Autism is a common lifelong neuro developmental condition characterized by challenges in language and communication. According to WHO statistics, 1 in 160 individuals has Autism. In the Indian subcontinent alone about three million people live on the autistic spectrum. The disorder in itself makes it difficult for the individual to live stress-free.On top of that, studies indicate that in countries such as India most parents try to hide the diagnosis. This is because of the social stigma associated with the condition. Many individuals require lifelong care and support. In a country like India, where mental health issues are not given due importance, conditions like autism have additional taboos attached to them. This makes the patients and their families shy away from seeking adequate help. In its' first, India Autism Center, founded by Mr. Suresh Kumar Somani, is a groundbreaking initiative. The center is a residential and educational facility that will include residential facilities, vocational training units, a school, therapy and intervention services, an OPD unit, and an emergency medical care facility.
What led to this innovation?
Autism is a poorly understood condition in India. This adds to the pressure on the individual with the condition. When children suffering from autism are sent to regular schools, they are not able to cope resulting in further complications. Even within the medical and psychological community, the misconceptions have been high. Mr. Suresh Kumar Somani the Joint Managing Director of Ratnabali Investment Pvt Ltd is a father to a 26-year-old Autistic Adult who understood these hardships. This is what led to the foundation of this not-for-profit organization center, India Autism Center. It was his experience that helped him understand the kind of help that an autistic person would need even as an adult. His wife and himself would often worry about their son’s future without their presence. The thought behind the project is to comprehensively tackle the lack of quality care and support services for the Autistic population and their family members. For better insights, the India Autism Center has also collaborated with Autistic individuals in designing educational services. This makes the program more relatable.
Heroes who are making this a reality
The project has onboard prominent figures in the fields of Mental Health, Neuroscience, and Disability studies. The key leaders include Parmeet Soni, an eminent Clinical Psychologist, and Dr. Bhismadev Chakrabarty, Director of the Center for Autism at the University of Reading. Notably, the Sirakole located center is not just the first in India, but also the entire globe. The center would have a daycare center for children, adolescents, and adults, a hostel facility, a hotel, an administrative wing, and a college for the training of teachers to deal with such conditions. It spans approximately 40 acres and will be able to accommodate 350 Autistic Adults. Not only this but bit the center will also conduct research on Autism and allied conditions in its research wing. Mr. Somani wants to produce its kind center and will be working on more international partnerships for the same.
Conclusion
Autism still remains a widely misunderstood and neglected condition. India Autism Center strives to produce a world-class amenity for families with autistic members. Mr. Somani aims to make the center a community where people with autism and their family members can comfortably call their home. He hopes to accomplish all this through his compassion for the cause.