Andhra Pradesh to Launch 125 Autism Support Centers, First in India

The Andhra Pradesh government has announced plans to establish 125 autism support centers across the state, marking the first initiative of its kind in the country. The centers aim to provide specialized support to children with autism, a developmental disorder characterized by delayed mental growth, difficulty in social interaction, speech challenges, and lack of eye contact.

Each center will receive Rs. 27.75 lakh for construction and Rs. 3 lakh for equipment, under the state education department’s supervision. Officials estimate that around 20,000 children in Andhra Pradesh could benefit. Many of these children currently rely on private centers, which are limited and expensive. Success in Andhra Pradesh could lead to similar facilities being set up in other states.

Autism occurs when the brain’s communication with sensory organs is disrupted, affecting speech, hearing, and other developmental functions. Common signs include avoiding social interaction, repetitive play, sensitivity to touch, and unexplained crying or laughter.

Currently, therapy is mostly available through private centers, which charge Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 30,000 per month—costs that many families cannot afford. Rural areas have particularly limited access. The government plans to implement the centers in two phases to broaden access.

Unlike private facilities, the new centers will be based in government schools as Virtual Training Institutes (VTIs). Therapy will initially last four to five months, after which children showing progress will be integrated into regular classrooms. Teachers and classmates will be trained on autism to ensure inclusion and prevent discrimination.

Each center will employ three therapists and two assistants. Private therapists will be hired initially, with plans to train government special educators over time. Priority will be given to establishing 25 centers quickly. The program is open to children aged 6 to 14 and is designed to serve as a model for other states.

“Government-run autism centers will help integrate children with developmental disabilities into mainstream education, ensuring they are not underestimated and receive equal opportunities,” said Sundarapu Vijay Kumar, MLA Yelamanchili and member of the State Advisory Board on Intellectual Disability (Autism).