K-Way Newsletter - April 2025

Message from the Editor

Dr. Kavitha Sundaravadanam
Senior Family Physician

Hello to our dear Kway Readers,

April was the most awaited month for the 90’s kids, I guess!

Being the first month of our summer vacation in India, it was always an exciting time to plan trips, especially looking forward to meeting grandparents at their hometown or catching up with cousins in their houses and playing cricket in the hot sun with friends.

Drinking cool water from the fridge which wasn’t allowed during the school days was all in the holiday package. Not to forget the eagerness to get back to school to meet friends after a 2-month break and to share the most exciting experiences with them was all very special. There was always something left to discuss and talk to our dear ones after a long vacation unlike nowadays where very action is instantly updated in social media and causing more peer pressures than pleasures.

Coming to the travel plans of those days, a few used to plan trips to Ooty or Kodaikanal to escape the heat of summer and a few lucky ones to Switzerland, which was a dream for many. [Read full message]

Dedicated to all mothers who navigate a journey of strength, perseverance, and resilience

Raising my child with autism has been a profoundly transformative experience, filled with both formidable challenges and hard-won triumphs. This journey has tested my patience, strengthened my resolve, and imparted invaluable lessons that I never could have anticipated. When I first embarked on this path, I was wracked with uncertainty and overwhelm, unsure of what the future held. Yet, over time, I found unwavering strength in my child’s remarkable resilience, learned to advocate fiercely on their behalf, and discovered that with the right support, children with autism can thrive and lead fulfilling, independent lives.

Is Autism Neurology or Psychiatry?

Autism is a loose word used in the community to describe persons affected with the autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It encompasses the previously separate entities autistic disorder, Asperger’s disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder and pervasive developmental disorder as a spectrum varying from mild to severe presentations.

Navigating the Challenges of Parenting a Child with Autism: A Paediatrician’s Perspective

As a paediatrician, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside many families on their autism journey. It’s a path filled with unique challenges, but also incredible opportunities for growth and connection. Let’s dive into some of the common hurdles parents face and explore how to tackle them with creativity and resilience.

Immunisation for All – Making It Happen

Immunisation is the process of administering vaccines to people to safeguard them from diseases. It is necessary that people be made aware of the crucial role immunisation plays so that they are more accepting of it.

Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Nowadays, many parents are well aware of this disorder and take their child for evaluation at an early age. Some parents are too anxious and unnecessarily worry about their child’s introverted nature or sad feelings at times. In this article, we shall discuss about common presenting features, various myths about ASD with reality facts, and early warning signs for ASD.

Embracing Neurodiversity: A Collaborative Approach to Supporting Neurodivergent Children

Neurodiversity celebrates the natural variations in human brain functions, encompassing conditions like autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and dyslexia.

Rather than seeing these differences as disorders or deficits, neurodiversity recognizes them as part of the rich diversity of human development. It is essential to foster an environment where these differences are understood, embraced, and nurtured.

Beyond the Stereotypes: Autism Doesn’t Expire at 18

Every year, we observe April 2nd as World Autism Awareness Day – a day dedicated to amplifying voices from the spectrum, busting myths, and advocating for neurodivergent-affirming practices.

“Fuel and Function”: Healing Sarcopenia Through Movement and Nutrition

Sarcopenia is the progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function with aging. The term SARCOPENIA is derived from the Greek phrase “poverty of flesh”.

It was Critchley who was the first to identify (way back in 1931) the reduction of mass of the hand and feet muscles with age. This reduction has adverse physiological as well as psycho-social effects on the elderly since it makes it difficult for them to perform their daily activities, increases fall risk and increases their dependence on others. The loss in independence can lead to social isolation and depression while physical inactivity increases risk of chronic conditions and mortality.

Episode – 4 | What a Woman Should Know? | From Puberty To Menopause | Kauvery Podcast

From puberty to menopause — a woman’s body goes through incredible changes, but how well do we really understand them?

In this episode of the Kauvery Podcast, Dr. Anitha, Senior Consultant – Obstetrics & Gynecology, Kauvery Hospital Alwarpet and Dr. Kavitha Sundaravadanam, Family Physician, Kauvery Hospital Alwarpet break down the key stages of a woman’s life, common health challenges, and how to stay in tune with your body.

Patient Experience

Dr. Muraildharan sir treatment was excellent and full filed… nurses care is excellent, and housekeeping service was top notch. discharge process done very perfectly by the manger… Overall service was very good. Thank to Kauvery… recommended hospital.
– C.P