The “Early Intervention Centres for Children with Autism” scheme was launched by the Department for the Welfare of Differently Abled Persons, Government of Tamil Nadu. This initiative focuses on early intervention to enhance social stimuli response, imitation skills, language comprehension and usage, as well as appropriate play skills among children with autism. Early intervention is crucial to improve developmental outcomes and mitigate the long-term impact of autism.
Benefits
- Developmental Support:
Early intervention helps children with autism by improving:- Social stimuli responsiveness
- Imitation skills
- Language comprehension and usage
- Appropriate play skills
- Specialized Programmes:
The centres offer targeted interventions and therapies to support holistic development.
Eligibility Criteria
- The beneficiary child must be between 0 to 6 years old.
- The child must be affected by autism.
Application Process (Offline)
- Obtain Application Form:
- Parents/guardians should visit the District Differently Abled Welfare Office during office hours to request a hard copy of the prescribed application form.
- Complete the Form:
- Fill in all the mandatory fields on the form.
- Attach self-attested copies of the required documents.
- Submit the Application:
- Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the documents to the District Differently Abled Welfare Officer.
- Obtain Acknowledgment:
- Request a receipt or acknowledgment from the officer. Ensure the receipt includes the date, time of submission, and a unique identification number (if applicable).
Documents Required
- National Identity Card of the differently abled child (if available).
- Birth Certificate of the child.
- Any Other Document as required by the office.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
What is the purpose of the Early Intervention Centres for Children with Autism?
To provide early intervention services that address key developmental areas such as social skills, language, and play, improving long-term outcomes for children with autism. -
Where are the Early Intervention Centres located?
Centres have been established at SRTC-Chennai and at various locations including RSRTC-Tiruchirapalli, Tirunelveli, Kanniyakumari, Thanjavur, Kancheepuram, Thiruvallur, Salem, Namakkal, Madurai, Erode, Coimbatore, Vellore, Thuthukudi, Villupuram, Virudhunagar, Cuddalore, Dindigul, and Thiruvannamalai. -
What is the age range for children eligible for the program?
Children from 0 to 6 years old are eligible. -
Are there specific eligibility criteria for children with Autism?
Yes, the child must be diagnosed with autism to be eligible for the intervention programme. -
What certificates are required to apply for the program?
A birth certificate and, if applicable, a National Identity Card of the differently abled child. Additional documents may be requested by the office. -
Who is responsible for receiving the application?
The application is received by the District Differently Abled Welfare Officer. -
Where should grievances be addressed?
Grievances should be addressed to the District Differently Abled Welfare Office. Contact details for the Assistant Special Officer can typically be obtained directly from the office or through the Citizen’s Charter. -
How does early intervention help children with Autism?
Early intervention targets critical developmental areas, fostering improved social interactions, communication skills, and adaptive behaviors, which are essential for the overall development and integration of children with autism. -
What services are provided at the Early Intervention Centres?
The centres provide therapy sessions, structured play activities, language development support, and social skill training among other services. -
Is there any cost associated with the program?
No, the services at the Early Intervention Centres are provided free of cost. -
Are parents or caregivers involved in the intervention process?
Yes, parents and caregivers are actively involved to ensure that interventions are reinforced at home. -
Can children with other disabilities access these services?
This specific scheme targets children with autism. For children with other disabilities, different schemes may be available.