Upcoming Trainings & Activities

 

Diploma in Education Special Education (Autism Spectrum Disorders) 2012-2014
Admissions are now closed. the D EdSpl Ed (ASD) is 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).

For reference, you may download the relevant materials:
Admission Notice
Prospectus
Application

Activate Yourself!
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are one of the most complex set of conditions, affecting individuals in the field of social communication, interaction and flexibility of mind. Due to the nature of condition, people with ASD have difficulties in terms of self-advocating their fundamental rights. Therefore 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.

Action For Autism joins a 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) to invite young people with ASD, aged 13 to 30, to join the Activate Yourself! project.

Within the project young people with ASD will meet on regular basis to:

• discuss the challenges they face in everyday life
• learn about their rights, campaigning and active citizenship
• make an awareness video to inform broader public about their situation
• prepare the World Autism Strategy – the proposal of the directives for decision making organizations focusing on the rights of young people with ASD

Besides regularly meeting in their own countries, young people with ASD will also have a chance:

•  to attend the international youth conference in China and
•  to attend the youth camp in Slovenia, where they will have an opportunity to meet, exchange their views on active citizenship and self-advocacy, present their talents and most of all spend quality time with each other.

One of the long-term goals of the project is also to build the firm ground for the future Autism Youth Forum, which would represent the self-advocacy organization, representing the rights of young people with ASD worldwide.

It’s time for young people with ASD to speak out and build their own future! Activate yourself!

For more information about Activate Yourself in India, email us at aailaan.afa@gmail.com.

Visit the Activate Yourself Project webpage!

AFA Parent Child Training Programme
This programme is held three times a year, sessions starting each January, July and October. We typically fill up at least one session in advance of the upcoming training, so we recommend planning ahead if you are interested.

A group of approximately 15 parents train together (with their children) throughout the duration of the programme incorporating elements of different interaction-based interventions. While the programme has typically consisted mostly of mothers, the programme is also available to interested fathers, or any other family members who may be interacting with the child on a regular basis.

The programme seeks to maximize the benefits of the time that a parent spends with her child, teaching focused one on one intervention tailored individually to each child and taking into account the child's strengths, emerging skills and weakest skill areas. One-on-one intervention, in a nurturing positive environment, helps a child with autism to overcome much of the severity of the disorder.

The programme also prepares children to join school set ups, teaching them to learn in a group. Parents work with their children under the guidance of an experienced, trained therapist. They receive extensive feedback and join a discussion group where they can compare perspectives and forge links with parents experiencing similar difficulties.

A primary focus of the programme is to help the parent to understand his or her child, understand autism and the whys of autism, thus empowering her interact appropriately with the child, understand how to teach new skills and address behaviours.The programme runs from 9 am to 12:30 pm everyday from Monday to Friday for 12 weeks. For further information on registration, please contact Indrani Basu at 011 – 40540991 / 40540092 / 65347422 OR send us an email, with Parent Child Program in the subject line at pctp.afa@gmail.com and copy to actionforautism@gmail.com.

Openings for Positions at AFA 

Research Assistant

Note: The position below has been filled, but additional research positions may be offered to qualified candidates at this time. Please contact dr.nidhisinghal@gmail.com for more information.

Computer Teacher

Action For Autism invites enthusiastic and creative individuals who enjoy a challenge, to apply for the position of Computer Teacher at Open Door School. The position offers an enriching work experience and the opportunity to teach usage of computers to individuals with autism and communication differences, individually, as well as in an inclusive set up alongside typically developing children from mainstream schools.

Action for Autism is a pioneering non-profit, education, training and advocacy organization that works to support the rights of children and adults with autism spectrum disorders and multiple disabilities. Established in 1991, AFA is the primary organization in South Asia specializing in Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Applications invited from graduates who have the following:

• Sound knowledge of computer fundamentals including Windows, MS Office, Internet surfing, and similar applications
• DSE(ASD) / BEd / DSE(MR) and/or Graduates in Psychology / Education / Child Development
• Interest in working with individuals with autism

Good communication skills both written and oral essential. Prior experience in teaching children with autism will be an added advantage.

Interested and suitable candidates may send their applications with complete CV addressed to: Ms Reeta Sabharwal Director Finance and Operations at <positions.afa@gmail.com> with ‘Computer Teacher at AFA’ in the subject line.

For further queries contact: Shalini 011 40540991/992 

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AFA Happenings

January - December 2012

July - December 2011

May - August 2010

January - April 2010

September - December 2009

May - August 2009

January - April 2009

September - December 2008

Other News
Although we cull the information from our site regularly, below are a few news items we continue to leave posted since they may still be of interest.

2012

(12 Mar) World Autism Awareness Day: 2nd April, 2012

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 April PLANET 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 Trust Open Palm Court Gallery, India Habitat Centre from 7 pm-9:30 pm Inauguration Friday 6 April 7:00 pm by artist Jatin Das Print invitation Sunday 8 April 6:00 pm Celebrate Diversity: Celebrate Autism AFA Annual Day National Centre for Autism   Sending greeting cards to Ministers and school principals to raise awareness of Autism

2011

(16 Mar) Autism Spectrum Disorder Fellowship in UK
Autistica, a UK charity dedicated to biomedical research in autism spectrum disorders, with the support of Fortis India, has put in place a programme of Mentor-Based Fellowships. Download information about this exciting opportunity!

(1 Mar) Reminder to parents: Under Section 80 DD of the Income tax Act, parents who have a dependent autistic child can avail of a provision that entitle them to tax incentives provided they have the Form 10 IA signed by: 

1. a neurologist having a degree of doctor of medicine (MD) in neurology (in case of children, a paediatric neurologist having an equivalent degree)\
2. a civil surgeaon or Chief medical officer in a government hospital

(25 Feb) Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2011, Working Draft (9th February 2011 version) We urge all families and professionals to review the working draft.

(1 Feb) Discussion on the new Law held on Saturday, 12 February from 9-1:30 pm with a focus on developmental disabilities. This discussion will precede the state level consultations. The consultations for Delhi NCR will take place on 18 and 19 February 2011, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on both days. We hope that some of the participants at the discussion will be able to join in for the state consultations.

2010

(1 Dec) The Centre for Disability Studies at NALSAR University of Law has prepared the Draft of the new disability law to replace the Persons with Disabilities Act 1995. There is also an explanatory note for the draft.

Join us for an important open discussion for Autism Spectrum Rights Alliance
The NEW LAW and CAPACITY
at 10:00 am on Saturday 4 December
The National Centre for Autism

(30 May) Story about AutismCare Nepal and the connection to AFA

(22 May) AFA Psychologist presents paper at the International Meeting for Autism Research in Philadelphia
With more than 1700 people in attendance, IMFAR 2010 represented the largest gathering of autism scientists and researchers yet. Dr Nidhi Singhal spoke on the recent data collection associated with the AFA Aap Ki Antara Helpline.

(10 April) Times of India article on designer Ritu Beri's fashion show to benefit AFA

(9 April) Disability leaders attend the Consultation on ‘Disability and Census 2011’
The task at hand was to draft a fresh question on disability and related guidelines for the enumerators’ manual to be incorporated in Census 2011. Read interview from Disability Information News Service.

Take a look back at some of the events from previous World Autism Awareness Days in India & South Asia:

World Autism Awareness Day 2010

Light It up Blue in all important buildings:   AFA joined Autism Speaks, North America’s largest autism science and advocacy organization in its international campaign called Light It Up Blue , where landmarks around the world turned their lights blue to shine a bright light on autism on April 2nd. Buildings in India included:
Delhi: India Gate, India International Centre, the Lotus Temple, Red Fort Kolkata: Victoria Memorial and the Asiatic Society
Jalandhar: Guru Nanak Mission Hospital, Clock Tower, Niku Park, Prithvi's Planet, the Radisson Hotel, and other entertainment areas.

In other countries, this included the Empire State Building in New York, USA; Sydney Opera House in Sydney, Australia; Christ the Redeemer Statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth, UK; CN Tower in Toronto, Canada; Bell Tower in Perth, Australia, and hundreds of others.

Art Carnival 1 April, India Habitat Centre. An art competition for children from mainstream as well as special needs schools to create and encourage awareness, bonding and inclusion to be assisted and judged by artists Sudhir Pillai, and Sonia Rodrigues. Photos coming soon!

Free Consultations. 1 April, India Habitat Centre. A free clinic that provided consultations to parents by Paediatricians, Dentist, Psychologist, Nutritionist, Occupational Therapist, Special Educators, Music Therapist and Social Worker among others in a single sitting.

Meeting with Honorable Chief Minister of Haryana Shri Bhoopinder Singh Hooda   On 2 April 2011 a group of children with autism and their parents met with the Honorable Chief Minister to present  the Autism Charter. See media coverage here.

Awareness in all National Trust Registered NGOs all oner India: Dispatched WAAD greetings and posters on autism to all National Trust Registered NGOs  all over India

Performance by children with autism: On 10 April, children with autism put on skits, sing songs, and performed  in a play at the National Centre for Autism in Jasola Vihar.

See photos and events from WAAD 2010.

World Autism Awareness Day 2009

Message from the Indian President for WAAD
Press Coverage and Reports on WAAD from throughout India 2009
WAAD 2009 list of events in Bangladesh, India & Pakistan
Message from the UN Secretary General on WAAD 2009

World Autism Awareness Day 2008

Press Coverage and Reports on WAAD from throughout India
Events in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka
WAAD message from U.N. Secretary General
WAAD message from the President of India

Resources available on autism in Kannada:

AUTISM IRUVA NIMMA MAGUVIGE HEGE SAHAYA MADABAHUDU?
Original English Title: AUTISM – HOW TO HELP YOUR YOUNG CHILD

By Leicestershire  Country Council and Fosse Health Trust
Rendered into Kannada by Dr. C.R. Chandrashekar,
Professor of Psychiatry and Deputy Medical Superintendent
NIMHANS, Bangalore – 560 029.

Price: Rs. 80

‘AUTISM’ MAKKALA LALANE – PALANE (Kannada)
Original English Title: WHY DOES CHRIS DO THAT?

By Dr. Tony Attwood
Rendered into Kannada by Dr. C.R Chandrashekar,
Professor of Psychiatry and Deputy Medical Superintendent
NIMHANS, Bangalore – 560 029.

Price: Rs. 45

Both books published in 2009
by NAVAKARNATAKA PUBLISHERS PVT. LTD
Embassy Center, Crescent road, Bangalore 560001
Phone 080-22293580, 30578022

 

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