In our fast-developing world, the most important component (ingredient) is education. Only through education & scientific invention, and discoveries have we advanced to the state where we are. Every parent aspires for their generation to come up, even if they struggle hand, whatever the cost of education is. But not all parents are that lucky. Children born or developing mental disabilities are invisible. A recent survey shows that 1.5% of children suffer from mental retardation, 1% from Autism, 9.6% from learning disability, and 11% from attention deficit hyperkinetic disorder of varying severity.

They are either not diagnosed in the early stage, even if identified, denied by parents, and joining them in a normal school impairs their development and their progress to be independent in the future. Even if they are diagnosed and parents are willing to give special education to them, many schools are suited to guide them. This situation could be better in semi-urban and rural areas. The cost to educate them is not affordable to middle & lower socio-economic populations.

Many children with severe disabilities will not have toilet training; some have behavior problems, self-injurious behavior, anger, and violence leading to danger to themselves and others. These children show disinherited behavior in society and gatherings, and some children will have seizures (epilepsy), for which parents are embarrassed. These children's parents and siblings are stigmatized and outcasts in the community. Many times the mother is blamed for having brought evil to the family. On the whole, the entire family suffers the burden of humiliation, stigma, and financial constraint.

There are numerous causes for disorders - genetic, metabolic, brain injury, brain infection- and the reason is unknown to many. For these children, medical help will be reduced to control their aggression, epilepsy, and for autistic and obsessive features to improve ADHD. But more essential aspects are training in various skills. Good improvement can be achieved if training is started at a very early stage. Many have shifted from special education to mainstream. All these need patience, perseverance, hope, support from everyone, and, more important, recognition.

Support! Not Sympathizes Disabled!

Considering all these and the intention to make special children blossom and make parents feel they are caused, the Athma Education and Research Foundation started Athma Special School as its 1st Project.