Student Collaboration Activity Series – 3 Manipal College of Nursing (MCON), MAHE, Manipal & University of Liverpool

A collaborative webinar titled “Autism – Complexity, Implications and Family Perspectives in the UK and India” was conducted on 7 April 2026 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm (IST) as part of the Student Collaboration Activity Series–3 between Manipal College of Nursing (MCON), Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), and the University of Liverpool, UK.

The webinar commenced with a welcome and introductory address by Dr Toni Bewley, in collaboration with Dr Linu Sara George and Dr Simon Nielson. The speakers provided an overview of autism spectrum disorder, highlighting its complexity, the spectrum of needs, and its impact on individuals and families, particularly within the UK context.

This was followed by an insightful session titled “Jack: A Very Special Boy” delivered by Ms. Alana, a parent from the United Kingdom. She shared her lived experiences as a mother of a child with autism, focusing on her son, Jack. The session highlighted the personal, emotional, and systemic challenges she faced, particularly in identifying suitable educational institutions and support systems that could meet her son’s unique developmental needs.

Subsequently, Dr Savitha Prabhu, Faculty, Manipal College of Nursing, MAHE, presented “A Mother’s Experience”, offering an Indian perspective on caring for a child with autism. She elaborated on the ongoing demands placed on caregivers, the evolving needs of children across developmental stages, and the social challenges commonly encountered by families in the Indian context.

The session on student reflections on educational provision and services for young people with autism in the UK was presented by a Student Nurse from the University of Liverpool. The presentation highlighted observations on educational support systems, inclusivity, and services available for children and young people with autism in the UK.

This was followed by “Reflections on Autism Care in India” by Ms. Manisha Y, a 2nd-year MSc Nursing student at Manipal College of Nursing. The presentation focused on autism care within institutional settings in India, addressing service availability, caregiver burden, and the gaps in specialized support services.

An interactive question-and-answer session, facilitated by a Student Nurse from the University of Liverpool, enabled participants to engage with the speakers and clarify key concepts in autism care across diverse cultural and healthcare settings.

The webinar concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Ms. Ann Sara Mathew, a 4th-semester BSc Nursing student at Manipal College of Nursing, who expressed gratitude to the speakers, organizers, and participants for their active involvement. The webinar, attended by 35 participants, significantly strengthened international academic collaboration.

It contributed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, by fostering cross-cultural dialogue, shared learning, and collaborative perspectives on autism care and family experiences.