Making breakthroughs in Indian autistic education
We are from Ayathi, a charitable trust set-up with the intent to serve the community of autistics and we run the one of the first schools in this country with autism-specific art & academic programmes.
What are we
trying to solve?
India has one of the most progressive policies in place for inclusion. But we don't have adequate processes to enable these policies. Ignorance, prejudice & lack of adequate professional options have made Autism in India a huge challenge.
Regular schools or alternative schools, although mandated by the government to provide the required support, are unequipped to handle children with Autism.
Solutions for education, livelihood and assisted living are also few & for the most part, inaccessible. The isolation and marginalization of those with Autism is of an alarming degree.
Severe cognitive regression can not only lead to social isolation and mental illnesses, but is also an active inhibitor in building any kind of sustainable livelihood. We need to start somewhere, and begin the journey towards ending this cycle.
Our Founder's story
Akshayee Shetty
"My whole life I have felt like an outsider"
Today, I am aware that I am a different mind, not less.
However, as a young person, I was overwhelmed by the 'lack' of perspective. Living with fear and swinging between flight, fight or freeze mode is not exactly healthy and so I did develop severe anxiety disorder with depression which I was diagnosed for, much later in my twenties. I have battled anxiety for many years and do so even now.
Being an outsider maybe the real reason why I feel so much at home with Autism.
What we stand by
Plan at scale
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Be a think tank
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Empower with tech
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What our
alumni
has to say!
The kind of growth, self-confidence and happiness I see Adarsh showing when going to SK is something I have never experienced before. At SK, he is loved, accepted and respected for what he is. SK gave a new dimension to this whole spectrum and gave me the courage to dream about something positive.
Rohit Anand
The kind of growth, self-confidence and happiness I see Adarsh showing when going to SK is something I have never experienced before. At SK, he is loved, accepted and respected for what he is. SK gave a new dimension to this whole spectrum and gave me the courage to dream about something positive.
Kalash Cariapa
The kind of growth, self-confidence and happiness I see Adarsh showing when going to SK is something I have never experienced before. At SK, he is loved, accepted and respected for what he is. SK gave a new dimension to this whole spectrum and gave me the courage to dream about something positive.
Adarsh Shetty
Have some questions?
I think I/my child may have autism but I'm not sure. How can I find out?
How is autism diagnosed? Is there a test for it?
Getting a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be difficult since there is no medical test, like a blood test, to diagnose the disorder. Doctors look at the child's developmental history and behavior to make a diagnosis. ASD can sometimes be detected at 18 months or younger. By age 2, a diagnosis by an experienced professional can be considered very reliable. However, many children do not receive a final diagnosis until much older. This delay means that children with autism might not get the early intervention they need.