Govt's Aid for people with Autism

The Rights of Persons with Disability Act 2016 recognizes ASD as a disability. By virtue of the Act now under the 5% reservation in the educational institutions and government jobs, people with autism are also covered.

Further, in 2018, the Indian Parliament amended the National Trust for Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities (Amendment) Bill, 1999.

The 1999 Act sets up a National Trust to enable persons with disability to live independently by (i) promoting measures for their protection in case of death of their parents, (ii) evolving procedures for appointment of their guardians and trustees, and (iii) facilitating equal opportunities in society.

The National Trust has several schemes and programmes available for persons with autism and their families.

Samarth Scheme:
This is a Scheme for residential services, both short term (Respite Care) and Long Term (Prolonged Stay). This scheme provides for residential facilities. In addition, activities include early intervention, special education or integrated schools, open schools, pre-vocational and vocational training, employment-oriented training, recreation, sports, etc.

Gharaunda (Group home and rehabilitation activities for disabled):
The National Trust was set up in the context of parents’ worries that what will happen to their children with special needs when they are no more. In order to provide a sustainable solution to this rather difficult problem, GHARAUNDA -a scheme of Lifelong Shelter & Care was conceived.
The scheme provides assured home and minimum quality of care services throughout the life of the PwD. Adequate and quality care service with acceptable living standards including the provision of basic medical care from professional doctors. Vocational activities, pre-vocational activities and assistance for further training.

Niramaya (Health Insurance):
This is a unique health insurance scheme for persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities. This scheme provides comprehensive cover irrespective of the type of disability, without any selection or exclusion criteria of the pre-existing condition. An applicant may receive insurance cover up to Rs. 1 lakh with a single premium across age bands. Services covered range from regular medical check-up to hospitalization, therapy to corrective surgery, transportation, repetitive medical intervention as an in-patient, pre & post hospitalization expenses, and cashless hospitalization in empanelled hospitals, reimbursement of claims in case of OPD services and treatment through non-empanelled hospitals.

Vikaas Day Care:
A daycare scheme for persons with autism, cerebral palsy, mental retardation and multiple disabilities, above 10 years for enhancing interpersonal and vocational skills.

Travel Concessions:
Railways allow disabled persons to travel at concession fares up to 75% in the first and second classes. Escorts accompanying blind, orthopedically and mentally handicapped persons are also eligible to 75% concession in the basic fare. Submission of disability certificate may be required.