The diagnostic centre, on the other hand,
has a team of specialised personnel;
2 speech therapists, two occupational
therapists, two psychologists and two
teachers. On the administrative arm, there
is a secretary, director and supervising
psychologists.
The centre’s principal vocation is early
diagnosis and early intervention. "We
believe that by availing a good school with
adequate tools, therapists, teachers and
specialised programmes, we can afford
these kids an opportunity to reach their
full potential."
It is not a smooth ride
As with any other human initiated
enterprise, the organisation encounters
a potent concoction of problems.
Insufficient inflow of finance is the most
formidable problem. As mentioned, the
centre functions with highly qualified
people, who have to be remunerated at
market rates, otherwise they will depart
to greener pastures in private practices.
A large volume of money is also used to
settle transport, utilities and staff training
expenses.
She also laments that the government
has turned a blind eye to them as their
attention to ailments such like autism
is critically limited. "Almost all of our
funding is from private companies
through their CSR programmes. But of
recent, their support has been declining,
mainly precipitated by the mushrooming
of many NGO’s. This means the cake
is now divided among many, thereby
reducing our share.’’
“
This wa s the most
painful moment for
my family, chiefly
because we had limited
comprehension of this
condition. However,
this was a learning
curve, as we had to
educate ourselves
continually.
“