Mathavam as an Academic Institution

Mathavam, beyond its primary role as a centre for providing early diagnosis and early interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), has also evolved into an academic institution that plays a vital role in teaching, training, and research. This transformation was driven by the growing demand for skilled professionals in the field, the scarcity of specialised training opportunities in the region, and the recognition that sustainable progress in neurodevelopmental care requires capacity building and knowledge dissemination. Through its structured educational programmes, hands-on training sessions, and evidence-based research initiatives, Mathavam has positioned itself as a centre of excellence for learning and professional development in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders.

Teaching Activities

One of the core academic contributions of Mathavam is its commitment to education and awareness, both for professionals and the community. The institution actively engages in various teaching activities that help spread knowledge about autism, therapy modalities, and intervention strategies.

1. Parental Education

Recognising the crucial role of parents in the therapeutic activities and the overall management of children with neurodevelopmental disorders, Mathavam conducts regular parental education sessions. These sessions aim to equip parents with essential knowledge about ASD, early intervention techniques, behavioural management strategies, and home-based therapy exercises. Parents are guided by a multidisciplinary team

comprising doctors, therapists, and special educators who provide insights into their child’s developmental needs and progress. By fostering parental involvement, Mathavam ensures that children receive continuous care beyond clinical settings, leading to better long-term outcomes.

In these sessions, parents participate in:

Large group discussions: Addressing general topics related to ASD and interventions and facilitating peer learning and shared experiences among parents.

Small group discussions: Focusing on specific challenges and solutions in a more interactive setting.

One-on-one training: Providing personalised guidance to parents based on their child’s unique needs.

2. Educating Medical Students

As part of their professorial psychiatry appointment, the final-year medical students of the University of Jaffna undertake exposure visits to Mathavam in small groups to gain better understanding about autism spectrum disorders, learning behaviour modification techniques and hands-on experience in dealing with children with autism. These visits provide students with an opportunity to understand the clinical presentation, diagnostic process, and intervention techniques used in managing those children. The multidisciplinary team actively engages with the students, offering in-depth discussions and practical demonstrations of various therapy modalities. The students also have opportunities to discuss with the parents and understand the challenges of the upbringing of a child with autism. This exposure helps bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world clinical practice, equipping future medical professionals with the necessary skills to manage neurodevelopmental disorders effectively.

3. Enlightening Nursing Students

Similar to medical students, third-year nursing students of the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Jaffna, also benefit from exposure visits to Mathavam as part of their psychiatry nursing appointment. During these visits, nursing students gain insights into the holistic care approach adopted at Mathavam, which integrates medical, therapeutic, and behavioural interventions. The experience helps nursing students develop empathy and competence in handling neurodivergent individuals in their future practice.

Training Sessions

In addition to formal teaching activities, Mathavam serves as a training ground for professionals working in the special education sector and healthcare services. These training programmes are designed to enhance practical skills and promote best practices in ASD intervention.

1. Special Education Teachers

Special education teachers, who play a pivotal role in the learning and development of children with ASD, receive hands-on training at Mathavam. The provincial education department sends these teachers for an intensive two-week training program where they are trained in structured teaching methodologies, individualised education plans (IEPs), and a range of behavioural interventions. The programme focuses on evidence-based teaching strategies, including applied behaviour analysis (ABA), sensory integration techniques, and communication enhancement. By equipping teachers with these specialised skills, Mathavam contributes to improving the quality of education for children with neurodevelopmental disorders across the region.

2. Staff from other Organisations

Recognising the need for capacity building beyond its own institution, Mathavam extends its training programmes to professionals from other organisations involved in disability care and special education. Staff from various institutions receive training in therapy modalities, behavioural management, and early intervention techniques. These sessions foster collaboration between organisations and contribute to a broader impact in the field of neurodevelopmental care in Sri Lanka.

3. Preschool Teachers

Mathavam conducted a comprehensive training programme for preschool teachers aimed at enhancing their ability to support children with ASD in educational settings. Led by Mathavam’s multidisciplinary team, the program focused on the early identification of developmental delays and the use of behavioural and communication techniques. This initiative aimed to empower teachers with practical skills and knowledge, fostering a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for young children.

4. Continuous Professional Development

At Mathavam, continuous professional development has become an essential exercise due to the high staff turnover and the limited training and exposure that many team members had in interventions related to ASD. To address this, staff members regularly participate in training sessions, workshops and exposure visits that help them build and update their knowledge and skills. These opportunities enable them to stay informed about the latest evidence-based practices in ASD care and improve service delivery.

Research Activities

Mathavam fosters a unique research culture that sets it apart in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders. This culture began with efforts to explore the clinical profiles of children attending the centre, followed by an investigation into the challenges faced by parents. Building on these foundational studies, Mathavam continues to prioritise research as a core component of its mission. The institution offers a dynamic platform for developing and evaluating innovative therapeutic approaches, all grounded in rigorous scientific methods. By maintaining a strong emphasis on evidence-based

practice, Mathavam ensures that children receive interventions that are both effective and supported by empirical research.

Knowing the Unknown

Through our research efforts, Mathavam strives to uncover the less-explored dimensions of neurodevelopmental disorders. We have delved into areas such as the diverse clinical presentations observed in children, the emotional and practical difficulties experienced by their parents, and the challenges faced by therapists in delivering consistent and effective care. These investigations not only enhance our understanding of the lived experiences of all stakeholders but also guide the development of more tailored and empathetic therapeutic strategies.

Creating Evidence

One of the core principles at Mathavam is the implementation of evidence-based therapies. Two key therapeutic interventions, structured physical activity programmes and music therapy, practised at the centre, are now being substantiated by research conducted at Mathavam itself. These studies have demonstrated the positive impact of physical activity on behavioural outcomes, severity of ASD, social interaction, and acquisition of skills in children with ASD. Similarly, research on music therapy has highlighted its effectiveness in improving behavioural outcomes and parent-reported outcomes.

Publications

Abstracts

1. Sivapalan, S., Sivayokan, B., Raveenthiran, K., Sivapathamoorthy, T., Seevaratnam, T., & Sivayokan, S. (2025, February 17). Structured physical activity as an early intervention for autistic children in low-resource settings. Global Mental Health in Asia 2025 symposium, Singapore.

1. Peranantharajah, D., Theepthy, LAL., Sivapalan, S., Sivayokan, B., Raveenthiran, K., Sivapathamoorthy, T., Aravinthon, & S., Sivayokan, S. (2025, February 17). Integration of South Indian Classical music to augment the interventions for autistic children: an experimental model. Global Mental Health in Asia 2025 symposium, Singapore.

1. Sivapalan, S., Sivayokan, B., Raveenthiran, K., Sivapathamoorthy, T., Seevaratnam, T., & Sivayokan, S. (2024, November 12). The effect of structured physical activity on behavior, sensory profile, and skill acquisition in autistic children. International Research Conference on Healthy Delights – 2024, organized by the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Jaffna.

1. Sivapalan, S., Sivayokan, B., Raveenthiran, K., & Sivayokan, S. (2024, August 7). Sensory issues, their impact, and selected correlates among autistic children attending a center for neurodevelopmental disorders in northern Sri Lanka. Jaffna Medical Association Congress 2024 organized in collaboration with International College of Surgeons United States Section.

- Sivayokan, S., Kumanan, T., Sathiadas, MG., Sivapathamoorthy, T., & Sivayokan, B. (2021, January 22-23). The current trends and challenges among children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A retrospective descriptive study in a neuro-developmental center. 5th Biennial Scientific Conference of Sri Lanka Association for Child Development, Colombo, Sri Lanka.

- Tharmila S, Hasthanee R, Sivayokan S. The boon for hope and hard work: A case illustration of autism recovery in Jaffna. Proceedings JMA-September – 2022

- PAD Coonghe, Sobitha, S ,Thashika, K., Mythili, T., Sivayokan, S. Coping pattern and related selected factors among parents of children with autism attending to a special school in Northern Sri Lanka. 51st Asia Pacific Academic Consortium for Public Health (APACPH) at Bangkok, Thailand. 2019

Papers

1. Sivapalan, S., Sivayokan, B., Raveenthiran, K., & Sivayokan, S. (2024). Sensory Issues and Their Impact Among Autistic Children: A Cross-Sectional Study in Northern Sri Lanka. Cureus, 16(10), e72130.

1. Sivayokan, B., Sivayokan, S., Kumanan, T., Sathiadas, MG., & Sivapathamoorthy, T. (2023). The Characteristics of Autistic Children Attending a Neuro-Developmental Center in Northern Sri Lanka. Cureus, 15(3), e35970.

1. Sivayokan, B., Sivayokan, S., Kumanan, T., Sathiadas, MG., & Sreeharan, N. (2023). Establishing a novel partnership model to deploy health services for children with autism in a low-resource setting –experience from Sri Lanka. Lancet Regional Health

– Southeast Asia, 17.

In conclusion, Mathavam’s evolution from a clinical centre to an academic institution has had a profound impact on the fields of education, training, and research in neurodevelopmental disorders. By offering structured teaching programmes for undergraduate healthcare students, providing hands-on training for special educators and professionals, and spearheading evidence-based research, Mathavam is shaping the future of neurodevelopmental care in Sri Lanka. The institution’s commitment to integrating knowledge with practice ensures that children with ASD receive the best possible interventions while also preparing the next generation of professionals to address the unique challenges in this field. As Mathavam continues to expand its academic footprint, it stands as a beacon of excellence in Northern Sri Lanka.