As the mother of an autistic child and a coach for parents with special needs children, I can tell you that the journey we undertake is one filled with numerous challenges, interspersed with small hard-fought victories. When my little one was diagnosed, seeking clear guidance and accessing reliable support was incredibly hard. I was greeted by one closed door after another — the reality of limited resources and countless unknowns making it exceedingly tough to ensure the best care for my child.

Even with a family income of ₹30 lakhs per annum in Bangalore, affording the necessary therapies for my child is a balancing act that never seems to end. The costs continue to mount, and there is an ever-present struggle to provide everything that's needed.

Our story is not an isolated case. Many families across India face similar struggles. That's why it's crucial to make therapy centers available more widely across India. Mandatory early developmental screening and early intervention services at grassroots levels will assist in identifying and aiding children with autism at the earliest.

We cannot overlook the need for price regulation in autism therapies. This will prevent healthcare providers from charging unaffordable rates, allowing more families access to these crucial treatments. Additionally, improving therapy standards and building extensive autism awareness campaigns are pivotal to an inclusive society.

We need the establishment of special education in all schools, more potent financial and emotional support for families, increased funding for autism research and development, and strict implementation of policies supporting the autistic community.

We demand the following key initiatives:

• Availability of Therapy Centers: Ensure accessible therapy centers in every district across India to provide essential services to individuals with autism.
• Mandatory Early Developmental Screening: Implement mandatory early developmental screening for all children nationwide to ensure early diagnosis and intervention.
• Early Intervention Services: Provide early intervention services at grassroots levels to support children with autism from an early age.
• Price Regulation in Therapies: Enforce price regulations to make autism therapies affordable for all families, regardless of economic background.
• Quality Improvement in Therapies: Ensure continuous quality improvement in therapies and update skills of therapists with the latest available treatments.
• Extensive Autism Awareness: Launch nationwide campaigns to raise awareness about autism, reduce stigma, and promote acceptance.
• Special Education in Schools: Establish special education programs in all schools to cater to the diverse needs of children with autism.
• Support for Families: Provide financial and emotional support programs for families caring for individuals with autism.
• Research and Development: Allocate funds for research into autism causes, treatments, and interventions to continually improve support systems.
• Policy Implementation: Ensure strict implementation of policies and laws related to autism support and inclusion.

By signing this petition, we are asking the government to undertake these necessary changes. Let's strive together to create a country that not only understands autism but provides the utmost support to those living with it every day. Please sign this petition.