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Action
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Welcome to the Action For Autism Website!
We are Action For Autism (AFA): the pioneering, national and non-profit autism society of India. We provide support and services to persons with autism and those who work with them in South Asia. Founded in 1991, we are a parent organisation began with the goal to "put autism on the Indian map." Awareness of autism in India has grown tremendously in the past decade, and our activities have also changed to meet current needs in India. We work through direct services, advocacy, and research to improve the lives of children with autism and their families. We are an Indian organisation, and our efforts are focused on the needs of those in India. We are also committed to assisting other countries in South Asia achieve legal recognition of autism and develop services for children and families. To more effectively orchestrate national activities for autism, we relocated to the AFA National Centre for Advocacy Research and Training in 2006.
Welcome to our website. We hope you will enjoy learning more about autism in India and the services available through Action For Autism. We look forward to your comments, questions, and feedback!
Our Vision:
A society that views the interdependence of people of every ability as valuable and enriching and seeks to provide equal opportunities for all.Our Mission:
To facilitate a barrier free environment; to enable the empowerment of persons with autism and their families; and to act as a catalyst for change that will enable persons with autism to live as fully participating members of the community.
(13 May) The Maldives First Lady Madam Ilham Hussain visits AFA. We enjoyed meeting First Lady Hussain and discussing the ways in which India and the Maldives can work together to improve services for children with ASD in the Maldives. Read more
The M-CHAT is a scientifically validated tool for screening children between 16 and 30 months of age to assess their risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The automated version offers free online scoring and recommendations, with the ability to review, print and save the results so that they can be shared with a child’s doctor or other developmental specialist.
The Music Therapy Academy, set up in partnership with UK-based non-profit organisation, Music Therapy Trust, will train Indian musicians to make a difference in the lives of children affected by trauma, illness or multiple psychosocial or cognitive challenges by offering an international post-graduate diploma in clinical music therapy. AFA is pleased to house the academy in our facility and look forward to ongoing work with Music Therapy Trust!
Caring for High Functioning Autism
...and more!As always, back issues of the Autism Network from 1994 onwards are available online at no charge.
AFA is now accepting admissions for a full-time, two-year Diploma course that will train people to become special educators and screen, assess, and educate persons with autism in individual and group settings in inclusive and special needs setups. Recognized by Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI), the Diploma in Education Special Education (Autism Spectrum Disorders) [D Ed Spl Ed (ASD)]
and conducted in affiliation with Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). Read more and download forms and prospectus
World Autism Awareness Day Special on IBN Live Don't miss this excellent 18 minute special featuring a number of citizen journalists, including 18 year old Mitul Verma who starts a friendship group for adolescents with autism.
Workshop on World Autism Awareness Day (Press Information Bureau, GOI)
Community integration is important (Times of India)
World Autism Day: Awareness and empathy can embolden autistic people (Times of India)
20% rise in autism over last 2 years: US study (Times of India)
Classroom for all (The Hindu)
Autism beyond the celluloid clichés (Hindustan Times)
World Autism Day: Photo exhibition to create awareness (Times of India)
Shame: Why won't Mumbai support World Autism Day? (FirstPostIndia.com)
Awareness for autistic people (PostNoon.com)
Deal with autistic children sensitively, say experts (Times of India)
Early diagnosis will help special children (Times of India)
Salman Khan bats for autism (Zee News)
Going beyond the normal point of view (IBN Live)
Policy interventions, schemes for autism on the anvil (The Hindu)
Early care improves speech skills in autistic kids (Times of India)
Buildings to go blue on World Autism Day (Times of India)
Salman supports Autism awareness (Films of India.com)
Autism challenges notions of 'normal' (ExpressBuzz)
Need-based support should be given to autistic children (Times of India)
The fifth annual World Autism Awareness Day is April 2, 2012. Every year, an increasing number of autism organizations around the world celebrate the day with a variety of events and activities designed to increase the awareness and understanding of autism. At AFA, we have planned a series of events that are open to the public and provide an opportunity for families across Delhi and the NCR to come together. We look forward to seeing you there!
Visit our list of international organizations working in the area of ASD.
Date Event Venue and Timing Monday 2 April
Book Release Why Me? By Mr Krishna Narayanan, a young man with Autism India International Centre Multipurpose Hall from 2 pm-5 pm. Light it up Blue Campaign - landmarks around the globe will turn their lights blue to create awareness about autism. National Institutes in Delhi
(also, Char Minar Hyderabad confirmed, Ripon Building Chennai confirmed, and many others)‘Today 2 April is World Autism Awareness Day’ Tickers on TV Channels AUTISM AWARENESS JAMBOREE- Art carnival and Free Consultations from 10 am–12 pm from a range of professionals including psychiatrist, neurologist, pediatrician, dentist, psychologist, special educators and occupational therapists.
Amphitheatre, India Habitat Centre
Inauguration by Shri Anand Sharma, parent of a child with autism and Hon Min of Commerce and Industry Shri Mukul Wasnik Hon Min of SJE from 9:30 am-12 pm.Thursday 5 April
10 am
Workshop for Parents & Professionals on Hanen More Than Words and the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) by Veronica Smith
National Centre for Autism from 10 am-4 pm (prior registration is required to attend the workshop- Download registration.)
Friday – Sunday,
6 - 8 AprilPLANET AUTISM 2012- Group Show by artists on the Autism spectrum showcasing the works of artists on the autistic spectrum from all over India.
Sponsored by the National TrustOpen Palm Court Gallery, India Habitat Centre from 7 pm-9:30 pm
Inauguration Friday 6 April 7:00 pm by artist Jatin Das
Sunday 8 April
6:00 pmCelebrate Diversity: Celebrate Autism
AFA Annual DayNational Centre for Autism
Sending greeting cards to Ministers and school principals to raise awareness of Autism
Christopher Flint and his excellent team from AACTION Chicago will be in India in April to provide hands-on training to teachers working in mainstream as well as special needs schools.The training workshop will be in the understanding and implemention of structured teaching to enhance learning in children with autism and other developmental conditions. Through a three-day activity based interactive workshop Chrisopher and his team will take participants through from the philosphy behind structured teaching to its application in classroom settings. Participants have the opportunity to understand classroom teaching techniques, plan and design a structured teaching program for individuals with autism, and develop and improvise teaching aids under the supervision of experienced trainers. AFA is proud to have worked with Aaction Autism for many years, and each time we have the pleasure of working with Aaction Autism, we have learned more about effective practices to help our students. Read more here and Download flyer
(23 Jan) AFA joins international consortium for Youth with ASD: Project Activate Yourself!
People with ASD often have difficulties advocating for their fundamental rights. The project Activate yourself! was developed to encourage active participation of young people with ASD, empower them as active citizens, make them aware of their role in creating their own future and promote their equal rights and opportunities. The project is supported by the Youth in Action Programme of the European Union.
AFA is proud to be part of this important consortium of nine organizations worldwide (Center for Autism Slovenia, Autism South Africa, Vš? Socialini? inovacij? centras Lithuania, Jamaica Autism Support Association, Beijing Stars and Rain Education Institute for Autism, Action for Autism India, Autism Europe, The National Autistic Society UK and The European Disability forum) and invite youth aged 13-30 in India to join the Activate Yourself! project! Read more here Download flyer(20 Dec) Have you visited our list of international autism organizations recently?
AFA has been maintaining a list of international autism organizations on this website since 1995. New countries and organizations are continually added and updated, and outdated information is removed. We have recently added new countries to the list!(5 Dec) Aadhaar – Unique Identification Authority of India: Special enrollment camp for persons with autism and their families was held 19 and 20 of December. For more information about Aadhaar, contact aailaan.afa@gmail.com.
(20 Nov) AFA is very proud to announce that we have received an award for Best Institution (Additional Award) by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, National Awards for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, 2011. The awards shall be conferred by H.E. The President of India at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi on 3rd December, 2011.
(19 Nov) In continuation to our endeavours to increase awareness and develop more training opportunities for parents and professionals working with individuals with autism, AFA recently completed two workshops, Connecting Autism and A Student with Autism in the Mainstream Class Room.
(17 Oct) Thank you to all who attended the AFA Diwali Mela!
(12 Oct) Another busy six months have gone by, and AFA Happenings is our opportunity to share with all our friends and wellwishers what we have been up to at AFA. Read the latest issue of AFA Happenings
(1 Oct) Our annual training workshops were conducted 27-30 September... we look forward to seeing you next year!
(12 Sep) We are proud to announce that AFA has received accreditation through Credibility Alliance. Read more
(1 Sep) We are proud to announce that Action For Autism has been selected as the recipient of an award in Community Leadership (demonstrating leadership in delivery of support services and inclusion of autistic people in the local community and society at large). This award will be presented to AFA on September 25, 2011 at the 2nd Annual International Naturally Autistic People Awards and Convention in British Columbia, Canada. Dr. Temple Grandin is the Official International Ambassador this event. For more information about the Naturally Autistic People Awards, see http://www.naturallyautistic.com.
(19 July) Did you know? Information about rail concessions for the Shatabdi and Rajdani trains
(1 July) Download the The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2011
(PDF copy also available here)(18 May) AFA Staff present their work at IMFAR
Dr. Nidhi Singhal presented work on the Assessment Kit for Autism (AKA) at the International Meeting for Autism Research in San Diego, CA. Download poster.Conducting research with AFA
Autism research in India dates back decaudes. AFA has conducted, collaborated with and supported numerous research studies over the past 15 years. Learn about a sample of these projects and read more information about research collaborations with AFA here.Volunteer For Action for Autism: Information Packet Available
Volunteering for a cause in which you believe can be one of the most rewarding experiences in life. AFA has had the good fortune to have a long history of wonderful volunteers from India and abroad. Each has found a corner of our organization in which to learn and grow, and we have learned from each. We have an ongoing need for extra hands, open minds, and creative hearts. Contact volunteer.afa@gmail.com to learn more about the wide range of options available to you, even if you don't live in India!Meet the AFA Team
We work hard and love what we do. From the front desk to the bakery to the classrooms to the garden...visit our staff page to see us on our website, and then find a time to visit us in personView videos of AFA families aired on Aap Ki Antara (RealPlayer needed: download here)
Achyutanal Guha
Vrinda and Indu
Nano and Indrani
Ishita and Reeta
Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Guide for Paediatricians in India was distributed as part of the AFA Professional Awareness Campaign. Pediatricians are often the first point of contact for families of children with autism in India. AFA is currently in the second phase of a large awareness project among pediatricians. Over 800 pediatricians have received the Guide for Pediatricians, posters on recognizing signs of autism in Hindi and English, and other information about autism. Download these materials and read more.
AFA and Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) India Initiate Inclusive Computer Learning Centre
Through generous support from Adobe India and Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) India, AFA has recently developed an inclusive computer learning centre for children with autism and mainstream school students. This free computer training course is available for children of all economic strata and background; children from a nearby school work with students from AFA. We are grateful to for support in this exciting project!
Action for Autism
Pocket 7 & 8
Jasola Vihar
New Delhi-110025
INDIATel: +91-11-65347422, 40540991/2
Fax: +91-11-40540994
Email: actionforautism@gmail.comDirections to our centre
Credibility Alliance is a consortium of voluntary organizations committed towards enhancing accountability and transparency in the voluntary sector through good governance. Accreditation of a voluntary organisation is different from membership in Credibility Alliance. Membership is only on the basis of self declaration whereas accreditation involves visits and verification by CA and is given only when based on a comprehensive assessment done by CA. Action for Autism is accredited by Credibility Alliance for desirable norms. Accreditation valid from 31 August 2011 to 30 August 2016.
About this site:
As with many aspects of our organization, this site is designed, maintained and operated by volunteers. We are a non-profit organization and rely on friends of AFA to update and provide suggestions for the site. We also have tried to minimize the graphics and pictures to allow for faster uploading, since many families who access our site do not have high speed connections. We welcome your comments about the site, and if you experience problems, please contact us at website.afa@gmail.com so we can improve our site and services. Thank you for visiting!Site last updated on 13 May 2012
