In a significant move for child development support in Kerala, the Centre for Autism and Other Disabilities Rehabilitation Research and Education (CADRRE) has unveiled its plans for a comprehensive autism programme set to launch in 2025. This initiative promises to deliver crucial screening, assessment, and intervention services completely free of charge to eligible families.
Programme Details and Eligibility
The core of CADRRE's new initiative is a parent-mediated intervention programme. This model empowers parents by training them to become the primary therapists for their own children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The programme is specifically designed for children under the age of six who show early symptoms of ASD. These signs can be initially reported by the parents themselves or identified by a qualified healthcare professional.
For families who qualify, the centre offers an intensive, hands-on training course. Parents will undergo a three-week training programme conducted by a multidisciplinary team of experts at the CADRRE facility in Thiruvananthapuram. This team includes experienced psychologists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists who will equip parents with the necessary skills and strategies.
How to Access This Free Support
CADRRE is actively encouraging families who have concerns about their child's development to come forward. The first step is to schedule a screening appointment. The centre has provided dedicated contact channels for inquiries and appointments.
Interested parents can reach out via phone at 9207650001 or through email at pmi@cadrre.org. Early screening and intervention are widely recognized as critical for improving long-term outcomes for children with autism, making this timely access to professional guidance invaluable.
The Impact of Parent-Led Intervention
This programme represents a proactive and empowering approach to autism care. By training parents, the intervention becomes a continuous, integral part of the child's daily life and home environment, rather than being limited to clinical sessions. This model not only builds the capacity within the family unit but also aims to make therapeutic support more sustainable and widespread, especially for deserving families for whom cost is a significant barrier.
The announcement from CADRRE underscores a growing recognition of the importance of early childhood intervention in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders. It positions Thiruvananthapuram as a hub for supportive and innovative disability rehabilitation research and education in India.
