Guide
Autism in India
Navigating diagnosis, the UDID card, school boards (CBSE/NIOS), and finding the right support team.
The Numbers (2024)
Global and Indian data now suggests Autism prevalence is approximately 1 in 100 children. In India, that is roughly 18 million individuals. It is not "rare"—it is just unrecognized.
1. The Two Steps of Diagnosis
In India, a medical diagnosis helps you understand your child, but a "Disability Certificate" unlocks government benefits. They are different processes.
Clinical Diagnosis
Who: Developmental Pediatrician, Psychiatrist, or Clinical Psychologist.
What: Uses tools like CARS, ISAA, or ADOS to assess social communication and sensory needs.
Why: To start therapies and understand support needs.
UDID Card (Govt)
Who: District Medical Board (Civil Hospital).
What: A legal document certified under the RPWD Act, 2016.
Why: Mandatory for school exam concessions, railway passes, and government schemes (Niramaya insurance).
2. School Boards & Options
Indian boards offer specific concessions for students with Autism (officially termed ASD).
- CBSE / ICSE: Mandatory accommodations include extra time (20 mins/hour), use of a scribe/reader, exemption from the 3rd language, and flexibility in choosing subjects (e.g., Music instead of Math).
- NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling): A flexible, recognized board often best suited for neurodivergent learners. Allows learning at own pace, on-demand exams, and vocational subjects.
- Inclusive vs. Special Schools: Under the RTE Act, mainstream schools cannot deny admission, but "resource rooms" (support centers inside schools) vary by city.
3. Therapy Decoder
Common terms you will hear in the first year.
- OT (Occupational Therapy)
- Focuses on daily living skills and "Sensory Integration" (managing noise, touch, balance).
- ST (Speech Therapy)
- Not just for talking. Works on non-verbal communication, social cues, and feeding issues.
- Special Education
- Focuses on academic learning gaps and adapting the curriculum (IEP) to the child's learning style.
Next Steps