An Overview Benefits and Special Features Autism Society of India 60, Vittal Malya Road Bangalore

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1 A Computer and ipad Training Center for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders An Overview Benefits and Special Features Testimonials Why Technology based intervention Upcoming Programme Autism and Autism Society of India Autism Society of India 60, Vittal Malya Road Bangalore

2 Prayas An Overview A Computer and ipad Training Programme for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders initiated by Autism Society of India. It has been financially and technically supported by Sap Labs India Pvt. Ltd for a period of three years. Our project, Reinforcing Potentials has been implemented as an evidence based project, where a process curriculum is followed. Icons - Ujjwal, I Batch Project sponsored by SAP Labs India Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore

3 Benefits and Special Features Prayas aims to reinforce and harness the potentials of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders through the indigenous technology based solutions in their early years of life and give them a chance to become a productive citizen of the society. Prayas has delivered an ON LINE FREE RESOURCE called Daksh accessible through the website called, it can be easily accessed by any person/school/organization across the globe. It can be used in a home based, center based or a community based set up. With the technical support extended by SAP labs, Bangalore India, an ipad app called BOL has been developed which addresses the communication difficulties of non-verbal kids with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Through Prayas, five individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders have been employed at SAP labs India Pvt. Ltd to validate the software. Digital Illustration - Ujjwal, I Batch Project sponsored by SAP Labs India Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore

4 Greeting in Illustrator - Ujjwalika, III Batch Drawing in MS Word - Ashish, IV Batch Greeting in Illustrator - Krithi, III Batch Visiting Card in Corel Draw - Krithi, III Batch Drawing in MS Word - Rishab, IV Batch Drawing in MS Word - Rishab, IV Batch Greeting in MS Word Divya, III Batch Typing Skills in MS Excel - Prathinav, IV Batch House Design in MS Word - Rishab, IV Batch Book Mark - Krithi, III Batch Design done in Corel Draw - Ujjwalika, III Batch Tiny Scooters pencil sketch - Ujjwal, I Batch Pen Drive Illustration - Ujjwal, I Batch

5 Testimonials Anusuya: Anubhav s mother Very well designed programme for children with Autism Focused activities involving computer software and internet Opportunity for children to work independently and creatively. One to one teacher- student interaction. Brinda: Prithvi s mother The programme specifies parents to work along with the child, so we get to know how the child is working- his strength and weakness. The programme is designed according to the level of child, it is child specific For low- functioning kids the time has been efficiently allocated between ipad and Computer. Nasreen: Arshad s mother The programme for me is not only helped my child but also helped me. I got to know his capability. Need to be modified a little for each children Very calm and peaceful atmosphere for Arshad, he has really learnt a lot. Wish it was more than 5 months. A very big thank you to Kavita and all her staff Sita Lakshmi: Divya s mother Prayas programme is awesome and great. The worksheets are really good; they cover all the areas of cognitive function of the children. The programme helps child gain speed in computer typing, functionalizes the child on all the areas of computer, keys, toolbars of MS Excel, Word power point and Adobe Illustrator. The programme is enjoyed by the child very much- highly educative, informative and enjoyable program for ASD kids. Suman Rao: Krithi s mother Individual attention and compatible subjects for each child s level of functioning. Child can put in his/her own perspective in expressing about self. Working on specific deficit areas Engaging in dealing with problematic behavior Possibility of interaction with and links formed with parents of other kids with similar issues. Recognition and Accolades An article in Forbes ( An article in Tech2.in.com/CHIP magazine medium= An article in Word Press A video at SAP TV

6 Why Technology based intervention Autism Spectrum Disorders are little understood in terms of its etiology, these are highly heterogeneous in nature. This situation leads us to look at it only therapeutically. Computers, ipad, iphone, ipod and some other assistive technology based devices like Alpha Smart, go-talk etc. along with some software, have made life easier for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their families. These solutions seem to be the non-threatening tools for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders; where we need to look at issues related to SENSORY- DEFENSIVENESS, exhibited by them. These tools, if used meaningfully, through the earlier stages of intervention, help enhance cognition, communication and thus social skills. In the recent past, technology has brought in lots of hope for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. A few strengths of these individuals, such as unerring focus, attention to detail, scanning ability, liking for an order and sequencing events can be channelized into learning some skills which can be used in the field of technology. Through these technology based solutions, we can look at various avenues of employment too, these can be related to the Internet based activities, Data- entry, Validation of Software, Development of Teaching aids like PECS, Social stories and development of symbols/ clip art through appropriate animation software. Project sponsored by SAP Labs India Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore

7 Upcoming Programme Daksh Vishesh Skill Development Program of Project Prayas Daksh Vishesh aims to develop and implement Skill Development Training Program for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The existing implemented training program at project Prayas has come out as a basic module called Daksh, this aims to reinforce and identify the potential of individuals with ASD. Daksh Vishesh will be an extension of the existing project where skill development focuses on technology based operations such as digitization, documentation (data entry), document management, internet related operations, designing through multimedia software and validation of software. This training program will enable skill development in individuals with ASD where in they will be able to work in open, supported, sheltered or self employment situations. This will ultimately help an individual with ASD to achieve independence, self reliance and thus become a productive citizen of the country. Support Needed We request the Individuals, Corporate, Government of India and all those organizations related to Philanthropy to help us achieve our objective by supporting the project.

8 What is Autism? Autism is a complex neuro-developmental disorder that manifests in children by the age of three. It has a debilitating effect in the areas of socialization and communication, speech and language, cognition, and imaging. The severity of the disorder may vary from mild to very severe and is hence known as Autism Spectrum disorder (ASD). Autism is a unique disorder that requires specific and targeted intervention that is extremely challenging and different from other disorders such as Cerebral Palsy or mental Retardation. What causes Autism? The exact cause of autism is still not known. Recent research indicates that it could be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Incidence There has been a marked increase in the incidence of autism in the past few decades. In the USA it is said to be 1 in 88 ( gov/media/releases/2012/p0329_autism_disorder.html), making it the second most prevalent serious developmental disorder in the world. is a project initiated by Autism Society of India Statistics also show that boys are affected more than girls in the ratio 4:1. Autism Society of India The aim of AUTISM SOCIETY OF INDIA is to function as NATIONAL body for concerted action on all matters relating to persons with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their families. The objectives are to improve the quality of life of individuals with ASD by securing for them all fundamental rights as enjoyed by all citizens under the constitution of India. This includes provision of remedial, residential, welfare and social security services, as well as legal rights and protection. Contact: Autism Society of India 60, Vittal Malya Road Bangalore autismsocietyofindia2006@gmail.com autismsociety@gmail.com Visit us at: The donations to the society are exempted from the Income Tax under section 80G vide Notification No. DIT(E) BLR/80G/245/AABAA3266(E)/ITO(E)-1/Vol dated 11th March 2011 Project sponsored by SAP Labs India Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore