One of the biggest question today in many parents' minds is what happens to their autistic child after they are gone. How can they be sure that even they have passes away, their child will continue to live in a loving, understanding and safe environment. At Action For Autism (AFA) we are keenly aware of the need for long-term support for adults when parents age or pass away, and the family support system is no longer available. There is an urgent need for living options that can ensure individuals with autism a life of dignity in their adult and senior years, that are professionally run and sustainable, and which can act as catalysts for the creation of more such services. That’s where our assisted living centre, Ananda, comes in.
Ananda is a home. It is home to 14 adults with developmental disabilities – Autism and Intellectual Disabilities, and to neurotypical ‘Assists’ where both groups lead fulfilling everyday lives. Located in a pollution-free rural community 30 minutes from the HUDA Metro Station, Gurgaon, Ananda nestles in the picturesque backdrop of the Aravalli. Ananda is a place for lifelong stay. However, Ananda also welcomes adolescents and adults for short stay in times of need: a medical situation in the family, travel that the person with disability does not wish to join in, etc, or just to give our adults a break from their families.
Residents at Ananda lead structured and busy lives. On weekdays residents go to the Workplace. Here they are busy at activities matched to their skills. This includes working at craft items, weaving, computer and office skills, and work on the extensive grounds - planting, weeding, raking. There is a gym and physical activities. Residents also help out with chores at home, based on their ability and interests. Most importantly they learn happy and independent functioning.
True to our philosophy, Ananda is creating an environment that respects diversity and provides a life of dignity and respect where each in individual contributes to the best of their potential.
This Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon 2023, let us #RunForAutism and help us create a home for autistic adults.
Action For Autism is an 80G, 12A and CSR Form 1 compliant organization.
Help us raise funds for our specific needs.
| Project | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| Help Us Create Safe Spaces for Autistic Adults After Parents! | Come and join us in helping us create a space for autistic adults where they can lead an inclusive life with dignity, joy, understanding and independence. |
A big thank you to all those who have donated on this page.
Action for Autism is a not for profit organization that pioneered the autism movement in South Asia, and strives to access the rights of individuals with autism and their families. AFA is involved in lifespan activities including early intervention, education, assessments, work and employment, independent living, as well as awareness, advocacy and research.
AFA partners with organisations nationally and internationally to make the world a more inclusive place for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Through a concerted effort from our various wings: Open Door Clinical Services (Direct services for individuals with autism and their families), AADHAAR (Vocational Centre for adults with autism), Anvay (Research and Trainings), AAHAAN (Publications), AAILAAN (Advocacy), AFA addresses the individual needs of people with autism, their families and the autism community as a whole.
Despite autism often being viewed as a terrible and tragic condition, AFA’s philosophy has been one of acceptance and inclusion. We view autism as a different way of being, often difficult and challenging, but nonetheless, as valid as the non-autistic. AFA respects this difference and we approach all our activities with this paradigm of understanding and acceptance.
Our mission is to facilitate an inclusive and barrier free environment that enables the empowerment of persons with autism and their families; and to act as a catalyst for change that enables persons with autism to live as fully participating members of the community.
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