About the Organisation: This organisation, in a quiet and laid back corner of the city, has worked since 1991 with autistic children and their families to support and enable them to live as fully participating members of the community. The organization acts as a main centre for autism in India. Families from all over the country come to them for diagnosis and training so that they can go home with the knowledge and methods to cope. A special school for autistic children now forms an integral part of the activity this organisation undertakes.

Who they are: This pioneering organisation has become India's authority on autism since it was founded in 1991 and now draws people from all over the sub-continent who want to learn more about the condition.

Its vision is "A society that views the interdependence of people of every ability as valuable and enriching and seeks to provide equal opportunities for all."

What they do: In the organization's own words, its aim is to: "facilitate a barrier free environment; to empower families of persons with autism and to act as a catalyst for change that will enable persons with autism to live as fully participating members of the community".

Research, training, working with families, working with organizations in India and around the world - all these are part of realizing the project's aims. In Delhi, it runs an open door school to help children with autism but it also asks their parents to come in and watch how and what their children are learning. It also runs special sessions for the childrens' brothers and sisters to help them understand their special needs and skills.

What you can do: Like all non-profit organizations this project relies heavily on volunteers. Communication is a key to helping autistic children so if you love children and love to communicate, what more do you need? Autistic children are visual learners and need a structured environment. You'll receive training to develop your communication and teaching skills and the more of your time and energy you give to the children and to their families the more you'll develop your communication and leadership skills.