Autism Support and Resources in India
Autism (ऑटिज़म) support in India is growing. National organisations, government schemes, and local NGOs now offer diagnosis, therapy, education, and family support across the country. This guide lists the main resources for autistic people and their families, sorted by type and location.
This page lists resources for information only. Being listed here does not mean we recommend them. Always check services directly with the organisation. Last checked March 2026.
National Organisations
Action for Autism (AFA) — Delhi
India's top autism organisation. Offers diagnosis, therapy, and training for doctors and teachers. Runs the Open Door School for autistic children. Shares resources in English and Hindi. Also works with the government on autism policy.
NIEPMD — Chennai
National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities. A government centre that offers check-ups, therapy, job training, and teacher training. Services are available at low cost.
Ummeed Child Development Center — Mumbai
Non-profit centre that offers check-ups, therapy, and family support. Known for going out to communities and training local health workers. Also offers video call meetings for families outside Mumbai.
Com DEALL (Communication DEALL) — Bangalore
A trust that gives early help to children with autism and development delays. Created the Com DEALL Developmental Checklist, a screening tool used across India. Offers programmes at their centre and at your home.
Autism Parents Foundation (APF)
Run by parents, working across many states. Helps parents feel stronger, runs awareness drives, and connects families with services. Also pushes the government for better policies for autistic people.
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Government Schemes for Autism
ADIP Scheme (Assistance to Disabled Persons)
Gives helpful devices and equipment free or at low cost to people with disabilities, including autism. Available through government-approved organisations. There is an income limit (currently ₹20,000 per month).
Disha (Early Intervention and School Readiness)
A scheme under the National Trust for Welfare of Persons with Autism. Gives day care, therapy, and school preparation for children aged 0-10 years with autism. Centres across India offer this for free.
Vikaas (Day Care)
Day care programme for autistic people above 10 years old. Teaches life skills, job skills, and how to take part in the community. Run through National Trust-registered organisations.
Samarth (Respite Care)
Gives short-term stay and care for people with disabilities when their main caregiver cannot look after them (due to illness, emergency, or other reasons). Available through National Trust-registered organisations.
Resources by State
Delhi / NCR
- Action for Autism — diagnosis, therapy, school
- AIIMS Delhi — Child Psychiatry OPD for assessment
- Tamanna Association — special education and vocational training
- National Trust Delhi office — scheme applications
Mumbai / Maharashtra
- Ummeed Child Development Center — assessment, therapy, tele-consult
- ADAPT (formerly The Spastics Society of India) — inclusive education
- KEM Hospital — child development doctors
- Forum for Autism — parent-led support network
Bangalore / Karnataka
- NIMHANS — top centre for autism check-ups and research
- Com DEALL — early help for children and community programmes
- Association for People with Disability (APD) — inclusive education
- Sparsh Special School — education for autistic children
Chennai / Tamil Nadu
- NIEPMD — assessment, therapy, and vocational training
- We Can Foundation — autism education and awareness
- Institute of Child Health — child development check-ups
- Bala Vidyalaya — inclusive school programme
Kolkata / West Bengal
- IICP (Indian Institute of Cerebral Palsy) — includes autism services
- Autism Society West Bengal — awareness and parent support
- Child Development Centre, NRS Medical College — assessment
Hyderabad / Telangana
- NIEPID (Secunderabad) — assessment and training centre
- Rainbow Children's Hospital — child development doctors
- Autism Speaks Hyderabad chapter — parent support
- Sweekar Academy — special education and vocational training
Insurance and Financial Support
Autism therapy can cost a lot over time. Here are the main ways to get financial help in India:
- Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY): Mainly covers hospital stays. Autism therapy is mostly outpatient (you go home the same day), so direct coverage is limited. Check with your state health department for any extra benefits.
- Section 80DD tax saving: If you care for a person with disability (including autism), you can save ₹75,000 (or ₹1,25,000 for severe disability) per year on income tax.
- National Trust schemes: Disha, Vikaas, and Samarth give free or low-cost services through registered organisations.
- State disability pensions: Many states give monthly money (usually ₹500-₹2,500/month) to people with disability certificates.
Online Resources and Helplines
- National Trust (Delhi): 011-65216000
- NIMHANS helpline: 080-46110007
- AIIMS Autism Helpline (toll-free): 1800-11-7776
- Tele MANAS (national mental health): 14416 or 1800-891-4416
- Vandrevala Foundation (24/7 mental health): +91 9999 666 555
- UDID Portal: swavlambancard.gov.in — apply for disability certificate online
- National Trust website: thenationaltrust.gov.in — scheme applications and registered organisation directory
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there any free autism therapy available in India?
Yes. Government centres like NIMHANS (Bangalore), AIIMS (Delhi), and NIEPMD (Chennai) offer low-cost or free therapy. Under the ADIP scheme, helpful devices and therapy support may be free for families below the income limit. Some NGOs like Action for Autism and Ummeed also set their fees based on what the family can pay.
Does Ayushman Bharat cover autism treatment?
Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) mainly covers hospital stays. Autism therapy is usually done as an outpatient (you go home the same day), so direct coverage is limited. But some states have added child development therapies to their health plans. Check with your local government hospital or district health office for the latest details in your state.
What therapy is best for autistic children in India?
The best-proven therapies for autism are speech therapy, occupational therapy (helps with daily life skills), and Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) or other behaviour-based methods. The best plan depends on what your child needs. A child development doctor can suggest the right mix. Be careful of any therapy that says it can “cure” autism — there is no cure, but the right support helps children build skills and become more independent.
Are there autism support groups for parents in India?
Yes. Most big cities have parent support groups. Action for Autism (Delhi) holds regular parent meetings. Ummeed (Mumbai) has family support programmes. Many parent groups also run on WhatsApp and Facebook. Search for “autism parent support [your city]” to find local groups. Talking to other parents who understand what you are going through can give you a lot of strength.
Can my autistic child attend a regular school in India?
Yes. Under the Right to Education (RTE) Act, every child has the right to go to a nearby school. Schools cannot say no to a child because of disability. Many autistic children do well in regular schools with the right support. Some children may do better with a special teacher or shadow teacher. Talk to the school about what help your child needs.
Last updated: March 2026
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