Awareness Programme on "Menstrual Hygiene Management for Children with Special Needs."

Jan 14, 2026

On 14th January 2026, the Department of Occupational Therapy, Yenepoya Faculty of Allied and Health Care Professions, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru, in association with Navajeevana Special School, Perla, Kerala, organised an awareness programme on "Menstrual Hygiene Management for Children with Special Needs."

The programme was conducted under the leadership of Dr. Dhayanithi K (OT), Organising Chairperson, with Dr. Nevita Saha (OT) and Dr. Anas (OT) as organising members. The first session, led by Dr. Nevita Saha (OT), explained menstruation as a normal physiological process and emphasised the importance of menstrual hygiene for children with special needs, incorporating demonstration and reverse demonstration of hygiene practices.

The second session focused on menstrual cramp management and was coordinated with the support of Dr. Saiyukta Chhetri (OT). Occupational Therapy students demonstrated child-friendly exercises including wide child's pose, cat-cow rolls, sphinx pose, half frog pose, hip circles, knee-to-chest exercises, and the lying butterfly position.

The programme included distribution of menstrual hygiene kits, educational pamphlets, and menstrual calendars to over 25 students. More than 30 children with special needs and 50+ parents, caregivers, special educators, and rehabilitation professionals participated. The programme supported by faculty and final-year Occupational Therapy students was widely appreciated for addressing a sensitive yet essential health issue with dignity, clarity, and practical relevance.