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 cr1. Origin & Founders
The India Autism Center (IAC) was founded in 2019 and is headquartered in Kolkata, West Bengal. discover.give.do+1
The founding impetus came from a parent’s lived experience: the founder of IAC is Suresh Kumar Somani (and his wife Namita) whose son was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). When he sought long-term support and found a dearth of adequate options in India, the idea for IAC was born. IAC+1
Prior to IAC, the family had created the Amrit Somani Memorial Center (ASMC) which has supported individuals with autism, and from that base the IAC emerged. IAC+1
2. Vision, Mission & Philosophy
Vision: To build a world-class ecosystem that offers holistic care, training and research for individuals with autism and related neuro-developmental conditions. discover.give.do+1
Mission: Create inclusive spaces that support lifelong independence, purpose and dignity of neurodivergent individuals — and also to build capacity (training professionals) and generate research in the Indian autism-care context. IAC+1
Philosophy: The idea is that the major barrier for individuals with autism is not the condition itself, but rather a world poorly adapted to their needs. IAC emphasises designing environments, systems and supports tailored to neuro-diversity. IAC+1
3. Location & Campus
The campus is being built in Sirakol (near Kolkata), West Bengal. IAC+1
The architectural design has been recognised as a model for inclusive and accessible design — special attention is given to sensory, spatial and environmental needs of individuals with autism, reducing overload and fostering calm, engaging spaces. ArchDaily
The campus size is reported at around 52 – 53 acres and will combine residential, educational, vocational, recreational and research facilities. ArchDaily+1
4. Key Programmes & Activities
IAC’s work breaks down into three main pillars:
Residential Care (“Campus / Samaavesh”)
IAC aims to provide a secure, nurturing home environment for individuals with autism who may need lifelong support. The “Samaavesh” campus is referenced as the secure residential component. IAC+1
Training & Capacity Building (“Manan”)
They offer training programmes for graduates: e.g., “Primary Support Staff” for 10+2 graduates, and “Learning Support Specialist” for college graduates. The aim is to build career-paths in autism support. IAC
Research & Innovation (“Khoj”)
IAC emphasises research into neurodevelopmental conditions, intervention models, design, and quality of life improvements for people with autism. IAC+1
5. Unique Strengths / What Sets Them Apart
A holistic ecosystem: Not just therapy or schooling or day-care, but a blending of residential support, skill training, research and inclusive design. IAC
Emphasis on long-term perspective: The question “What happens when the parents are no longer here?” is central; IAC addresses continuity of care. IAC+1
Accessible, inclusive architecture and environment: With Sirakol campus specifically designed for sensory needs and neurodiversity. ArchDaily
Capacity building of professionals: Recognising that Indian autism support infrastructure is sparse, IAC seeks to train the workforce. IAC
6. Current Status & Future Plans
The initial support via the Amrit Somani Memorial Center has already served “over 100 individuals” with autism. discover.give.do
The IAC campus in Sirakol is under development; planned phases foresee operations of residential home, vocational & training components in next few years. IAC+1
They aim to serve (according to one source) around 350 residents and provide day-care for ~250 people with ASD. discover.give.do
The organisation is registered as a non-profit, carries CSR-/80G/12A registration, open for global families as well. discover.give.do+1
7. Who It Serves & How to Apply
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder and related neuro-developmental conditions, including those requiring lifelong residential care, those seeking skill-training, or families looking for support. IAC+1
Families from across India (and internationally) can enquire; the admission process begins with filling an enquiry form, followed by a needs-assessment call. IAC
The training programmes accept high-school (10+2) and college graduates for staff careers in autism support. IAC
8. Why It’s Particularly Relevant for Eastern India / Kolkata Region
Eastern India, including West Bengal, has fewer large‐scale dedicated autism support ecosystems compared to some metropolitan centres. Having a campus near Kolkata helps fill a gap in accessible, full‐spectrum service.
Proximity to Kolkata means easier access for families in West Bengal, East India, and neighbouring regions.
The design and environment (Sirakol) are set in a calm, natural setting — potentially beneficial for neurodivergent individuals who may be sensitive to sensory overload.
9. Some Considerations / Things to Keep in Mind
As the large campus is still under development, fully operational capacity may not yet be reached; families may want to check which programmes/facilities are currently available vs planned.
While the site describes many offerings (residential, vocational, training), individual suitability (age, condition severity, location) will vary; any decision should involve a direct enquiry and assessment.
Cost, admission criteria, waiting lists, and timelines may vary; recommended to contact IAC for the most current details.ore individuals face these exclusions every single day. 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.
