Parents establish autism center in Pune for long-term care

Pune: A group of 25 parents has come together to create a special centre for individuals with autism. This centre, located in Devadi village, aims to provide both residential care and training for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). With one in 65 children in India affected by autism, there has been a significant lack of resources available for long-term care. The parents, led by Supriya Deshpande, formed the Purandar Autism Caregivers Foundation (PACF) in 2013. They aimed to create a sustainable care model for their children and others in need. With support from local organizations, they purchased three acres of land and built the Autism Research and Training Centre (ARC). The centre can accommodate up to 48 residents, half of whom are the parents' own children. The other half will include individuals from marginalized families who may struggle to afford lifelong care. The ARC has established a structured transition programme to help residents gain life skills and prepare for independent living. Currently, residents are aged between 14 and 27. To assist the residents, each will have a dedicated caregiver at the ARC. The centre has also set up a transition facility in Pune, where individuals can spend time away from their parents under supervision. This helps them adjust before moving to the residential centre. ARC also focuses on outreach efforts. It offers day-boarding for families with limited access to autism resources and conducts awareness workshops in schools. The centre provides training for parents and teachers, as well as medical camps for screenings and diagnoses. Free or subsidized therapy options are also available, including speech and behavioral therapy. Dr. Samapada Patwardhan, one of the founding parents, emphasized the importance of building a community where autistic individuals can thrive, not just be cared for. The efforts by parents and professionals at ARC are setting a new standard for autism care in India.