Your child has rights. Here's what they are.

Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016

Autism Spectrum Disorder is recognized as a specified disability under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. It guarantees your child's rights across education, employment, healthcare, and public life.

• Non-discrimination in all spheres
• Free education from age 6 to 18
• 4% reservation in government jobs
• 5% reservation in government higher educational institutions
• Reasonable accommodation in schools and workplaces
• Accessible public spaces, transport, digital services
• Right to live independently in the community

If violated: File a complaint with your State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities.

National Trust Act, 1999

India's first law specifically for persons with autism. Sets up the National Trust — a government body that runs health insurance, housing, therapy, and care schemes. Also enables legal guardianship for autistic adults.

Right to Education Act (RTE), 2009

All children including those with autism have the right to free and compulsory education. Children with autism are protected against discrimination and are entitled to inclusive education and reasonable accommodation under the RPwD Act. A school cannot deny admission solely because a child has autism. Schools are expected to provide reasonable accommodation, support services, and access to special educators wherever applicable, along with curriculum adaptations and reasonable accommodations where required. Exam accommodations such as extra time or a scribe are available under board-specific guidelines (CBSE, ICSE, state boards) — apply through the school with the disability certificate.

UDID Card — Unique Disability ID

For most central government disability schemes, the UDID card is your primary identity document. Required for Niramaya, Gharaunda, Vikaas, reservations, tax benefits, and travel concessions.

1. Visit a government hospital — ask for disability assessment for autism. Bring school reports, doctor letters, or any existing diagnosis.
2. The medical board will assess and issue a disability certificate showing percentage of disability (40% or more is required for most benefits).
3. Apply online at swavlambancard.gov.in — free, no cost. You need: disability certificate, Aadhaar card, photograph.
4. Your UDID card will be issued — keep digital and physical copies safe.

Once you apply, you receive an enrolment number immediately. This enrolment number (along with the disability certificate) can be used for schemes like Niramaya even before the physical card arrives.

Niramaya — Health Insurance Scheme

One of the most valuable schemes for autism families. Covers speech therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, diagnostic tests, hospitalisation, corrective surgeries, alternative medicine, and transportation — all reimbursed.

Reimbursement is subject to the scheme's category-wise limits and annual ceilings.

• No pre-insurance medical tests required
• No age bar — from birth
• Prescription renewal needed every 6 months for ongoing therapies

Eligibility: UDID card or enrolment number + disability certificate.

Enrollment is done through a Registered Organisation (RO) of the National Trust. Fee: ₹250 for BPL families, ₹500 for others.

The policy runs on the financial year and must be renewed annually before March 31.

ADIP — Assistive Devices & Equipment

Financial assistance to purchase assistive devices — AAC/communication devices, hearing aids, wheelchairs, orthoses, and other equipment. Provided through the DEPwD.

Requires a disability certificate of 40% or more and family income within the scheme's limit.

Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY

For eligible low-income families identified under SECC criteria (and all senior citizens aged 70+) — health insurance coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for hospitalisation. Autistic individuals from eligible families can access this. Check your family's eligibility on the official portal.

Disha — Early Intervention Centres

Free early intervention for children aged 0–10 years — speech therapy, occupational therapy, behaviour support, and family training. Available through National Trust registered organisations, where available.

Vikaas — Day Care & Skill Training

Day-care centres for persons with autism aged 10 and above — structured daily programmes, age-appropriate activities, and vocational skill development. Where available.

Samagra Shiksha — Inclusive Education

Government programme that provides special educators in mainstream schools, teacher training, and learning materials for children with disabilities including autism.

Scholarships for Students with Disabilities

The Pre-Matric Scholarship (Class 9–10), the Post-Matric Scholarship (Class 11 to post-graduation), and the Top Class Education Scheme — all from DEPwD, applied through the National Scholarship Portal. A UDID card or UDID enrolment number is mandatory for these scholarships. Family income limits apply (₹2.5 lakh per year for Pre/Post-Matric).

Gharaunda — Lifelong Care Homes

Government-supported group homes for autistic adults (18+). Residents get shelter, personal care, medical support, skill development, and vocational training. Long-term supported residential care.

Samarth — Respite & Residential Care

Short-term residential care for persons with autism — provides temporary relief to caregivers during family emergencies, illness, or crisis. Group home facilities with medical support, where available.

Legal Guardianship — National Trust

Under the National Trust Act, parents apply for legal guardianship for their autistic child's future, and the Local Level Committee (LLC) appoints the guardian. This provides legal protection and ensures your child's welfare is managed by a trusted person after you.

Income Tax Deductions

Keep your disability certificate and UDID card ready when filing returns.

Note: These deductions are available only under the old tax regime, not the new tax regime. Confirm with your tax advisor before filing.

Travel Concessions

Indian Railways offers fare concessions of 25% to 75% depending on the class of travel and disability category. One escort travelling with the child gets the same concession. To book concessional tickets, apply for the Railway Divyangjan ID card using your child's UDID and disability certificate. Concession rules change from time to time — verify current policy before booking.

Concessions vary by state transport authority and airline — check before booking.

Sahyogi — Caregiver Training

Free caregiver training programme for parents and family members of persons with disabilities. Primary 3-month course and advanced 6-month course with paid internships. Teaches first aid, communication support, and daily care.