Coimbatore: On World Autism Day, which is observed on April 2 every year, an applied behaviour analysis (ABA) centre for autism was inaugurated at the district early intervention centre in the city on Friday. The centre will offer free daily therapy for autistic children from the poor and underprivileged families, who can’t afford treatment at private centres, which charge anywhere between Rs500 and Rs3,000 a day.
At least 40 children have registered with the district early intervention centre for the therapy after they were diagnosed with autism.
Named Saathvikh, the centre would be run by city-based Third Eye, a learning centre for autism and NGO Sharanalayam.
Saranya Babu Prasath, founder of Third Eye, said they would initially deploy a staffer to handle autistic children for an hour each. “One person could handle up to six children a day. We expect the children to come at least five days a week for the therapy.”
She said they would hire more staff if they get more children for the programme. They had established a similar centre in Pollachi government hospital two weeks ago.
Dr V Booma, head of paediatrics, Coimbatore Medical College and Hospital, said, “It’s the first district early intervention centre in the state to have an ABA centre for autistic children. We hope this will help the poor and underprivileged access the therapy, so that their children can be rehabilitated and allowed to enjoy a normal social life.”
The applied behaviour analysis, a popular therapy for autism, is a data driven, result oriented approach.