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Pink Villa
24 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
BTS' SUGA turns supportive teacher for autistic teen, find out how 'voice is also instrument' changed kid's life
While the world knows BTS' SUGA as a world-class artist and producer, a recent story has shed light on another side of him. It highlights his deeply compassionate nature and influence off-stage. After completing his military service duties, SUGA quietly spent his spring volunteering at Seoul's Severance Hospital. There, he worked with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In addition to donating a generous 5 billion KRW toward the hospital's new treatment center for developmental disorders, he played an active role in supporting young patients. He also took part in a groundbreaking therapy initiative that focused on encouragement and emotional connection. The MIND Program In November 2023, SUGA met Dr. Cheon Keun Ah, a child psychiatrist at Severance Hospital. Their meeting led to the creation of the MIND Program, an acronym for Music, Interaction, Network, and Diversity. The project was designed to offer music-based therapy sessions for children with autism. It aims to foster communication, emotional expression, and social development through shared musical experiences. Instead of focusing on traditional instruction, the program encouraged each child to explore their own form of expression: whether through instruments, movement, or sound. SUGA, fully immersed in the sessions, offered encouragement and created a supportive space where every child could feel seen and heard. A moment that spoke volumes In a recently released YouTube video, Dr. Cheon recounted one moment from the program that deeply moved everyone present. It involves a teenager with autism, someone Dr. Cheon had personally been treating for over a decade since early childhood. 'This child didn't know how to play any instruments, and in the early stages of the program, they were quiet and often expressionless,' she explained. But one day during a group music session, the teen appeared downcast while watching others play. With a quiet voice and downturned eyes, the child muttered, 'I don't know how to play any instruments…' SUGA, observing from nearby, didn't hesitate to step in. Kneeling beside the child, he gently replied, 'Your voice is an instrument too. Looks like you just have to sing then.' It was a simple sentence, but it changed everything. A smile, a song, and a breakthrough Dr. Cheon shared that the moment SUGA offered those words, the child's demeanor changed dramatically. For the first time during the program, the teen smiled brightly. He then began singing, loudly and confidently. 'Everyone was so shocked and moved!' Dr. Cheon said. It wasn't just a fleeting moment of joy, it sparked something lasting. The child reportedly went home and excitedly told their mother, 'Mom! Teacher Min said my voice is an instrument. I'm going to sing now!' At the next session, the mother arrived emotional and tearful, sharing her child's words with the staff. For a family that had walked a long journey with autism, this single experience meant hope and transformation.
Irish Examiner
2 days ago
- Health
- Irish Examiner
Letters to the Editor: Children with complex needs are being failed by the State
I am writing as the mother of an autistic child to share the painful reality many families in Ireland are still facing — a system that continues to fail children with complex needs, even when the signs are clear and parents are actively asking for help. My daughter was diagnosed with autism and dyslexia at the age of seven by a psychologist who, to this day, remains the only professional who truly saw and understood her, beyond her ability to mask. From the moment she began school, we communicated the challenges she was experiencing and the support we believed she needed. We were told that nothing could be done without a formal diagnosis — and once the diagnosis was provided, very little changed. Because she masked so effectively at school, our repeated and urgent concerns — raised almost daily — about the emotional crises she experienced at home were dismissed. We were told the issue must be at home, and that the school was already doing all it could. Despite her diagnosis, she was not offered a place in the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) class, and we were told no further support would be provided. We applied for a year to other schools with an ASD class and we are still on waiting lists. She was also not accepted by the children's disability network team, and primary care psychology services informed us that her needs were too complex for them to meet. We also underwent the assessment of needs, which was likewise not accepted — on the grounds that 'the definition of disability as defined in the act has not been met in this case'. When her emotional wellbeing seriously deteriorated, she was referred to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (Camhs) — but her case was initially not accepted. Only after contacting government ministers was she taken on — but even then, with a nine-month waiting list. As we could not access therapy through the public system, we attempted to go private — but quickly found that the waiting lists were either closed or years long. After exhausting every local avenue and watching our daughter's wellbeing decline, we made the heartbreaking decision to relocate to Spain, where her needs were recognised almost immediately. She was granted the highest level of dependency and a disability. She now attends a school where she has her own classroom, a dedicated teacher, and regular support from a speech and language therapist and occupational therapist. We are grateful she is finally receiving the help she needs — but the damage from years of inaction has already been done. This is not just about the toll on our family — though it has been significant. My husband has remained working in Ireland for a year, only able to visit once a month, while I have been alone with our daughter in Spain, rebuilding her life, her mental health, and education. But most importantly, this is about the long-term impact on a 10-year-old child. She now faces an educational delay of approximately five years, which is extremely difficult to reverse. She lives with the psychological impact of having spent years in a system that did not provide her with a safe or supportive environment. She was a child with visible needs who was repeatedly overlooked, misunderstood, and effectively denied her rights, simply because she masked. This experience has left her not only behind in her education, but with emotional wounds from being dismissed by the very structures that should have protected and supported her. And sadly, her story is not unique. It should not take moving abroad — or escalating to ministers — for a child to be seen. No child should have to reach a breaking point before support is offered. And no parent should have to fight for years, every single day, for their child to receive even the most basic help. I share this not just for my daughter, but for every other child in Ireland still waiting — still unheard, still unseen, and still fighting for the support they deserve. Maria Martin, via email Detailing the truth of Jadotville My father was a 17-year-old private in Jadotville and remains in contact with many other veterans including John Gorman (the co-author of this letter), who was an 18-year-old private in 1961. John Gorman and my father enjoyed the part fictionalised 2016 Netflix film, The Siege of Jadotville, where John's character — as a member of No 1 Platoon, which took the brunt of the mercenary-led attack in Jadotville — was portrayed by the actor Ronan Raftery. The full truth of Jadotville however goes much deeper than that film and all of the evidence, including 21 veterans' eye-witness submissions, has been meticulously set out in the Independent Review Group (IRG) report 2021, an independent report (available online) compiled by historians, archivists, lawyers, and senior military personnel. The evidence as set out in the IRG report demonstrates that the officers on the ground in Jadotville made six medal recommendations, 24 recommendations for meritorious service or commendations and three recommended promotions for the 1962 medals board. The 1965 medals board also considered the final recommendations signed off by the battalion commander culminating in distinguished service medals (DSMs) being awarded to three men whose service included Jadotville, with a fourth being awarded later. Even if there had been a validated recommendation for 34 medals, this would not mean the automatic award of a medal. The petition for Cmdt Quinlan to receive a DSM was made during the course of the IRG research and submissions process (petitioned for by veterans including my father and John Gorman) and was accepted by the IRG as one of its 19 recommendations. Veterans like my father and John Gorman would like to pay tribute to former taoiseach Enda Kenny; defence ministers — notably Willie O'Dea, Paul Kehoe, and Simon Coveney; chiefs of staff: notably Mark Mellett and senior Defence Force personnel including Jackie McCrum and Paul Clarke, for everything they have done for veterans culminating in the award to veterans of the An Bonn Jadotville military medal for their 'leadership, bravery, courage and professional performance' in Jadotville — citations these veterans believe, rank it alongside the very highest awards in the Irish military. My father and John Gorman would also like to say a special thanks to the IRG for their dedication in compiling the evidence and detailing the truth of Jadotville, and to re-iterate their wholehearted support for its 19 recommendations. John Greene (son of Jadotville veteran Michael Greene), Brighton, UK John Gorman (Jadotville veteran and campaigner), Moate, Co Westmeath What's your view on this issue? You can tell us here Enact original Occupied Territories Bill Cynthia Carroll suggests full sanctions on Israel, stronger than the Occupied Territories Bill (OTB) — 'Time for general boycott and sanctions on Israel' (Irish Examiner, Letters, June 25). Her heartfelt call has already been made worldwide, to no avail. Immediate enactment of the real OTB (2018) in Ireland, sadly seems the best hope for the innocents of Palestine at present. Calling shame, on the inadequate efforts of the Western democracies, has also been tried. Some profit directly from supplying munitions of massacre. Others have binding strategic or commercial links, with the US or other supporters of the war on Gaza. Many express concern, but feel prohibited from taking effective action. Ordinary people, the world over, tend to be different. Free from political manoeuvrings, human empathy is their priority. Such Irish people acted long before the sanctions against South Africa, mentioned by your correspondent. Nelson Mandela described the activism of these shop workers as 'pivotal'. Starting in 1984, they shared a belief with people of the world, that together they could be a force for humanity. The Irish government conceded and imposed sanctions in 1987 and many countries soon followed. Mandela was freed from prison in 1990. The OTB has similarities to the strategy for South Africa. It reflects the greater complexities of the tragedy in Israel and Palestine. Its peaceful innovation is it focuses on illegality rather than blanket boycotts on blameless civilians. It also offers the potential for others countries to enact similar legislation, joining Ireland in a major movement towards dialogue and peace. Since its introduction, the OTB, has gained large majorities in the Dáil, Seanad and amongst the electorate. Astoundingly, since 2020 the Government has omitted, delayed and fundamental dilution of the OTB, without adequate justification. The survival of Palestinian people and their culture is imminent danger. In the absence of alternatives from a sad world, early enactment of Ireland's original OTB is the best way we can serve them. Philip Powell, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin Read More Irish Examiner view: Satire dead as Trump makes peace
STV News
3 days ago
- STV News
School 'lost' autistic girl for entire day before she was found in toilet
A school in Perth has admitted failings after staff 'lost' a pupil with autism for more than six hours before she was found in a toilet. The girl, who attends Oakbank Primary School in Perth, was mistakenly marked absent and left unsupervised for an entire school day. After she was absent on Thursday, June 19, the school's principal misinterpreted an email on Friday morning from the child's parent about her absence as confirmation she would also be absent that day. But the pupil was chaperoned to school and arrived after 9.15am via the main entrance, where a 'handover' process regularly takes place. She attends the specialist intensive support provision within the school full-time, but was not escorted to class by a member of staff as per the procedure. The girl, who also has anxiety, made her way into a toilet without being detected by staff and spent six hours in a cubicle on the hottest day of the year so far in Scotland. In a report following an investigation by the school, the head teacher admitted the child was 'mistakenly marked absent', was not registered, and the parents did not receive notification of the absence. Despite multiple staff members accessing the toilet area, no one noticed her presence. She was only found when the taxi chaperone arrived again at 3pm to collect her, with the driver told by staff they thought she was absent. The girl was located 'calm and safe, playing on her iPad', according to the report. Her parents say they were contacted by the school at around 4pm. They raised a formal complaint with the school, which has been upheld, and have contacted the head of education at Perth and Kinross Council. The school admitted failings in dealing with late arrivals, mistakenly marking pupils absent, a lack of communication between staff and to parents and failures in the handover process. The report also found there was an over-reliance on informal communication, whereby verbal confirmations were accepted. The school conducted an investigation and has implemented new procedures, including all pupils being required to come through the main entrance. The parents say this is unacceptable as their child has special sensory needs, and children with ASD often struggle in loud, busy, crowded places. A spokesperson for Perth and Kinross Council said: 'We cannot comment on the individual circumstances of our pupils, however any situation which adversely impacts on the safety and wellbeing of children and young people in our schools is of significant concern to us. 'In such circumstances, we will investigate in line with our policies and work with parents and carers to understand why any incident occurred and to take meaningful steps towards resolution to prevent any recurrence.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
MKCG doctors perform successful open-heart surgery on woman with congenital defect
Berhampur: A 23-year-old woman has received a new lease of life after a team of surgeons of MKCG Medical College and Hospital here conducted a successful open heart surgery. Doctors said the surgery was performed after over two decades in the hospital. A smiling Bimala Behera of Chikiti walked out from the hospital on Tuesday around two weeks after the procedure was performed in the cardio-thoracic and vascular surgery (CTVS) department on June 11. "I thanked the doctors and other staff who took utmost care in the pre- and post-operation period," said Behera, mother of a child. Sarada Prasanna Sahoo, head of the department, said she had been detected with atrial septal defect (ASD), a congenital defect when there is a hole in the wall (septum) that separates the heart's two upper chambers (atria) and which leads to a recurrent chest infection. "ASD of the patient was diagnosed during her first pregnancy, when she complained of breathlessness and referred to our department. We confirmed the ASD after conducting the 2D echocardiography and conducted her open-heart surgery on June 11 to rectify the defect," said Sahoo. "The condition of the patient was stable and we advised her to visit the hospital for routine check-up," he added. He said six such patents are in queue and their operations would be done soon. The CTVS department was opened in MKCG in 1972. At least five open heart surgeries were done in the department in 1998-99. Since then the operation was stopped due to lack of proper infrastructure and manpower. While a perfusionist, who operates the heart-lung machine during the operation, was deputed from Cuttack, the Odisha Sands Complex (OSCOM) has donated several essential equipment worth over Rs 1 crore to the department, while the state govt supplied some others. "The latest operation is a significant milestone for MKCG," said Suchitra Dash, principal of MKCG.
The Herald Scotland
4 days ago
- Health
- The Herald Scotland
Autism crisis in Scotland: Can Scot Gov learn from a golden retriever?
The reason it is so touching is because it's about how important human connection and support is and how, for many without that support, their life is incredibly difficult. I like to see Henry as a metaphor for the support that all autistic people should receive. That reliable force which helps you live a positive, well-rounded life should be in place for everyone. Sadly, however, many are left in a perennial limbo of great uncertainty and anxiety as diagnosis waits are absurdly high and there remains a lack of support for many. A major survey report from Scotland's Autism organisations, covered by The Herald, found that half of respondents (50.65%) found it hard or very hard to get a referral for an autism assessment, with just over a fifth (21%) saying they had been refused a referral at some point. Some even reported waiting over seven years for a diagnosis. In the report, many described the current system in place as inconsistent and traumatic, with a lack of clear information and a postcode lottery for support. Imagine the amount of stress and anxiety such a system would cause an individual and their loved ones. READ MORE: Individuals in Scotland waiting seven years for autism diagnosis Analysis: Swinney's leadership is safe for now as plotters fall silent Fergus Ewing isn't the SNP's only problem in the Highlands Scotland's future according to politicians sounds bleak This limbo does not mean time itself is frozen. It means people who need and require help are stranded and left to fend for themselves in a world already full of stigma towards autistic people. The system is also leading to great inequality between those who can afford going private and those who can't. Some are forced to, and that can cause considerable financial hardship. Just over a fifth (21%) of respondents sought a private diagnosis, with long waiting times and the absence of a local adult assessment pathways cited as key factors. Organisations have called for the Scottish Government to introduce a national neurodevelopmental assessment guarantee, meaning any adult in Scotland can access an assessment pathway should they need to. They also want to see a nationwide guarantee regarding timely access to assessments, an improved experience for people going through the process, and better provision of post-diagnostic support. A Holyrood committee has just launched an inquiry into treatment pathways and support for ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). However, we cannot let this inquiry drag on and we cannot allow for this issue be kicked into the long grass. 🎟️ Book now for The Herald's Unspun Live at the Edinburgh Fringe – featuring John Swinney, Anas Sarwar, Kate Forbes and more The Scottish Government has accepted that long waits are unacceptable but, for those experiencing this deafening silence when it comes to support and diagnosis, this is not good enough. People are making incredible sacrifices, they are stranded and have been let down. They are beyond giving the government a pat on the back for partly recognising the problem. What good does that do? The journey of getting an assessment is not an additional service or a nicety, it is an essential as many face a crisis situation. It is not right that autistic people should be consigned to a life of isolation. Scottish ministers should take a leaf out of our furry friend Henry's book. They should have his empathy and support at the forefront of their minds to fix the problems causing so much pain.
