Cerebral Palsy and Where to get help on CP in India!

What is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral Palsy is a life-long physical disorder that affects people in many different ways. It covers a group of disorders affecting a child’s body movement, ability to control their muscles, coordination, reflexes, posture, balance and sometimes ability to communicate.

Cerebral palsy can be so severe that walking is difficult, or it can be so mild that it is unnoticeable to most people. Some children with cerebral palsy might have epilepsy, hearing, learning and visual difficulties and intellectual impairments. Cerebral palsy can’t be cured, but the problems it causes can be.

In India, around 3 in 1000 babies are born with Cerebral palsy.

How does one come to know if the child has CP?

There is no single test to diagnose cerebral palsy. It can’t be detected during pregnancy, but proper medical care during pregnancy and birth can help to reduce the risk. Babies with CP might have muscle stiffness and spasms, or they might have low muscle tone so that they feel ‘floppy’ when picked up.

The condition is often picked up when a baby or toddler doesn’t meet the expected developmental milestones for their age. So signs in babies to look out include:

-inability to hold up their heads at the right stage

-inability to sit up or rollover at the right stage

-difficulty feeding or swallowing

-using one side of their body in preference to the other

-Toddlers with cerebral palsy may not reach typical milestones such as walking by 18 months and speaking simple sentences by three years of age.

What are the causes of CEREBRAL PALSY during pregnancy?

• Maternal infections

Maternal infection is an infection acquired by the mother who then transmits the infection to the fetus. This transmission can occur via the placenta before delivery or via the birth canal during labor and delivery when the baby is exposed to maternal blood.

So it is very important to be away from infectious diseases and maintain hygiene during pregnancy. Any illness should be immediately reported to a doctor for timely treatment.

• Genetic Mutations

Cerebral Palsy is not a hereditary condition, but certain abnormal changes in the structure of genes can cause Cerebral Palsy. Risk factor of these abnormal genetic changes increases in marriages of close relatives.

• Fetal Hypoxia

Fetal hypoxia occurs when the fetus is deprived of an adequate supply of oxygen. It may be due to a variety of reasons such as cigarette smoke if either mother herself smokes during the pregnancy or is exposed to secondhand smoke. It can also be caused by various physical conditions like obstruction of air passage due to tangling of umbilical cord or direct injury to the fetus.

What are the possible treatment options for Cerebral Palsy?

1) Physiotherapy

2) Speech therapy, which can help with speech, eating and drinking difficulties

3) Management of hearing and vision impairment

4) Occupational therapy

5) Behavioural therapy or counselling

6) Special education

7) Medication

8) Surgery

How to get help with regards to Cerebral Palsy in India?

1.KOLKATA:

NGO:

Indian Institute of cerebral palsy-Kolkata- http://www.iicpindia.org/

+033 2401 3488/0240

2.MUMBAI:

NGO:

a.Cerebral Palsy Association of india-mumbai
  http://www.cpai.org.in/

098708 43937

b.POSAT Foundation
  www.posatfoundation.in

022 28956933

c. SAARTHI -School For Special Children

http://ridafoundation.org/current_project.html
Telephone Exchange Andheri - Kurla Road, behind SakiNaka, Saki Naka, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400072

HOSPITAL:

Kokilaben Hospital- Mumbai

https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicsatkh/cerebralpalsyclinic.html

3.BENGALURU:

NGO:

SAMA Foundation-Bengaluru

https://www.sama-foundation.org/

080 2314 6507

4.DELHI

NGO:Udaan-Delhi

https://udaan.org/

+91-11-26446978

5.CHENNAI

HOSPITAL:

Dr. Mehta's hospital- Chennai

https://mehtahospital.com/pediatrics/index.php/doctor/dr-k-nedunchelian/

+91-44-4227 1001 - 1005

Transpact is proudly associated with POSAT  and  SAARTHI -School For Special Children in Mumbai.

SAARTHI School for Special Children run by an NGO- Rida Foundation has been associated with Transpact Enterprises in the areas of Research and Product Development since 2013. The School provides integrated care comprising of academic, vocational, medical, and psychological support to the Special children of all sections of society, irrespective of financial considerations.

POSAT Foundation is a charitable organization working for the upliftment of physically and mentally challenged children and adults. The trust runs a rehab. center in Borivali West and special classes for challenged children in Rustomjee International School in Dahisar west and Balbharti School Kandivali West. The Rehab. Centre caters to the therapeutic management to the children suffering from cerebral palsy, mental retardation due to any cause including genetic conditions like Down syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD and Learning Disability.

You can donate/ seek help from SAARTHI and  POSAT by dialing 097680 18786 and  022 28956933 respectively.

"Laws Protecting & Defending the Rights of the Special Need Population"

The Core Value of human rights mission underpins a system of basic freedoms that affords protection against the abuse of power and creates space for the development of the human spirit. Four Values- Dignity, Autonomy, Equality and Solidarity are of particular importance, both in general terms and in the context of Disability. Over 600 million people or approximately 10℅ of the world’s population have disabilities of one or other form. Over the last 2 decades, a drastic shift took place from an approach motivated by charity towards the disabled to one based on rights. The human rights perspective on disability means viewing people with disability as a subject and not as an object. It involves moving away from viewing people with disability as a problem towards viewing them as holders of rights. People with disabilities must be afforded freedom but also the means to take advantage of it. This can be done by providing relevant social support and in particular by respecting economics, social and cultural rights. The main human rights challenge is accommodating the difference of disability and making people with a disability visible within the system. 

Protection against Exploitation and Discrimination 

Disabled persons shall be protected against all exploitation, all regulations and all treatment of a discriminatory, abusive or degrading nature. 

Disabled persons shall be able to avail themselves of qualified legal aid that proves indispensable for the protection of their person and property. 

If judicial proceedings are instituted against them, the legal procedure applied shall take their physical and mental condition into account. 

Disabled persons, their families and communities shall be fully informed, by all appropriate means, of the rights contained in this Declaration. 

Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995 

Of late, the Government of India has enacted a comprehensive piece of legislation namely. "the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995" to enforce the human rights of the disabled in pursuance of the UN Declaration. This law is an important landmark and will ensure equal opportunities for persons with disabilities and their full participation in the nation-building. The Act provides for both preventive and promotional aspects of rehabilitation like education, employment and vocational training, reservation, research-creation of barrier-free environment, rehabilitation for persons with a disability, unemployment allowance for the disabled, special insurance scheme for the employees and establishment of homes for persons with severe disability, etc. The Act has been enforced w.e.f. 07.02. 1996. All the state governments have been requested to take necessary steps for speedy implementation of the provisions of the Act. 

National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation 

The Government has also set up a National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation with an authorised share capital of Rs. 400 crores and paid-up share capital of Rs. 200 crores to make persons with disabilities productive and bring them into the mainstream of economic activity. 

National Human Rights Commission 

India being the signatories to the Human Rights Charter of the United Nations, constituted a high powered Commission namely, National Human Rights Commission to protect not only human rights of citizens but also of all categories of disabled persons. The Commission also deals with the violation of human rights as well as protection against exploitation, discrimination etc. 

In the absence of a proper forum to take up the cases on behalf of disabled persons before the National Human Rights Commission, the disabled have not so far taken any advantage from the Commission. Hence there is an urgent need that some organized groups of people should come forward to help the disabled in taking up their cases pertaining to violation of rights and exploitation and discrimination against them. 

The following measures for creating awareness and removing ignorance are suggested: 

(a) It is desirable that students from primary level should be introduced with the subject of the disability to enable them to develop better understanding towards the disablement over a period of time. Obviously, proper awareness and understanding is absolutely necessary to treat them on equal footing or at par with normal human beings and offer them the opportunities to unfold their capabilities without any exploitation and discrimination. 

(b) The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment should take up the matter with the Ministry of HRD; University Grant Commission (UGC) and All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) regarding introduction of the subject on disability in all academic and professional courses in the country. This will also generate goodwill for the disablement, besides development of better understanding. 

(c) The NGOs can also play a vital role in removing ignorance and creating awareness about the rights of the disabled through constant efforts and programmes. 

(d) Mass media, like newspapers, radio, TV and films may also be helpful in dispelling the prejudices and discriminations against the education, placement and rehabilitation of the disabled by depicting success stories of the people with disabilities. 

Hence, this laws and rights help the Special Need Population of people with intellectual disabilities to live a meaningful, satisfying & productive life in our community. 

AN INSPIRING STORY ON WORLD DISABILITY DAY

International Day of People with Disabilities i.e. 3rd December is considered as an international observance day promoted by the United Nations since the year 1992. This day especially aims for promoting an understanding of disability issues or problems and to mobilize support for the moment of dignity, the well-being of people and the rights of the people with disabilities. This day also looks forward to increasing the awareness of the gins to be derived from the integration of persons with their disabilities in every aspect of cultural, political, economic and social life.

As we talk about Disability and dreams, here's a question for all. Can you imagine someone whose legs have been affected by polio and cannot walk participating in a sport like a powerlifting at an international platform that requires extreme power and physical strength? Mr. Rajinder Singh Rahelu is the answer to this question.

Mr. Rahelu is an Indian Paralymic Powerlifter suffering from "Infantile Paralysis". Since his infancy he has not been able to walk. But he did not let his disability come in between him and his dreams. He continued to practice and today, he has created a history of his own by winning a silver medal in powerlifting at the Common Wealth Games 2014. He initially started by lifting a weight of 75kgs but his rigorous training and motivation made him enough to actually lift a weight of 115kgs in a period of 6 months. After grabbing his 1st medal in the field of powerlifting in 1997 at Punjab Open Meet, he never looked back. In the next consecutive year, he won National Powerlifting Championship which gave a great push to his career and life and his achievements have never stopped after that.

He never let his disability stop him, he kept on overcoming the life challenges with his immense dedication and devotion. Today he is a successful coach at Government of Punjab's Sports Department. He is also training the specially-abled powerlifters.

It is the disability heroes like Rahelu that keep us inspired during our lowest days in life. On this Disability Day, we can see him as an inspiration to the 180 million specially-abled Indians to overcome the impact of their disability on their lives!!!

Effectiveness of Transpact’s Vestibulator - An interview with Dr Maya Nanavati

This is a short interview with Dr Maya Nanavati (Occupational Physiotherapist) and her views about Transpact Vestibulator.

What is Transpact’s Vestibulator?

Vestibulator is a compact, fully automated medical device which is ergonomically designed to provide stimulation for vestibular, neurodevelopmental and sensory integration therapy.

These automated and precisely measured stimulations are time saving and more effective compared to manual vestibular stimulations.

Who is Dr Maya Nanavati?

Dr Maya Nanavati is an Occupational Therapist with more than 40 years of experience in Neurology and Paediatric Rehabilitation. She is one of the founders of POSAT foundation (hyperlink to http://www.posatfoundation.in/), a charitable organization which provides rehabilitation and education to physically and mentally challenged children and adults. We are honoured to have her as a Clinical Advisor for Transpact Enterprises.

The Interview:

Hello Dr Nanavati, please tell us more about POSAT-

Posat foundation is a charitable organisation working for the upliftment of physically and mentally challenged children and adults. The trust runs a rehab. centre in Borivali West and special classes for challenged children in Rustomjee International School in Dahisar west and Balbharti School Kandivali West. The Rehab. Centre caters the therapeutic management to the children suffering from cerebral palsy, mental retardation due to any cause including genetic condition like Down syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD and Learning Disability. 

What do you feel about Transpact Enterprises and the Vestibulator?

Transpact had installed the vestibulator at the centre in December 2017 to check its efficacy in the therapeutic management of children affected with different neurological dysfunction. Later on the equipment may be modified for adults needing the management.

The first pilot study was designed to find out the influence of therapy on vestibulator on reflex responses of children suffering from cerebral palsy. The outcome of the pilot study gave positive results. (Reference - Link http://transpact.in/clinical-study-reports/)

Luckily, by the grace of God, we could purchase a modified version of vestibulator from a donation under CSR scheme of a company named Play games 24x7 on 29th July 2018.

How do you use Transpact’s Vestibulator?

The vestibulator is continuously used for most of the children treated at the centre excluding children suffering from epilepsy. The therapists and the parents of ADHD children and Autistic children have observed a remarkable positive change in their children. The symptoms of hyperactivity and poor attention span reduce drastically with treating the child on vestibulator for 10 minutes during the regular sensory integration therapy session. About 80 children attending the centre are treated on vestibulator in last ten months. 

Will you continue the use of Transpact’s Vestibulator in future?

Yes, We are awaiting further modified equipment within a month or so which will enable us to carry out scientific studies on the influence of Vestibulator on children with Autism, ADHD and Learning Disability. 

We indeed congratulate Transpact and wish the company all the best for the success in launching Vestibulator in open market.

Further reading - http://transpact.in/research-papers-on-the-product-technology/

Transpact Enterprises at Global BioIndia 2019 represents SINE IIT Bombay alongwith other six startups

With an aim to showcase what India can offer to the Global Biotech Sector, Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), Government of India have organized Global Bio-India 2019 at New Delhi. This 3-day mega international congregation of biotechnology stakeholders includes representation from national & international bodies, regulatory agencies, Central & State Ministries, SMEs, Large industries, Bio-clusters, Research institutes, Investors, Startups, NGOs, Philanthropic organizations and others. Transpact Enterprises Limited is one of the seven start-ups, Society of Innovation & Entrepreneurship (SINE), IIT Bombay one of the renowned Business Incubators in the country chose for its representation at Global Bio-India 2019. Transpact Enterprises exhibited its fore-runner Product- “The Vestibulator” designed for the treatment Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Learning Disabilities and Vertigo

Vestibulator is Transpact’s’ flagship & award-winning (Amongst the top 100 upcoming technologies in India) product designed in joint research with The Industrial Research and Consultancy Centre, IIT Bombay to stimulate the human vestibular system. Vestibulator is an innovative therapeutic health care device for vestibular, neuro-developmental and sensory integration therapy. It is the only dosimetric , ergonomically designed, automated therapeutic device Co-patented by Indian Institute of Technology & Transpact Enterprises which performs the complete vestibular Stimulation required for Vestibular habituation/habilitation & rehabilitation.

It is a Comprehensive device which provides stimulations to the vestibular system against gravity in the following motions & postures:

Postures

1. Prone

2. Supine

3. Sitting

4. Quadruped

5. Kneeling

6. Standing

Motions

1.  Spinning

2.  Tilting (30, 60 and 90 degrees)

a.  Forward-backwards tilting

b.  Sideways tilting

3.  Gravitational ascending Descending

4.  Linear motion- forward-backwards

Vestibulator is designed in a way that all the motions in all positions can be imparted with smooth increase in rate, velocity and angle. Also, it provides a safe position for the child in each stage of motor development from lying position to standing position. As single unit to give all stimulation motions for all postures at variable speed, frequency & time duration with predetermined maximum & minimum attributes to all motions, the Vestibulator not only increases the efficacy of the therapy & modernises it but also makes it measurable and recordable.

It is designed to manage accurately the number of cycles, amplitude as prescribed by the therapist. The integrated software enhances disease monitoring. The cloud-based data storage of personalized records will make it easy to access & monitor the treatment records across distances. It saves upon the Cost of treatment, out-of-Pocket Expenditures and time. It will also make Physiotherapeutic healthcare delivery fairer by lowering the cost and increasing access also making therapeutic treatment available and affordable to rural parts of our country. It shall bridge the existing gap between the number of therapists & affected population in our country by enabling the therapist to serve a greater number of patients. Generation of physiotherapeutic E-data will be a milestone to future research.

About Transpact Enterprises:

Transpact Enterprises Private Limited was conceived as a social enterprise by a group of technocrats & academicians in the year 2013 at SINE, Society for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay- IIT Bombay with a vision to impact lives of people through continuous technological interventions and innovations. We specialize in design, development, manufacturing, and distribution of therapeutic devices and rehabilitations services with analytics and management software system.

The Skoch Order- of- Merit (2019) recognizes Transpact as one of the top 200 MSME’s in the Country. Its Uniqueness was acknowledged by Bombay Management Association in 2017 and the company was bestowed upon the “Emerging Start-up “Award. Transpact was honored with the Zee 24 Taas, Young Innovator Award in the august presence of Hon. Governor of the State Shri Vidyasagar Rao, Chief Minister of the State, Shri Devendra Fadnavis along with other Ministers under the medical-pharmacy category in the year 2017.

DIWALI WITH OUR SPECIAL CHILDREN WITH EXTRAORDINARY SKILLS!

Transpact is associated with POSAT for three years now. Located amidst the western suburbs of Mumbai, POSAT (Physio Occupational Speech Academy of Therapist) is the brainchild of Dr Chhabria. He always wished to keep POSAT’s rehabilitation professionals at par with their western counterparts and that too in an era where internet and google were unheard of. With this vision, POSAT was founded in 1978 to offer a common platform for rehabilitation professionals to share their knowledge and complement each other in the treatment of the patients.

POSAT runs educational classes for special children at Rustomjee International School, Dahisar(west ) and S.V.P. School in Kandivali(west).At present 120 children are enrolled in these special classes receiving all the facilities that a normal school would provide. The children studying in POSAT suffer various disabilities and dysfunctions namely Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Hearing Impairment, Learning Problems, Hyperactivity and so on.

Diwali is one of the main festivals in our country, India. Every nook and corner of the houses, shops and offices are decorated with lamps, flowers and other ornamental items. When we talk about these decorative Diwali items, our little POSATIAN munchkins weren’t far to make our Diwali shine. These children hold exceptional skills in making different and colourful Torans (Hangings for walls), beautiful Floating Candles , Acrylic Rangolis, Envelopes with unique design work, Malas for pictures or posters and Diya’s. These ornamental articles are a beautiful manifestation of their hard work and effort to transcend the impact of disability on their lives.

Here are some pictures from their collection of decorative items.

Vestibulator: A new generation , programmable and digital therapeutic device designed for the treatment of Cerebral Palsy , Autism , ADHD , Learning Disabilities and more .

“I never dreamt of walking with my Son, neither has he thought of living a day without me” a mother of a 22-year-old son, Mrs Gracy Jerald said about her son who is suffering from Cerebral Palsy. Such is the grief of many more mothers across the world who suffer a complex of emotions such as sadness, denial, blame, fear and confusion on having a child with a special need. It is often said, “No language can express the power, beauty & heroism of a mother’s love (E. Chapin)”. Being a mother is a difficult journey and parenting is its major focus. Having a Child with Special Needs makes this journey more difficult & challenging. Being a special need parent requires a bit more of everything i.e patience, love, empathy, compassion, resourcefulness, finances and energy. Above all the special need moms are true warriors, they fight all the odds & situations life puts in front of them and they never give up. The tiniest development in the child’s medical condition or even half-spoken words of the child or just a hug from the child feels like a gift to her. All she wishes to see and hopes that her child becomes a successful adult in his/her life and can take care of themselves.

According to the World report on disability, 2011 One billion people or 15% of the world’s population, experience some form of disability. One-fifth of the estimated global total of between 110 million and 190 million people experience significant disabilities. In India, the population with disabilities is around 26.8 million, constituting 2.21% of India’s total population if one goes by the 2011 population census data. 

Despite constituting such a significant proportion of the total population, people with disabilities live a very challenging life. Their ‘disability’ is often seen as their ‘inability’ by many and people, in general, have preconceived notions about their capabilities. Barriers to full social and economic inclusion of persons with disabilities include inaccessible physical environments and transportation, the unavailability of assistive devices and technologies, non-adapted means of communication, gaps in service delivery, and discriminatory prejudice and stigma in society (worldbank.org). However, it's the more difficult scenario for those who are physically or mentally disabled and burdened with poverty and excluded from mainstream society. It results in a huge impact on the global economy and a higher risk of increase of poverty, unemployment and less education.

“Special is the word they use when they talk about me
They assume that my diagnosis fully defines me
Sometimes I wish I could only be heard and not seen
That’s what I often think about when I daydream”

D.T. Brunner.

The Pain:

Vestibular dysfunction is associated with the largest spectrum of the human population. According to CDC report 2011, approximately 170 million children live with developmental disabilities related to Vestibular dysfunction. Developmental disabilities are a group of conditions resulting from impairments that affect a child's physical, learning, or behavioural functioning. Affected children typically have sensory impairments (hearing and vision loss), epilepsy or seizures, cerebral palsy, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), intellectual disability, or other learning disorders.

Children with developmental delays and disabilities are at greater risk of suboptimal health, educational attainment, and wellbeing than are children without such disabilities. CDC estimates an increase in the prevalence of Autism by 15% to 1 in 59 children and 4 in 1000 live births suffer Cerebral Palsy. Also, cases with ADHD and learning disabilities are also increasing alarmingly. Nearly 9.4% of children 2-17 years of age (6.1 million) have been diagnosed with ADHD, according to parent report in 2016. In addition to this 40% of adults above 40 years of age have some sort Vestibular dysfunction issue due to ageing leading to dizziness & balance issues, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), USA 2004.

Current Treatment Methods & its Lacuna:

Vestibular stimulation/ therapy is an integral part of the treatment for the Cerebral Palsy, Autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, other neuro-developmental & balancing disorders. Treatment methods used for vestibular rehabilitation globally along with Medical Management are Acupuncture, Aquatic physical therapy, hippotherapy and conventional Physio & occupational therapy. Assistive tools used for exercises are physioball, balance board, scooter, swings etc. These assistive tools and devices have a great limitation of space, speed and frequency of stimulation; they do not even provide all the positions and postures required for complete stimulation. There is no device to record the line of treatment. The treatment plan depends upon the qualitative judgment of the therapist.

The Solution:

A new generation, programmable and digital therapeutic device– Vestibulator: An innovation evolved from IIT-Bombay suiting the guidelines of “Make in India” Initiative.

Vestibulator is an automated, dosimetric and ergonomically designed device which is useful for vestibular, neurodevelopmental and sensory integration therapy required for treatment of Cerebral Palsy, Autism Spectrum Disorder, learning disabilities, ADHD, and various Vestibular dysfunctions.

It is a comprehensive device which provides stimulations to the vestibular system against gravity in all the three planes of motions viz vertical, sliding, tilts- lateral, antero-lateral and linear and rotatory motion as well. Vestibular stimulations can be given in all matrices of motions & postures at variable speed, frequency, angle & time duration with predetermined maximum & minimum attributes to all motions.

Recording, Communication and Storage of data and are very essential features of the cloud-based -Vestibulator. Therapy Management, Pathology Grading along with safety and accuracy are the other features integrated with this device. 

It enhances recovery, saves time, space and cost of the treatment. Improvement in balance & postural controls, concentration and independence in activities of daily living and increased interactive behaviour are proven results of the clinical study with Cerebral Palsy Children using Vestibulator. 

This CE-certified device is co-patented by Transpact Enterprises and IIT Bombay and has received clearance from CDSCO, India. 

The other upcoming rehabilitation healthcare products of the company in the developmental stages namely -Balance-o-meter and Mechanomyography device shall benefit healthcare professionals in clinical decision-making and real-time accurate record-keeping.

About the Company:

Transpact Enterprises Ltd, a SINE-IIT Bombay Incubated Med-Tech startup. It was conceived by a group of a technocrat, an artist and an academician, as a social enterprise in the year 2013 with a vision to impact the lives of people through continuous technological interventions and innovations. The company specializes in design, development, manufacturing, and distribution of therapeutic devices and rehabilitations services with analytics and management software system. 

The Skoch Order- of- Merit (2019) recognizes Transpact as one of the top 200 MSME’s in the Country. Its Uniqueness was acknowledged by Bombay Management Association in 2017 and the company was bestowed upon the “Emerging Start-up “Award. Transpact was honoured with the “Zee 24 Taas, Young Innovator Award” in the august presence of Hon. Governor and Chief Minister of the State of Maharashtra in the medical-pharmacy category in the year 2017.

Transpact's Successful Listing On The Bombay Stock Exchange Platform

Mumbai- based Transpact Enterprises Limited (TEL), incubated at SINE, IIT BOMBAY and CIIE,IIM Ahmedabad ,an ISO 13485-2016 and ISO 9001-2015 certified Start-up, listed its Equity Shares on September 5, 2019, on the Startup Platform of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), making it a benchmark of becoming the 1st Startup listed on the newly launched BSE Startup Platform.

Transpact Enterprises Limited had opened its maiden IPO on August 26, 2019, with an issue size of 104,000 equity shares of Rs. 10 each for cash at a fixed price of Rs 130 per Equity Share. The IPO gets fully subscribed on Day 3. The net issue constituted 25.34% of the post-issue paid-up capital of the company. The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the IPO offering primarily to acquire R&D facility and setting up a Registered Office on a long term basis, conduct further clinical studies for new disorders; redemption of preferential shares and general working capital. The IPO was Lead Managed by Aryaman Financial Services Limited. 

The company’s product complies with CE marking, the essential requirements of health, safety and environmental protection legislation. Vestibulator is Transpact’s forerunner innovative solution for rehabilitation health care which provides vestibular stimulation required for neuro-developmental, sensory integration and vestibular therapy. Transpact Enterprises Ltd, Med-Tech startup Company, makes a product under the brand name of Vestibulator for Cerebral Palsy, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Learning Disabilities and Vertigo patients. The CE-Certified medical device is built based on IP from IIT Bombay co-patented with Transpact Enterprises and has received clearance from CDSCO, India. The first commercial Vestibulator is installed and demonstrating significant results at Rehabilitation centre of POSAT Foundation, Mumbai. 

The vestibulator has several matrices and postures. It provides stimulations in all three planes of motions in crawling, kneeling, long sitting and chair sitting positions."The Vestibulator is installed with a digital healthcare solution based on Internet of Things (IoT) to publish the clinical data to Azure Cloud for patient data analytics. `The Vestibulator provides specific and definitive stimulations yielding faster and qualitative results which enhances the course of treatment and recovery of Cerebral Palsy, Autistic, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Learning Disabilities patients. 

The company partners with the Industrial Research and Consultancy Center (IRCC), IIT Bombay for continuous product innovation and Octaware Technologies, an SEI-CMMI Level 3 certified software development company to build its digital healthcare solution.

Game On!! Video game therapy for Cerebral Palsy

When the child is having any disorder, the parents want to try every possible thing to treat her. Cerebral palsy has become one of the most common physical disabilities now-a-days affecting 17 million people worldwide. Many children have orthotic devices that help them walk; some even undergo surgery to lengthen and loosen tight muscles, or to correct spine deformities. Most likely, people have physical therapy, some children also will need occupational therapy, recreational therapy and speech therapy. Many children with CP have intellectual disabilities in addition to speech impediments, so they need more hours of therapy which makes the therapy hectic for kids and parents and will increase the cost of therapy. 

Today’s young generation has at least one gaming console at home maybe it’s Microsoft, X-box, PlayStation etc. But why do they have it? Why do they play it? They may probably play it for fun or it may be the means of time pass. But have you ever thought if gaming could have a different purpose? What if it was not about high scores but was more about participation? What if we could play such games to improve our health and physical ability? According to research, video games have been used for children with CP since the late 1990s and have been shown to increase motivation. It has been the source of entertainment for children. It helps the child with CP to gain more mobility. To keep children engaged in therapy computer games was incorporated in therapy in which a range of learning elements with interactive cognitive challenges help children to positively engage in activities. Studies have found the benefits of video games in rehabilitation training and have shown that well-designed interactive games can improve players’ motor skills and visual-spatial processing skills, because traditional therapy methods are usually intense for children, they need to take multiple breaks.

Video games rehabilitation is safe and feasible, self-motivated physical therapy which is guided by a low-cost video game system is indeed very much attractive. It is observed that children are highly motivated to play the video games that helping to improve the upper extremity abilities of children with CP. Patients who participate in virtual reality gaming therapy can increase the intensity, frequency and duration of therapy movements that lead to enhanced motor performance.

Cerebral Palsy Parenting

Special children have special needs. Even though doctor’s handle 75℅ of the treatment but the remaining 25℅ is in the hands of Parents. There are a number of ways parents can lend a helping hand to make the child’s life easier.

Educate the family: Not only mom and dad but the entire family should learn and understand what Cerebral palsy is and how it affects the child. When the whole family is involved, the responsibility of caring for your child is not stuck on one person. Little things like these make differences.

Be your child’s in-house therapist: Home is the best and most comfortable place for a child’s therapy. If the parents also learn the proper ways to help the child exercise at home, they can help him stretch his muscles and build balance.

Help the child explore the world and be the best version of themselves: Parents should understand that the child with Cerebral Palsy also has a life to live. Taking the children to museums, playing games, working on art projects and including them in family activities and outings can help the child to learn new things and will make them feel that they are also a valued member of the family.

Be patient: Acknowledge that your situation is a frustrating one and that anyone could become impatient. Focus on achieving small goals and how will your child become more self-reliant. Adjust sometime for yourself into your daily schedule. Get required care, either from a family member, friend, volunteer or paid provider. Join a support group where you can meet other parents in the same situation as they may be able to suggest new doctors, offer advice, or give honest reviews about the drugs or braces. They might lift your spirits on tough days. If you try this & still find yourself frustrated and impatient, speak to a counsellor.

Proper Diet: Feeding issues can be very complex for children with Cerebral Palsy and in fact, it is estimated that 35% of children with Cerebral Palsy are malnourished. So, it is wise to serve healthy food that can help to strengthen bone and muscles. Also, have a speech therapist work with your child to strengthen mouth muscles & to use his tongue more efficiently.

AUTISM ACCEPTANCE AND NOT JUST AWARENESS !!

Awareness and autism have been the new buzzwords in today's world. For me, autism awareness is knowing that Autism is not a disease but it is a set of developmental delays leading to behavioural and sensory challenges. Awareness is understanding that autistic people are not disabled but they are differently-abled. Awareness is understanding that autistic people may not communicate better but they still have a say. The time for autism awareness is over now, its the time for acceptance. Acceptance is not just calling the autistic child at a birthday party. Acceptance is not just opening the doors for an autistic child but also opening the heart for them. Acceptance is not just passing a smile at them but also raising your voice when you see someone is being rude towards them. Acceptance is not just a positive attitude but it is a necessity, a matter of urgency. Autistic children will not be safe until we understand the difference between awareness and actual acceptance. 

Today's world is much busier in their routine. Every day we are faced with many choices to make. Making the wrong choices can lead to anxiety and anxiety only makes everything even worse. Autism is associated with anxiety. Autism awareness is teaching your child about autistic children but autistic acceptance is teaching your child to communicate with an autistic child and be the facilitator if not a friend. It is not acceptable when you favour autistic people by offering jobs to them but acceptance is when you realize their abilities and skills and helping them explore and be the best version of themselves. I hope one day globally people will realize that for sustainable development no one should be left behind. I hope one day people will learn to respect each other's differences and that day will be more of accepting autism. Autism awareness has done its damage now its time for autism acceptance to repair it. 

AUTISM PARENTING

As parents, you probably need to spend a lot of time thinking about your child’s future, even more, if he or she has an autism spectrum disorder or ASD diagnosis. Apart from medical care and treatment of autism and therapies you may line to help your son /daughter that there are simple and everyday things that make a difference.

Focus on the positive side: Just like other children, children with autism spectrum disorder often respond well to positive reinforcement. That means when you praise them for their behaviours that they are doing well, it will make them feel good. Be so much specific that they should know what exactly you liked about their behaviour. Find ways to reward them, either by the extra playtime or a small prize like stickers, toy gifts etc.

Stay consistent and proper on the schedule: People on the spectrum like routines. Make sure they get consistent guidance and interaction so that they can practice what they learn from therapy. This can help in learning new skills and behaviours much easier and help them to apply their knowledge in different situations. Talk with their school teacher or any other teacher and their therapists to align on a consistent set of techniques and methods of interaction so it can help them learn at home with ease.

Give them some time: You will likely try a lot of different techniques, treatments and approaches as and when you figure out what is best for your child. Stay and think positive, try not to get discouraged if they don’t respond to a particular method.

Take your child along with you for the everyday activities: If your child’s behaviour is unpredictable or not proper, you may feel like it is easier not to expose them to certain situations that take place. But when you take them on everyday activities like grocery shopping or a post office run, it may help them get them used to the world around.

Get support on a social platform: Whether online or face-to-face, support from the families, professionals and friends can be a big help. Support groups can also be a good way to share advice and information and to meet other parents dealing with similar challenges. Individual, marital, or family counselling sessions can be helpful, too. Think about what might make your life a little more easier and ask for help.

Look into the respite care: This is when the other caregiver looks after the child for a period of time to give you a short break. You will need it, especially when your child has intense needs due to ASD. This can give you a chance to do the things that restore or retain your child’s own health and that you enjoy so that you come back home ready to help.

DIETARY NEEDS FOR KIDS WITH CEREBRAL PALSY

Kids with cerebral palsy (CP) have problems with their muscle tone, movement, bone density and/or motor skills i.e. either gross motor or fine motor skills. These problems can make the activities for daily living challenging for them including their meal time. Some kids may not have the coordination to feed themselves or chew and swallow safely or successfully. Digestive problems like constipation, gastroesophageal reflux can make eating uncomfortable. So, it can be hard for kids to get enough to eat, and that can lead to poor health, growth and malnutrition. But the right diet and feeding techniques can help many kids with Cerebral palsy have a productive mealtime experience. Kids with Cerebral palsy just need good nutrition and healthy food just like other kids do. But sometimes the just need more or fewer calories depending on the activity levels and muscle tone and bone density levels.

To keep bone density strong the Cerebral palsy kid should be primarily fed more calcium-rich foods. Foods like milk, cheese, yoghurt, fortified fruits are rich in calcium. Secondly, the intake of Vitamin D should be taken care of. The sources of this vitamin that helps the body absorb calcium from food and supplements. It's found in fishes such as salmon and tuna, fish liver oil, and fortified products like milk, orange juice, and cereal. Our bodies also make vitamin D when skin that is not protected by clothes or sunscreen is exposed to the sun. Phosphorus, a mineral that plays a role in the formation of bones needs to a part of their regular diet. The sources are dairy products, meat, fish eggs, poultry, nuts, seeds and whole grains.

To keep the muscle tone strong, high intake of protein is a must. Proteins are the key building blocks of body. The sources of proteins are lentils, grains, pulses, oily fish, lean meat, cheese, eggs etc. Vitamin C also plays an important role in maintains the muscle tone. Vitamin C is responsible for the health of the blood vessels that support your muscles' needs for oxygen and nutrients. The more vitamin C your body has, the more effective your muscles will work and the quicker they will recover. The sources of vitamin C are bell peppers, kiwi fruit, dark leafy vegetables, oranges and strawberries.

Hence, the right diet can enable kids with Cerebral palsy to have a productive mealtime experience & enjoy the meal while getting the nutrients they need to thrive.

KNOW YOUR BRAIN!

Let’s talk about the person who commands all the human actions. It’s the “BRAIN”. Every action of our body is accounted to our brain as it monitors all the activities performed. The person’s -performance personality, emotional stability, learning abilities, self-confidence and psycho-social maturity depends upon the integration of his nervous system. There are approximately 140 billion nerve cells in the Human Nervous System (HNS). Each neuron is connected with about 3,000 other neurons by about 30,000 Synapses (a minute gap across which impulses pass by diffusion of a neurotransmitter). Harmony of each neuron with the other neuron results into coordination and skill.

In normal day-to-day living, a person utilizes the only 1/10th of the brain. 90% of the neuronal connections are silent and can be activated by putting high demands. 90% of this silent neurology becomes the base of therapeutics after brain damage. Though the damaged cells do not regenerate, the neighbouring neurons take over the function of damaged cells. The damaged cell’s axon and dendrites grow collaterals to form new synaptic connections. The process is known as sprouting.

Thus, our nervous system is plastic with an ability to reorganize after an insult. A skilful therapist can achieve 97% of results in his patient with just 3% of neurology available, utilizing the reorganizing the capacity of the brain.

Hence, it is well said, “right stimulus at the right time boosts up the natural recovery and leads to maximal function”.

It is perfectly normal for us to not fit into your average NORMAL box , we believe in making our own !!

Usually, this is an intelligent child, who fails at school, writes ‘no’ for ‘on’, write's ‘41’ for ‘14’ and cannot remember the sequence of letters that make up a word. The child forgets the names of the people, places, own address and telephone number but does remember the ads on the TV.

Usually, this is a child with a messy room, totally disorganised, shoelaces are undone, shirttail hanging out, detests hair brushing, tooth brushing and nail cutting- all tactile hypersensitivity reactions. This child doesn’t look where he walks, bumps into doorways, trips on his own toes, swings his lunch box into the nearest person- thus exhibiting poor visuospatial relationship.

Usually, he has trouble lining up, doesn’t stop talking, giggles too much and laughs the loudest. Following of instructions is not his cup of tea as he exhibits poor Auditory sequential processing. He has poor frustration thresholds, cannot tolerate the slightest error, explodes at one moment and is tearful at the other. Says I don’t care or I won’t when he really means I can’t

Frequently, his language comes out of all jumbled, he stops and starts in the middle of a sentence or an idea. He hugs the cat too tightly but can’t hold his pencil, gets frostbite in the snow, hates woollens or does not feel the heat till he gets scorched. These are poorly modulated kinesthetic and tactile inputs.

Sometimes, he rushes headlong into his work, is first to finish and has done all the problems wrong. He can add and multiply but not subtract and divide. He can do maths in the head but can’t write it down.

This is the distractible child, who tends not to look, listen, and remember, do what he is supposed to do. Is he bad, willful manipulative, lazy? No probably not. If your child exhibits any of these he may be a Learning disabled child. Almost 12% of the school population have Learning Disability. The common ones are Dysgraphia- a disorder of writing, Dyscalculia- a disorder of maths and commonest Dyslexia- a disorder of language processing. It is seen more commonly in boys and in all languages.

Remedial sessions along with Sensory Integration programme work wonders with these children. Early Intervention eases the problem further. It needs a team of a Psychiatrist, a special educator and the School teacher.
Help your child to HELP HIMSELF!!

DIET AND NUTRITION WORKS FOR AUTISM

Decades ago, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a group of developmental disorder in which patients suffer significant social, communication, and behavioural difficulties, was considered rare, and the prognosis of those who had it usually wasn’t good. But times have changed. The prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder among adults and children has skyrocketed over the last several years. Much more research is done on the different ways to treat and manage it which has become available. Nutrition therapy defining a specific diet plan can play a significant role in managing the conditions of ASD patients enabling them to live productively.

Autism is influenced by nutrition. The caregivers of children suffering from autism must look after improving their (ASD Child’s) digestive system. Many parents of autistic children have reported that their child experiences prolonged digestive issues due to the antibiotics taken while managing other primary & secondary issues of the pathology. These Antibiotics kill the good as well as the bad bacteria and hence, their digestive system has irregularities. Thus intake of fibrous food, yoghurts etc. help these children.

The autistic children who show the signs of hyperactivity must improve their blood sugar by avoiding artificial preservatives and artificial sweetness in the food. The third component of the diet plan is to increase the consumption of Omega 3 Fats than the average. The Omega 3 fats help in slowing down of defective bad enzyme and improvement in behaviour, mood, imagination, spontaneous speech, sleep patterns and focus of autistic children. Also increase in vitamins (A, B6, C) and minerals are also a nutritive method for autism control. The best sources of Vitamin A are the breast milk, milk fat, organ meat, fish and cod liver oil, none of which is prevalent in our diet. The best sources for vitamin C are green and leafy vegetables, tomatoes and tomato juice, sweet potatoes etc. The best sources for vitamin B6 are non-citrus fruits, starchy vegetables, fish, organ meat etc. These vitamins help in the development of brain cells.

An important aspect of the diet plan is taking care of the food allergies of the children. Avoid the allergy-causing foods is the only way of dealing with it other than taking medicines.

Overall taking care of a proper diet and nutrition will help in the course of treatment of autism. And yes it definitely works!!

AUTISM- Let's Heal It

When we write about autism there has always been a different angle to it. Autism is so much in hearing when it comes to childbirth or the development of the child in the early stage. In this AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH, I think we must have a broad idea about its awareness as to what is the necessity, and it’s existence in the world of autism. Autism is a complex neurobehavioral disorder which creates a problem in social interaction and development of the child or the adult suffering from it. Autism covers a large spectrum of symptoms, skills and levels of impairment. Autism is four times more recognized in boys than in girls. It knows no racial, social or ethical boundaries. Family incomes, lifestyle or educational levels does not affect the brain. Autism runs in families; most researchers think that certain combinations of genes may predispose a child to autism.

Children with autism have trouble in the area of communication and understanding what people feel & think about things. It becomes very hard for them to express themselves through their actions, words, feelings and gestures. The effect is such that it has a devastating impact on normal life and daily chores. There is no balance within the body, and every aspect of autism comes with a challenge to face it. But there are risk factors that increase the chance of having a child with autism. Autism is said to be increasing; however, it is not clear whether its increase is related to the changes in how it is diagnosed or whether it is a true increase in the incidence of the disease. 

So, let’s come up with this challenge to at least heal as we all know that autism is not curable medically but its early treatment with the help of speech therapy, physiotherapy, remedial therapy, speech therapy and vestibulator by the Transpact Enterprises can make a positive impact at the start of it.

World Autism Awareness Day 2019: Things You Need To Know About Autism

April 2 is internationally recognized as World Autism Awareness Day. The day is meant to urge organizations & masses to raise awareness about autism. Autism is characterized in varying degrees, by difficulties in social behaviour & interaction, communication both verbal as well as nonverbal and repetitive behaviours. Autism is known as a “spectrum” disorder because of its wide variation in the type and severity of symptoms experienced. It is said to be a “developmental disorder” (as symptoms generally appear in the first two years of life) which impairs one’s ability to communicate and interact.

Several factors such as the combination of genetic factors, environmental conditions, maternal stress, prolonged labour influence the development of autism, and leads to sensory sensitivities, seizures, sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, concentration, attention issues and many more.

As there exists a unique combination of symptoms in each child, the severity of the disorder sometimes becomes difficult to determine. A child or adult with autism spectrum disorder might have limited, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests or activities. They might keep on with repetitive movements, such as rocking, spinning or hand flapping or could also indulge in activities that can cause self-harm, such as biting or head-banging. They generally have poor eye contact and lack facial expressions. Autistic people especially kids generally develop specific routines or rituals and becomes disturbed at the slightest change; they are often seen to be very sensitive to touch, smell and light. 

While there is no cure for autism spectrum disorder, intensive, early treatment can make a big difference in the lives of people suffering especially kids. The treatment generally composes of therapies of different kinds such as Anger management, Behaviour therapy, Family therapy and Sensory Integration & processing therapy. 

Sensory Integration is a therapy that modulates the way the nervous system (brain, vestibular system, and other senses) a receives messages (stimuli) from the senses and processes them into appropriate motor and behavioural responses. Conventionally this was achieved by giving Vestibular stimulation exercises and adaptation using assistive tools such as physio ball, balance board, scooter, swings, etc. Different vestibular stimulation protocols are applied to different manifestations of autism such as the child may actively seek very intense sensory experiences (jumping, swirling, spinning, etc) demonstrating signs of a hypo-reactive vestibular system, and are constantly trying to stimulate their vestibular systems whereas some children may be hypersensitive to vestibular stimulation and have fearful reactions to ordinary movement activities (e.g., Swings, slides, ramps, or inclines).  

Coping with the limitations of the conventional treatments, Transpact Enterprises and IIT Bombay have designed the "Vestibulator". Vestibulator is a compact, mechanized, innovative digital healthcare (therapeutic) device which is ergonomically designed to provide stimulations for vestibular, neuro-developmental and sensory integration therapy. It is the only dosimetry and automated co-patented technology by Indian Institute of Technology & Transpact Enterprises which performs the complete vestibular stimulation required for treatment of Cerebral Palsy, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Learning Disabilities, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Sensorineural Hearing Impairment, Traumatic Brain Injuries, Vertigo and various other vestibular dysfunctions.

With its integrated software, Vestibulator stores the personalized treatment combinations, patient data for the purpose of monitoring and comparing. It streamlines and manages the therapy, rehab clinical documentation, nutrition schedule, health, and medical records. The research proves that Vestibulator is a potentially effective tool for physio and occupational therapists.

On the occasion of World Autism Awareness Day, the effort is to create awareness about autism and the upcoming treatment devices & methods as early treatment for ASD is important because proper care can reduce individuals’ difficulties and shall help them learn new skills and make the most of their strengths enabling them to live a more fulfilling & productive life.