The Special Child Trust , a Delhi based not-for-profit organisation has launched a new initiative, the Autism Centre for Excellence (ACE), to create a programme for children on the Autism Spectrum from ages 3 to 15 years. The programme, the first of its kind in India, will be completely data driven, and based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Our Philosophy
ACE has been conceived with the vision of improving the level and quality of autism-related interventions in India by assimilating world-class practices within India’s local and cultural context. This will be achieved by creating a graduate training programme specific to autism, where teachers can work in the school environment and can have ongoing professional development via a continuing education format. ACE aims to create long-term intervention strategies in a child’s life from the early years into adulthood so as to understand each child’s strengths and capabilities. It also seeks to maximise learning by providing a consistent and safe environment. The programme will create a seamless environment between teachers, parents, and care-givers so that skills can be rapidly learnt and applied in real life. ACE hopes to create a standardised model of teaching and intervention for autism, which, over time, can be replicated across schools and communities in India. ACE aims to utilise cutting-edge research and standardised educational practices to improve the outcome for children with moderate-to-severe autism. The core philosophy of ACE lies in the belief that individuals of varying abilities can be taught functional skills and communication to lead independent, productive, and rewarding lives as adults. Often, children with autism, who have moderate-to-severe needs, are unable to integrate into mainstream schools and classrooms. ACE aims to play a pivotal role in providing a curriculum that fits the needs and abilities of such children, and prepares them for integration and assimilation to the best of their abilities.
