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Autism Centre Transforms Lives, Draws Global Families
25 Sep
Summary
- Centre treats over 250 children daily, attracting families from India and abroad.
- It began with seven students and now serves 25-30 families daily.
- Multidisciplinary services include psychiatry, physiotherapy, and special education.
A centre of excellence for autism and neurodevelopmental disorders in Mohali, Punjab, has evolved into a vital treatment facility, now serving over 250 children and drawing families nationally and internationally.
Initially conceived in 2016 and inaugurated in December 2021, the centre faced challenges and remained non-operational until April 2025, when outpatient services began. Expansion of clinical services occurred in April 2026 with the addition of doctors and therapists.
The facility has grown from seven students to assisting 25-30 families daily, with visitors from Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and 17 families without Indian passports, including those from Canada, Australia, and Saudi Arabia.
Utilizing a 360-degree assessment approach, the centre's 23-member team, including psychiatrists and developmental paediatricians, crafts home-based intervention plans for holistic child development.
Long-term success stories include a 16-year-old boy who learned to stand and walk, and a four-year-old who began responding to his parents after treatment at the centre.
The centre also runs a parent empowerment program every Friday and has conducted over 3,000 therapy sessions. Despite its growth, the centre faces challenges in manpower, funding, and awareness, necessitating additional staff and infrastructure improvements.
An investment of ₹4-5 crore is being sought from the Punjab government, with a private contribution of ₹1 crore already received. The centre operates Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 5:30 pm, with provided helpline numbers for assistance.
