BMC Launches Autism Centres In Mumbai To Support Children With Special Needs

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced the creation of dedicated autism centres across the city to support young children exhibiting symptoms of autism, depression, epilepsy, and hyperactivity, according to a Hindustan Times (HT) report. This initiative, introduced in the BMC's educational budget, will be funded under 'Mission Sampoorna' and aims to provide early intervention for these children. Initially, two to four centres will be set up.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that affects social communication, interests, and repetitive behaviours. While autism is a lifelong condition, early intervention is crucial to helping children manage these challenges effectively. The support required can vary among individuals, and the BMC's move aims to offer the right guidance at an early stage.

Prachi Jambhekar, the deputy commissioner (Education) at BMC, highlighted the growing awareness around mental health and developmental issues. "With increased awareness, kindergarten teachers are more vigilant about identifying developmental issues. In the 1,100 BMC-run kindergartens in Mumbai, many children are showing signs of autism, along with symptoms of depression, epilepsy, and hyperactivity," she said, as per the HT report.

The autism centres will provide necessary interventions and counselling for children and their parents. These centres will offer a different teaching approach for children on the autism spectrum while also educating other students on how to interact with them sensitively. "This initiative aims to ensure children with autism receive the appropriate support they need," Jambhekar added in the same report.

The BMC currently runs 18 special-needs schools, but these new centres will operate separately. Some classrooms in BMC schools will be repurposed for the centres, and their locations will be based on the number of children identified with these conditions in nearby schools. Non-governmental organisations will assist with the implementation. The initiative will begin with two to four centres, with plans for expansion based on performance and need.