Raising a child with special needs is not an easy task as the parents brave high levels of stress, risk of depression and anticipatory anxiety. Often, the biggest concern is ensuring the child’s welfare if the parent dies or becomes incapacitated, and not all families can afford to place them in institutional settings.
For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), even minor disruptions in their routine can be distressing. Now, the Kollam district panchayat has come up with Aardratheeram, a novel initiative that offers assisted living facilities to autistic adults and their parents. Officials have identified 10 acres of land in Kollam district for the project, and villas will be built to rehabilitate 100 families in the first phase.
While the project provides lifetime care for autistic persons above the age of 20 and their parents, the residential programme will have all the facilities needed for persons with special needs and senior citizens.
