
Our Origin
Story
The greatest barrier for individuals with autism and related conditions isn’t their diagnosis. It’s the world around them.
In India, the reality is no different. Over 4 crore individuals face these exclusions every single day.[1]
Schools shut their doors. Workplaces turn them away. Communities remain indifferent.
But the struggle doesn’t end there. It follows them home, and leaves their families with the question: “What happens to my child when I’m no longer here?”

Our founder was one of those parents. When he sought answers, he only found a void.
Awareness? Minimal.
Autism centers? Scarce.
Support? Virtually nonexistent.
The realization was devastating. And this became the turning point.
He set out to create what he couldn’t find.A community.
A home. An ecosystem of care.
This vision became the India Autism Center, which is dedicated to transforming the lives of individuals with autism and related conditions.
How IAC Is Making An Impact

Care that Lasts
Although the Amrit Somani Memorial Center began offering care in 2009, families needed more.
This led to the creation of the India Autism Center to provide a holistic support ecosystem.

Independence that Thrives
Our life-skills programs help individuals with autism overcome challenges and thrive.
We empower them to lead lives of purpose, dignity, and independence.

Belonging that Grows
Did you know individuals with autism are four times more likely to feel alone than others? [2]
That’s why we’re building an inclusive ecosystem through workshops, outreach, and awareness programs.

Empowering Professionals
Caring for an individual with autism is both fulfilling and challenging.
That’s why we empower professionals with the skills and expertise needed to provide world-class care for autism.

Advancing Research
Bringing meaningful change starts with a deep understanding.
Our research team’s insights contribute to the advancement of how we support individuals with autism in India.

A Home Like No Other
In 2026, Samaavesh will provide a safe and nurturing home for individuals with autism.
By 2028, Phase 2 will expand this vision to serve even more families.
Leadership Behind the Impact
Behind every initiative and every breakthrough is a dedicated team of leaders and advisors committed to transforming lives.

India Autism Center in Focus

India Autism Centre seeks GST exemption for disability support services, calls tax a barrier to inclusion
A white paper released by the India Autism Centre (IAC) in Kolkata has recommended exempting disability support services, such as therapy, rehabilitation, and community-based care, from the Goods and Services Tax (GST), arguing that taxing these services creates a structural barrier to accessing care and puts families into a long-term financial burden.

India Autism Center promotes inclusion with “Sports for All” initiative
New Delhi [India], April 25 (ANI): Marking World Autism Awareness Month, the India Autism Center (IAC), a not-for-profit working for individuals with autism and related neurodevelopmental conditions, organised the ‘Sports for All ‘ initiative on Friday.

India Autism Center Advocates for Inclusive Residential Care Models at 1st National ALFOC Conclave
India Autism Center (IAC), a leading not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting individuals with autism and related developmental conditions, participated in the first National Assisted Living Facility Organisations Consortium (ALFOC) Conclave, a day-long seminar focused on advancing dialogue around assisted living for individuals with special needs. Currently developing Samaavesh, India’s largest lifelong residential care ecosystem for neurodiverse individuals, IAC’s participation reflected its strong commitment to building a more inclusive, informed, and supportive community framework.

India Autism Center Hosts Autism in Practice Sessions for Lifelong Neurodiverse Care
India Autism Center marked World Autism Awareness Month with Autism in Practice, a series of parent focused knowledge sessions held with the Society of Pediatric Neurology, Bengal. The event aligned with IAC’s vision to build Samaavesh, India’s largest lifelong residential care ecosystem for neurodiverse individuals. Leading specialists, including Dr Sudip Saha, Dr Arijit Chattopadhyay, Dr Jashodhara Chaudhuri, Dr Mousumi Mukherjee, Dr Abir Mukherjee, Dr Nandita Chattopadhyay, Dr Kaushambi Basu, Dr Pradip Paria, Dr MD Sahidul Arefin, and Dr Siddhartha Nandi, served as panellists.

Kolkata-based autism care centre builds ‘software’ to research therapies for developmental disorders
A clinical care software designed to record and evaluate progress for neurodivergent individuals undergoing therapies is being developed by Kolkata-based care institution, India Autism Center, as part of their large-scale research into neurodevelopmental disorders like autism, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, etc.
The Hindu

Samarth by Hyundai: Building a Future for Autism Care
The India Autism Center is redefining how autism care, education, and independence come together, creating a lifelong ecosystem of support for neurodiverse individuals. From therapy and residential care to vocational training and skill development, the Center empowers individuals with autism to live with dignity, purpose, and choice.
Times Now

Autism myths debunked: Experts on what we get wrong about the spectrum
They are just late talkers. “It’s bad parenting.” “Therapy will cure it.” “Autism is rare.” “Vaccines cause autism.” Despite decades of research, autism remains surrounded by myths and misinformation which influence how children and adults on the spectrum are perceived and supported.
Business Standard

Centre for autism introduced to train nurses for sensitising them in inclusive care
A centre for autism has introduced a training programme for nurses to sensitise them to autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions. The programme aims to help nurses better understand the needs of individuals
with disabilities when interacting with them or providing care.
The Telegraph

To make Durga Puja inclusive, autistic individuals to be taken around 24 famous Kolkata pandals before crowds take over
Two organisations have come together to make autistic individuals participate in the Durga Puja celebrations by taking them around some of Kolkata’s well-known pandals before those sites begin to get crowded.
The Hindu

Serving joy, smashing stigma: How sports can empower children with autism to thrive
On a recent August afternoon, Ballygunge Arena in Kolkata swapped its usual buzz for something more powerful — laughter, cheers, and the thwack of pickleball paddles as children on the autism spectrum stepped onto the court.
The Telegraph Online

Inclusive film screening brings joy to neurodivergent children in Kolkata
The India Autism Center hosted a sensory-friendly screening of Sitaare Zameen Par for over 200 neurodivergent children, fostering inclusion and acceptance. Dr Shashi Panja and actress Koel Mallick graced the event, emphasizing the importance of embracing diversity in mainstream culture.
Times of India

When children led the kitchen: A heartwarming children’s day at India Autism Center
The aroma of freshly cooked food, the clinking of plates, and the sound of children’s laughter set the tone as the India Autism Center marked Children’s Day with a touching Sit-Down Supper and Kitchen Takeover.
TOI – IndiaTimes

IAC to build a centre of excellence at Sirakole: Somani
The India Autism Center is planning to build a centre of excellence (COE) at Sirakole in West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas district, IAC chairman and managing trustee Suresh Somani said on Thursday.
Business Standard

Autism centre works for employability: Skill training to help young adults become financially independent
A residential facility for individuals with autism has launched a livelihood project to make young adults employable. They are trained to make such items that can be sold commercially, making them financially independent. The objective of the skill training project is to make them “employable.”
The Telegraph Online

Caring for son with autism, this couple is now building a township for autistic care
Built by Kolkata-based couple Suresh Kumar and Namita Somani, India Autism Center (IAC) aims to be the first-of-its-kind development centre for individuals with autism. Growing up, Kalpesh faced several challenges arising from autism. Wanting to help him, his parents Suresh Kumar Somani and his wife, Namita Somani, based in Kolkata, travelled across India and abroad seeking proper intervention.
Socialstory

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