Special Education for Students with Autism

Autism is a brain related developmental disorder characterized by difficulty in social interaction and communication and by restricted and repetitive behavior. It impacts how one relates with others and the environment, how one communicates and adapt to life’s daily requirement for spontaneity and it lasts a lifetime –ranging from mild, moderate to severe. It is estimated that 1 child in every 60 children has autism and its prevalence is four to five times more often in boys than in girls.

The biggest issue for students with autism and related intellectual challenges is living independently and with integration in mainstream society.

Their behavioural and social challenges, coupled with a broad spectrum of other issues like communication, processing of sensory inputs, poo motor skills make the students ill –equipped to live a life of independence and dignity.

Because of this, many individuals with autism often stay at home, with no means of income, very little quality of life and very low level of independent living.

Swabodhini provides high-quality education, structured training and therapy services. In partnership with parents and society, we empower individuals to reach their potential for all-round development, and transit them to sheltered or open-employment; thus, enabling them to lead an independent life with dignity in mainstream society.

We are a 30 year old organization with 60+ students at centers in Thiruvanmiyur and Velachery. We have students from age 4 to 30. With intensive training, we focus on empowering our students to lead an independent life, where they can perform most of their activities of daily living by themselves.

For students aged 18 and above, we train them in 4 main areas which are:

–Retail skills

--Culinary skills

--Office administration

--Computer skills.

We have identified that our students’ strength lies in flawless execution of repetitive and routine tasks which involve minimal social interaction. Through intensive 18 month training, we also provide internship and placement opportunities for eligible students in corporates.

Along with education, therapy services are crucial for their overall development and Swabodhini also provides ---Occupational therapy

Speech therapy

Fitness therapy

Music therapy

Yoga therapy

Art and movement classes for our students.

Over the years, with our training and intervention, we have been able to successfully place our students / provide internship opportunities in organizations like Gundfos Pumps, MAGC consultants, Writer’s Café, Shankar Netralaya etc.

Also, students of Swabodhini, even within a few months of intervention, shows a significant improvement in their degree of independence in performing their activities of daily living, ability to communicate their requirement and feelings, improved hand-eye coordination, better fine and gross motor skills and also understanding of basic concepts of functional math, English and science.

So far, we have been able to impact the life of close to 500 students over the years. We look forward to the impact and transform the lives of many more students and help them live an independent life with dignity.