Tamana Autism Center- School Of Hope

Tamana was the first institution to recognize autism as a disability distinct from others and to start programs for autistic spectrum disorder in 1985. The Autism Center-School of Hope is India's first rehabilitate and research center for autistic individual providing holistic services under one roof - a special school, sensory integration clinic, early intervention center, diagnostic center, research cell and an outreach cell.

His Excellency Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam the president of India inaugurated School of Hope, a full-fledged school dedicated to autistic, on 19 August 2003. State of the art intervention is offered at the School Of Hope for children with severe needs including autistic spectrum disorders and multiple disabilities. This initiative provides productive education and therapy to hundreds who do not fit existing special education programmes. The highlights of the program offered in this school are-:

· A 'life - centered' approach to curriculum planning, there by meeting 5the needs of the child and the family

· A combination of the different approaches to develop a holistic approach, to meet individual needs.

· Some of the approaches on which intervention is based on, TEACCH daily life method, intensive interaction and the therapeutic use of music.

· Behavior management strategies are used on positive reinforcement and gentle teaching; communication and social skills are enhanced using the picture exchange communication system (PECS) and social stories.

· Activities of daily living and managing his/ her environment are taught in a well-equipped room with attached kitchen, bathroom and dressing room. The students learn to make beds, arrange cloths in cupboards, personal grooming, washing cloths, cooking.

Sensory Integration Unit

This is a part of Occupational Therapy clinic and caters to stimulation of individual's sensory needs. It provides multi sensory therapy for tactile, visual, auditory, propriceptive and vestibular sensations. The OT department further provides opportunity for enhancing motor skills after sensory integration session.

The Diagnostic Center: See Services (Link)

Functions thrice a week with a multi- disciplinary team of experts comprising of psychologist/ counselor, special educator, speech therapist, occupational therapist and physiotherapist.

Early Intervention Center : See Services (Link)

People Concerned about Autism (PCAA):

Tamana was probably the first organization in India to tailor its program to suit the unique needs of children with Autism. In keeping with these efforts it launched the Autistic Society, India in 1991. The society has made pioneering efforts to share know-how with parents and professionals in this field. The society now operates under a new name-'People Concerned About Autism'.

The main objectives of PCAA are
-Networking with other organizations; being abreast of any latest developments.
-Providing family support & advocacy.
-Providing quality services.
-PCAA publishes a bilingual quarterly newsletter- 'Autism News' A tele-helpline is also now available:Mon.-Fri-2.00-4.00p.m.

Click here to get to the PCAA membership form.