Patna, April 2: Rajeev Gangaul, a 55-year-old teacher, still recalls the agonising days when he had to visit paediatricians in the city to find out why his son Shivam was different from other kids. He is autistic.

It was only when Rajeev contacted Child Concern, a non-government organisation in Patna that works with autistic children, that his son's talent found wings.

Shivam participated in Run for Autism organised by Indian Sports Federation of Autism on Saturday - World Autism Day. Around 50 people took part in the run that kicked off from Eco Park and culminated at Patna Zoo.

"It is important to identify more people with special needs," said Shivajee, managing director of Child Concern.

Shivajee expressed concern over the lack of government facilities for autistic children in the state.

"The state government has no school for such children. There are only a handful of organisations working for the autistic people at present, but the government's help is always welcome."