Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct. 12: On the occasion of World Mental Health Day 2025, the State Project Office, Samagra Shiksha, UT Mission Authority, A&N Islands, organized a virtual Panel Discussion on the theme ‘Mental Health for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities’. The programme was held under the Inclusive Education initiative and aimed to promote awareness and understanding of mental health concerns among children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs). It further sought to sensitize school functionaries and grassroots-level stakeholders on fostering inclusive and supportive learning environments.
The panel featured Dr. Kushal Baidya, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, ANIIMS, and Ms. Nidhi Prakash, Clinical Psychologist, Telemanas, Directorate of Health Services. Dr. Kushal Baidya shared insights into the psychiatric aspects of intellectual and developmental disabilities, emphasizing early identification, therapeutic interventions and the importance of parental and institutional support in nurturing emotional well-being. Ms. Nidhi Prakash discussed the psychological and behavioral dimensions of children with IDDs, offering practical strategies for educators to address anxiety, stress and social challenges faced by such children in school settings.
The interactive session witnessed active participation from Special Educators, BRPs (CwSN), PSRTs, BRPs (Subject & Elementary), CRPs, Pre-primary Teachers, PSTs, GTTs and ICT Instructors representing all educational blocks. Participants shared valuable field experiences and discussed the challenges encountered in promoting mental well-being among children with special needs.