Andhra Pradesh Opens 125 Autism Support Centres in Government Schools

The Andhra Pradesh government has established 125 Autism Support Centres in state-run schools this year, marking a significant step towards inclusive education, according to Mr. Sundarapu Vijay Sreekumar, Member of the Legislative Assembly and Chairman of the Andhra Legislative Assembly Welfare Committee for Children with Special Needs.

Speaking at the valedictory session of a two-day roundtable on 'Realising Inclusive Education from School to University', jointly organised by Sri Aurobindo Society and Andhra Loyola College, Mr. Sreekumar reaffirmed the government's commitment to ensuring quality education for every child with special needs, from anganwadis to university level.

The MLA called for coordinated efforts among the departments of Women and Child Welfare, School Education, Higher Education, and Health to achieve this goal. He emphasised that inclusive education requires collaboration across government sectors.

Mr. Anthony Thiagarajan, Vice President and Head of Human Resources at Malladi Drugs and Pharmaceuticals, Chennai, participated as an industry partner. He stated that inclusive education is both a social responsibility and an investment in the future of children, families, and communities. He added that industry and society must actively support educational pathways for children with disabilities, noting that 'the future belongs to those who can learn, unlearn and relearn.'

The roundtable concluded with several recommendations: stronger collaboration among government, educational institutions, families, industry, and civil society; continuous capacity-building for educators and parents; strengthening of Bhavita and institutional resource centres with accessible technologies; and development of structured parent support systems.

Ms. Simmi Mahajan, Chief Human Resource Officer and Chief Programme Officer of Sri Aurobindo Society, also addressed the gathering.