Wednesday, Apr 01, 2026 22:45 [IST]
Last Update: Tuesday, Mar 31, 2026 17:08 [IST]
A nationwide survey (May
2025) reflects at least 58% of our countrymen are now aware of “AUTISM” which
was only 17% in 2019 in our country. So definitely, there is a ray of hope and
as a parent of an autistic child we are finding light at the end of the tunnel.
Also, the most significant matter is in the urban areas of our country, many of
us are well aware of different therapies which are usually adopted for regular
training for autistic children along with special school. If we look behind
about ten years, many of us were not even aware of the terminology “AUTISM” and
“Special Schools” for them. These children were classified under “In Born Mad Children or Mentally ill”
group.Now, except in few remote areas of our country (where autism is regarded
as curse), there are awareness in the people. Credit goes to our government and
many NGO’s because we find many institutions of training programmes with
specialized teaching faculties) for their schooling and understanding their
basic needs.
The “2026 World Autism
Awareness Day” theme is “Autism and
Humanity – Every Life Has Value,” highlighting the dignity, equal rights,
and worth of autistic individuals, according to the United Nations. The 2026
observance focuses on moving beyond awareness toward action, fostering inclusive
communities, and addressing neurodiversity as strength. The theme serves as a
call to action against limiting narratives and to affirm that every autistic person
has inherent value as stated by the United Nations.The 2026 theme emphasizes
creating tangible and inclusive environment. The theme also emphasizes that
embracing neurodiversity strengthens creativity and resilience, says the United
Nations.
Though, there are plenty of
specialized schools in metropolitan cities of our country but there are hardly such
kind of schools are available in many urban areas including district
headquarters, sub-divisions, tehsils and rural areas of our country. This the
primary need of our autistic children and I believe all the state governments
of our country should take immediate measures to initiate opening specialized
schools for them. In this connection, this is to be also noted that according
to Government of India initiative now
every normal has a reserve seat in each class starting from LKG to standard V
for an autistic child. This is done as per the advisory board suggestions of
AIIMS hospitals of our country for easy and friendly mixing of an autistic
child with a normal child as well as there should not be any barrier between
them. This regulation has come into force when not only our country but also
the whole world is seeing that in one hundred new born babies, at least 28-30
babies are found to be autistic in nature (source: UNO-2024).
The major question for the
parents of autistic children is “What
will happen to our sons/daughters” when we shall not be there in this
earth? After completing their specialized schools or various training
programmes (as per government rules children are allowed to study in schools
only up to the age limit of 18 years), will they be providedwth “Safe, supported
housing and employment by our governments or specialized organizations NGO’s),
government schemes, and residential communities, focusing on structured
routines, sensory-friendly environments, and vocational training? This is the
need of the hour. We have reservations in government sectors for SC, ST, and
for OBC’s. Why cannot we expect a minimum percentage of “QUOTAS” in various
government organizations (central & state) for providing those opportunities
for autistic boys/girls so that they can settle in life!In most of the European
countries and other developed countries, it’s the government who has these
facilities for autistic children.
There are many NGO’s in
European countries and in our country as well who have taken many constructive
initiatives to appoint trained autistic boys and girls in various occupations
including service boy/girls in hotels, cafeteria, private sector offices, banks
and many more organizations depending upon their learning abilities and working
capabilities. The security and safety matters of these boys/girls are the first
priority ensured by these organizations so that no undue advantages could be
enjoyed by the guests in hotels/cafeteria or in offices as these boys and girls
are very simple minded in nature and there are ample possibilities of
harassment, physical and mental assault as well as cheating.
Like self-financing courses, the parents of autistic children may
develop “Self Help” group where a
minimum of 10 to 15 numbers of children may be under an umbrella of assistance
primarily from their parents support and partially by NGO’s. Even these
self-help groups may approach to the government for providing the basic needs for
their autistic sons/daughters like a secured “Safe-Home/Hostel” where they may
be provided with specialized training programmes and permanent residential
facilities. The financial part related to their food, clothing, and fees for
the specialized teachers and a supervisor (both male & female) will be
borne out by the “Self Help Group”.
If one or two such kind of “Self Help” group can be established in every
district or even in a town, many people will certainly extend their hands for
the future of our autistic children. Children will grow up in due course of time
and if, these “Safe-Homes” initiate
the safety measures of these autistic boys and girls with banking facilities
(by opening accounts with help of legal personal) so that they may be provided
with monthly pensions from the amount deposited by their parents and
consequently an official (appointed by law of legal authorities) and other
medical facilities with help of medical professionals, their parents will
certainly have a “Sigh of Relief”.
Exactly, these kind of self-financed “Safe-Homes” are operational nicely in UK,
Italy, Germany, Greece, Poland, Switzerland, Austria and many developed
countries. In our country, we do have such facilities in Mumbai, Delhi,
Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Nagpur, Amritsar, and Indore.
Opportunity Café in Dumdum,
Kolkata (2025)
These “Safe-Homes” providelong-term
residential care (lifetime homes), vocational training, and "what after us" planning for
families. When we have a child or adult with autism, one of the biggest
questions we always have in our mind: Where
and how to find a safe and supportive residential facility for my son/daughter?
For many families, this leads to exploring assisted living, residential campuses
for autism, and environments designed specifically for neurodiverse
individuals.Since people with autism experience the world differently. Sounds,
lights, textures, people, schedules, and everyday things that neurotypical
people may take for granted can become sources of stress or confusion for
autistic individuals. So, the dedicated campus of the “Safe-Homes” must be designed with these differences in mind like safe
and supportive residential facility for autistic boys/girls/men/women. Also,
it’s not about four walls and a roof. It’s about the environment that built
around sensory needs, safety, comfort, connection, and independence. So, before
deciding where the best place for an autistic person to live, it’s important to
understand the availability of the above issues meticulously. Usually, autistic
persons are sensitive to bright lighting, distressed by sudden movements or
loud noises. They prefer calm environment, spaces with quiet rooms, low sensory
stimulation, and clear layouts. Loud or chaotic spaces often cause anxiety or
discomfort. Well-designed environments can reduce those stressors and helpour
loved one thrive.The right residential environment encourages independence and
providing care, support when needed.Whether it’s vocational activities, daily
life skills, or communication training, the right space in the “Safe-Home”
helps our loved one grow and gain confidence.Occupational therapy, Speech and
language support, Vocational training, Recreational programs, Medical care with
24/7 emergency support should be the integral part of a “Safe-Home”. These safe homes are not only a support for our
autistic children in our absence but also will create many job opportunities
for educated unemployed responsible and dedicated to mankind youths as care
taker, support staffs, cashier, manager and officials whose monthly salary will
be provided by the fund created by the parents in a particular bank.
In Kolkata, Advocate Mr.
Siddhartha Bose and his group (led by Madam Ria De) supporting the autistic
children since 2015. They first initiated with training programme and then
appointed them in their “OpportunityCafe”
at Dumdum. The Cafeteria is running beautifully with all autistic boys and
girls who are engaged in serving, preparation of foods and billing too. You
have to wait outside the cafeteria for your turn. In 2025, Mr. Bose and his
group started their second cafeteria with training programmes at Balluyganj,
Kolkata. Unfortunately, in our region Sikkim & North Bengal (where as many
as hundred plus autistic children are either at home or few of them are taking
specialized training programmes with their parents or some self-help groups)
still nobody has come forward to initiate such kind of concept. We have only
two specialized schools in this region (Goodricke
School of Special Education & Uttoron in Siliguri). It’s high time now,
to extend and join hands together to materialize our concepts and collectively
take a decision of starting a “Safe-Home”
in our region (with the implementation of “National
Trust Act-GOI”: Enables legal guardianship and support services) in Gangtok
& Siliguri and also with the support of our government/ NGO’s/Lions
International for the sake of our autistic children. Remember, today we are
with them, but who will take care of your beloved one tomorrow in our absence?
Author Contact: 9434318330/7076248763
