinivasan Karthikeyan, NHD Dadar 21.04.2017:“When we first came for therapy, we had a lot of issues regarding our son. After we started the therapy, we found a lot of improvement. His ability to cope with his emotions, express and control them, has improved a lot. We are happy with his behavioural and social improvements. We thank Dr. Samir Dalwai for guiding us and helping our son to lead a happy, cheerful childhood. We have found him forming a lot of new friends, enjoying socializing and playing happily. We thank every staff member for providing the necessary help.”

Albert Michael, parent of Kevin Albert, NHD Dadar 25.03.2017:“We found improvements within 2 months of NHDP, and it is a continuous progress. Now, he has become more independent. His language skills have improved after 6 months of Communication Intervention Program. All major concerns solved after two and half years of Developmental Intervention Program. Our concerns are well-addressed in Parent Engagement visits. He is very interested in his Child Engagement visits. We are completely satisfied with therapy and improvements. We hope that remaining minor concerns can be resolved in future. Our thanks to NHD teams, especially Manisha, Bijal, Gitanjali and Zeenal.”

Mother of Vihaan Gupta, NHD Goregaon East

“Firstly, thanks to Dr. Samir Dalwai and Smita (Didi)… I am heartily thankful to all the team members. Vihaan is doing very well now. God bless all the team members. Thank you so much for your help and niceness!”

Payal Java, mother of Disha Java, NHD Goregaon East 10.04.2017:“I, Payal Java, take the opportunity to thank you for your warm love and great appreciated efforts and good feelings you have bestowed on my daughter Disha Java. Her commendable improvement is much obvious in all the fields like academic, sports, extra-curricular activities and most of all, her behaviour and academic approach has improved a lot. I had come to you with lots and lots of hope which are all fulfilled. I have no words to express my gratitude and appreciation for the wonderful world you all are creating by helping us to deal with our kids. Dr. Samir Dalwai, you are a blessing to all these children and parents who are facing these problems. Doctor, you would be receiving immense blessings and good wishes from all of us, and also from many and many more parents. Thank you Dr. Samir Dalwai, Mansi Miss for her Counseling and Rasika Miss for her Developmental Intervention.”

Bhagyashri Kamble, parent of Aarush Kamble, NHD Bhandup, 03.05.2017:“Aarush has been attending NHDP since 2016. Initially, Aarush used to communicate in words only. Post therapy and attending visits, he started communicating using phrases. He also showed drastic improvements in school - he started writing. Aarush has developed social interaction

skills and mingles with children now. Thank you New Horizons for contributing to the progress in my child’s life.”

Nupur Agarwal, parent of Ayaan Agarwal, NHD Bhandup, 03.05.2017:“NHD has a very positive atmosphere; the staff and therapists are very cooperative as well. It has been a total 6 months for me since I started with NHDP for my son Ayaan. In these 6 months I have seen my son progressing from completely inactive to totally active - understanding his surroundings, sitting, crawling and now walking with support. It feels nice to be in a surrounding which cares about your problems and is constantly working hard towards finding individual-specific solutions. I really like their approach of working, regular follow-ups, evaluations and appointments. Lastly, would like to thank each one from the bottom of my heart to help us through this journey smoothly.”

Faqiha Firoz Shaikh, parent of Abhyan Shaikh, NHD Bhandup, 03.05.2017:“Initially, I was under a lot of confusion regarding Abhyan’s concerns. After meeting Dr. Dalwai I was relieved when I was informed about NHDP. Post 2 months of NHDP, we started noticing changes such as following commands, sitting-tolerance and focus. His appetite improved. The staff is very cooperative, very patient and have good listening skills. The front office executives are very cooperative and proactive in terms of maintaining our schedules and giving reminders. The child’s connectivity with the specialist on one-on-one basis is appreciated. Thank you everyone for the support provided.”

Manisha Sanjay Indore, parent of Suhasi Sanjay Indore, NHD Bhandup, 03.05.2017:“Suhasi was diagnosed with Autism and Hyperactivity. In these last one and a half years of NHDP we have seen a lot of satisfactory improvements in her. She was unable to speak; she could not do her things independently. Since last few months, she has become independent in her daily activities. Her performance and behaviour in school has also been reported to be much better. We followed everything rigorously and strictly what was asked to be done by the doctors and therapists at New Horizons. At home, we all engage with her in all her activities, we read out books to her, show her various pictures to increase her vocabulary. We have been following her regime of medications strictly. As a result of all the above, she has shown very good improvement. We have designed her breakfast, lunch and dinner based on the suggestions given to us by the nutritionist at New Horizons. We constantly keep in touch with the doctors at New Horizons and follow everything, which is leading to her improved growth and development.”

Parent of Hem Dharia, NHD Goregaon West, 22.04.2017: “Hem joined New Horizons 1 year 3 months ago. He had difficulty in speech and was very hyperactive. After the NHDP intervention, he is able to speak phrases meaningfully. He has

become calmer and his sitting-tolerance has improved. He is able to learn new concepts. The Parent Engagement Program has helped us tremendously and we were able to carry out all the tasks expected of us at home. Thank you.”

Maria Kapadia, mother of Aliakbar Kapadia, NHD Santa Cruz, 25.04.2017:“NHDP has helped my child improve on day to day activities that any normal child would have. My son had concerns with daily activities, like not communicating and dragging us for all activities like food, water and basic needs. With NHDP structured programs he is now more like a normal child doing things a child of his age should. Thanks for all the support and suggestions provided by NHD staff for the improvement which is a result of their persistent efforts. Please continue the good work.”

Vinanti Chawla, mother of Aditya Chawla, NHD Santa Cruz, 03.02.2017: “My son Aditya has been coming here regularly since the last one year. He loves coming here and feels at home over here. The staff is very co-operative and patient and friendly. There were space constraints earlier as the centre was too congested. But after a separate room has been dedicated for Developmental Intervention Program, it has become quite comfortable. I am very happy with Aditya’s steady progress and also very satisfied with the services provided by the efficient and committed staff.”

Prajakta Dhairyawan, parent of Vihaan Dhairyawan, NHD Santa Cruz, 07.04.2017:“We have been referred by our paediatrician Dr. Ami Deokar to NHD and by coming here we have gained a lot of benefits for our son. He has been diagnosed as ADHD but now after 5 months his hyperactivity has come down. The Parent Engagement Program helps us by telling us what needs to be done. Also, all the therapists help us by telling what needs to be done so that my son’s hyperactivity comes down. In the last 5 months there is significant changes in my son’s hyperactivity reducing. He has calmed down and he follows commands. We are really feeling good about it and in 5 months he has shown drastic change. We were doing therapy somewhere else and there was no change and now his behavioural patterns and his hyperactivity shows a drastic change. We are really fortunate to come here to NHD. Thanks a lot.”

Sajida Patel, parent of Zayan Patel, NHD Santa Cruz, 08.05.2017: “Our child has been enrolled in your reputed Centre and we had great expectations as every parent desires their child to improve. After completion of nearly a year we are satisfied with the improvement of our child and are indeed thankful for the co-operation and dedication of the staff involved. We hope and are confident that in future also the management and staff will take care of our child for his swift improvement.We wish to thank the management and all staff for their altruistic attitude.Thank you with Best Wishes.”

CONGRATULATIONS AND CELEBRATIONS!!

Ms. Parsies Shah Receiving the Award for Star Performer (Clinical) from Ms. Sandhya Kulkarni

Ms. Sana Shaikh Receiving the Award for Star Performer (Non-Clinical) from Ms. Heta Raja

Ms. Ujwala Patil Receiving the Rising Star Award from Ms. Sandhya Kulkarni

Becoming parents is arguably the happiest experience in life. However, one does not become a “parent” by merely giving birth to a child; you become a Parent by raising a Child till he or she reaches an age where they are capable of functioning independently. Recognizing the crucial role of parents in providing a nurturing environment conducive to the optimal development of children, Dr. Samir Dalwai has made Parental Engagement mandatory on a monthly basis for all children attending the New Horizons Developmental Program (NHDP). I have been conducting Parental Engagement Programs for three years now. This article attempts to help parents appreciate the importance of understanding their child’s world so that they can raise their children in the best possible manner. It is not unusual that parents feel overwhelmed with this responsibility of bringing up their children, especially in today’s environment where children interact with the external environment in multiple ways. Empathizing is the most important part in the up-bringing of the child. You have to enter their world. Understand their perspective, feelings and thoughts. Though the way you mould them is of the utmost importance, it is equally important to let them form their own attitudes and belief systems. Allow them to have their own opinions.Provide them with a positive environment, so that they gather positive things. Avoid being biased, comparative or judgmental. This behaviour can hamper your child’s progress in numerous ways. Accept situations and build realistic expectations. Try being effort-oriented rather than being result- oriented. Understand the capacities and capabilities that your child has and encourage him or her to progress in a natural manner. Love your child with all their flaws. Remember, no one is perfect and everyone needs an opportunity to prove themselves. It’s all right to discipline the child whenever required, but refrain from being critical all the time. This not only affects the child’s state of mind, but also leads to an unhealthy relationship. Praise him or her whenever they do something positive. Let them also feel that they are being appreciated and loved. No one except you can give them this sense of achievement. Positively reinforce the child and make it a consistent habit. Allow your children to share their experiences with you, whether positive or negative. Let them not be fearful in expressing themselves. Expressing feelings is an important part of growing up. Allow them to make mistakes and let them learn from the same. Refrain from playing blame-games as when faced with a challenge, the child will only learn to give excuses and resort to blaming rather than being resourceful. Remember, as parents you are always going to guide them in tough situations; however you also need to help them develop their problem-solving skills and strategies to deal with such situations. It is important to leave them alone occasionally to deal with their own problems. Love them, be empathetic, be affectionate, be concerned, be supportive and most importantly be “PRESENT”. HAPPY PARENTING!

12.05.2017:

Ms. Vaishnavi DholakiaMs. Shareeka Shetty

Ms. Nicole Nazareth Ms. Agrima Ahluwalia

Dr. Sujeet Singh (MD, DCH), Deputy Director General, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, Visited the Stall of the

Indian Academy of Pediatrics at the Exhibition

At Pragati Vidyalaya