Organization
Action for Autism(AFA)
The National Centre for Autism that pioneered the autism movement in India and South Asia — providing special education, parent support, training programmes, and policy advocacy for autistic people and their families since 1991.
About Action for Autism
Action for Autism (AFA) was founded in 1991 by Merry Barua, a parent of an autistic child, at a time when autism was virtually unrecognised in India. It has since grown into the National Centre for Autism — the most prominent autism advocacy and service organisation in South Asia.
What They Do
AFA operates across multiple domains:
- Lifelong support — educational programmes for children and adults with autism, including The Open Door school in New Delhi
- Parent training — intensive workshops equipping families with evidence-based strategies
- Professional training — certificate courses for teachers, therapists, and psychologists across India
- Advocacy — campaigning for autism-inclusive policies, including autism's recognition under Indian disability law
- Resource centre — the most comprehensive autism resource library in India
Who They Serve
AFA serves autistic people across the lifespan — from early childhood diagnosis through adulthood — and their families. Their training programmes reach professionals across all Indian states.
Community Note
AFA follows a strengths-based, rights-centred approach to autism that respects autistic identity and neurodiversity. They have consistently advocated for autistic people's inclusion in mainstream society.
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