Some one very close to me, was diagnosed with mild autism, and it opened my eyes to the countless families grappling with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) like Autism in our country. These families struggle while navigating an insufficient and often unaffordable system of support. A 45-minute therapy session can range between 600 to 1500 Rs, with no guarantee of effectiveness due to lax regulations. As a single voice echoing the concerns of many, I urge our government to take immediate and subs jitantial action.

Firstly, an enhancement in the Nirmaya Health Scheme will be instrumental in lightening the financial burden on affected families. Providing easily accessible medical insurance with a higher sum insured for therapies is paramount. Furthermore, private insurance companies should be directed to create special mediclaim schemes for autism, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for all.

Secondly, effective awareness campaigns about autism and early intervention, spearheaded by the government, is crucial. Many parents remain uninformed, leading to delayed help for their children.

Thirdly, benchmarking our facilities with international standards and providing mandatory special education training to all teachers, will ensure the children receive adequate care and attention in their learning environments. Our schools must not be casual about inclusive education as it invariably shapes the future of these children.

Lastly, but most important thing which is the cause of sleepless nights for many parents is the establishment of specialized hostels with caregivers in every state will give peace of mind to parents, knowing their autism-diagnosed children will receive proper care and lead fulfilling lives, even when they(parents) are no longer around. 

These policies can transform the lives of children with autism and their families. Let's rally for change, sign this petition, and show our government that it's time to prioritize the needs of citizens with autism and other intellectual disabilities.