AUTISM is one of the most common developmental disorders in the world. Also referred to as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), it comprises a diverse group of conditions related to the development of the brain. People with ASD often have problems with learning, social communication, and interaction. These problems could also be found in people without ASD, but it is a challenge for those diagnosed with the disorder.

Diagnosing autism in early childhood is one of the most difficult tasks as there are no specific medical tests, like a blood test. While children may display ASD symptoms in the first year, detection by an experienced professional at the age of two can be considered reliable. 

In India, it is estimated that there are over 18 million people with Autism in India. Statistics also reveal that the number of children in India diagnosed with Autism is on the rise. Factors like low awareness, lack of basic facilities and improper diagnosis, among others, have contributed to a staggering increase in the number of Autism cases in the country. 

Around 1% to 1.5% of the children in the age group of 2-9 years are affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Around 10% of school-going children have been diagnosed with mild to severe learning challenges. 

A major reason for the delay in diagnosis is that the condition is often misinterpreted as mental retardation or even schizophrenia. With the rapid advancement of technology, in-depth medical research is being carried out to determine the causes responsible for ASD.

Some people with autism may be slow at learning and understanding. To help them, some organizations have tweaked their approach and are making huge strides in creating a more inclusive world. 

1. Action for Autism 

Action for Autism (AFA) pioneered the Autism movement in South Asia and strives to assess the rights of individuals with Autism and their families. The key areas of AFA’s work are Education, Awareness, Research, Training, and Advocacy. They direct their efforts to facilitate a barrier-free environment that enables the empowerment of persons with Autism and their families and acts as a catalyst to enable persons with autism to live as fully participating members of the community. AFA has helped over 16,000 families in the past decade. 

AFA also partners with other organizations to increase acceptance of and inclusivity for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). AFA has also successfully lobbied to include Autism in primary disability legislation. It has been instrumental in including Autism in the working draft of the Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2011.

2. Arvind Foundation

Arvind Foundation is a charitable organization with the sole aim of providing equal opportunities and bringing in independent, comprehensive and curative education to underprivileged children with special needs. This includes children challenged with cerebral palsy, Autism, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Down’s syndrome, dyslexia and several other neurological disorders. 

By educating individuals with special needs or different abilities, equipping them with life skills and training them to be as independent as possible, the foundation is bringing them closer to a meaningful and respectful adulthood. From a humble beginning of caring for two children, today they have six day-care centers assisting nearly 140 children and young adults with special needs.

3. Adarsh Charitable Trust

This organization works with autistic kids and focuses on early intervention. They aim at improving communication, cognitive skills, and social skills and also enhance the attention span of the kids. Through music therapy, play therapy, special education, hydrotherapy and many other types of training, Adarsh Charitable Trust is trying to bring a significant change to autistic kids.