RESUME APPLICATION PAY PREMIUM
Fund Performance

Fund Performance

Knowledge Center

Knowledge Center

About Us

About Us

Tools and Calculators

Tools & Calculators

Quick links

Mobile (Download app)
  • Webpages
  • Documents
  • HDFC Life ClassicAssure PlusInvestment
  • HDFC Life ClassicAssure PlusInvestment
  • HDFC Life ClassicAssure PlusInvestment

For NRI Customers

(To Buy a Policy)

(If you're our existing customer)

For Online Policy Purchase

(New and Ongoing Applications)

Branch Locator

For Existing Customers

(Issued Policy)

Fund Performance Check

RESUME APPLICATION PAY PREMIUM

What do you want to do?

Quick links

Mobile (Download app)

Download HDFC Life App

Buy plans, track your policy, make renewal payments & monitor fund performance with HDFC Life App, Download Now!

Apple Logo Go to Google Play Store

Living with Autism in India: Resources and insurance

down-arrow
Living with Autism in India: Resources and insurance
July 12, 2020

Table of Content

 

The most important aspect of caring for a dependent with Autism is consistent ongoing treatment. Additionally, parents also need to ensure that the child is taken care of when they are not available or able to. What are the resources that they can avail? What about insurance?

The Internet can be an overwhelming place for a parent researching on autism. There is too much information to sift through and yet none enough pertinent. Where do you turn to for the most relevant information? What resources and facilities are made available by government and voluntary organisations for autistic individuals? What about insurance? What's covered by insurance if you have an autistic member in your family?

All about autism

The word 'autism' refers to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a broad range of conditions characterised by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviours, speech and nonverbal communication. There are many subtypes of autism, most influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Asperger Syndrome is now classified under the single umbrella term, ASD.

It can be hard to understand why people on the autism spectrum behave the way they do. ASD can affect a person's ability to interact with the world around them and lead to repetitive behaviours or a narrow range of interests and activities. Often, autism is also accompanied by sensory sensitivities and medical issues such as gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, seizures or sleep disorders, as well as mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression and attention issues. It is therefore important to be supportive and caring, and remember that the world can be a very confusing place for them.

There is no cure for ASD. Early intervention and working with specialised healthcare professionals can change a life. While signs of autism usually appear by age 2 or 3, some associated development delays can appear even earlier and can be diagnosed as early as 18 months. According to research, high-quality early intervention can improve learning, communication and social skills, as well as underlying brain development.

Autism is a spectrum disorder, each person with autism has a distinct set of strengths and challenges. How people with autism learn, think and problem-solve can range from highly skilled to severely challenged. Some people with ASD may require significant support in their daily lives, while others may need less support and, in some cases, live entirely independently.

Autism in India

According to the Action for Autism (AFA), an Indian non-profit, education, training and advocacy organisation that provides support and services to persons with autism, there are over 18 million people with autism in India. An estimated 1 in 59 children in India has an ASD. It is the third most common developmental disorder.

Organisations for ASD

A media report published in April 2019 suggests that there are more than 40 organisations, special schools, parent support groups, and speech as well as behavioural therapy centres to help people affected with autism in India. In the year 1991, some of the parents of children affected with autism started the Action for Autism (AFA) initiative to support people affected by the disorder. The first exclusive school for autism-affected youth, called Open Door, was established in 1994. Today, there are quite a few organisations as well as schools across India that help people with autism. From speech therapy to sensory training, they are using distinct methods to bring about a positive behavioural change among children and adults who are affected by the disorder.

Legal provisions for ASD

On 25 April 2016, the Department Of Empowerment Of Persons With Disabilities through a notification has notified guidelines for the evaluation and assessment of autism and procedure for certification. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act, 2016 has included ASD under the category of disabilities. The RPWD Act recognizes the equality of persons with disabilities and prohibits direct or indirect discrimination based on disability.

Before this, autism was not recognised as a separate form of disability in the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995, the primary piece of legislation that provides for the rights of and benefits for persons with disabilities in India.

Those affected by ASD can receive certain benefits under RPWD Act like inclusive education, scholarships, free travel in state transport buses, railway concessions, loans for self-employment and assistance for higher education.

Insurance for ASD

In a 2019 media report, founder of Forum for Autism in India, Chitra Iyer suggested that monthly expenditure for a child with autism can range anywhere between Rs 6,000 to Rs 25,000. While under the National Trust Act 1999, the Indian government offers Niramaya Health Insurance scheme for autistic patients. Currently, baring one, private insurance companies do not offer an insurance plan specifically for autism. All insurers cover autism under mental health issues category.

Conclusion

Adults with autism can be active participants in all areas of community life including social and recreational activities. While not all children with autism will display amazing mental prowess as an adult, with consistent care, therapy and support, they can become functioning and contributing members of the society. Keep learning more about autism. Parents need to be the best advocate they can be for their child. Remember to nurture and nature will follow suit.

ARN : ED/06/20/19336

Show Full Article
Hide Full Article

Term Plan Articles Term Plan Articles

Investment Articles Investment Articles

Savings Articles Savings Articles

Life Insurance Articles Life Insurance Articles

Tax Articles Tax Articles

Retirement Articles Retirement Articles

ULIP Articles ULIP Articles

Health Plans Articles Health Plans Articles

Child Plans Articles Child Plans Articles

Popular Calculators Popular Calculators

Francis Rodrigues Francis Rodrigues

Francis Rodrigues has a decade long experience in the insurance sector, and as SVP, E-Commerce and Digital Marketing, HDFC Life, manages the online sales channel, as well as digital and performance marketing. He has had hands-on experience in setting up sales channels and functional teams from scratch over a career spanning 2 decades.

LinkedIn profile
Author Profile Written By:
Vishal Subharwal Vishal Subharwal

Vishal Subharwal heads the Strategy, Marketing, E-Commerce, Digital Business & Sustainability initiatives at HDFC Life. He is responsible for crafting and ensuring successful implementation of the overall organisation strategy.

LinkedIn profile
Reviewed By Reviewed By:

Here's all you should know about life insurance.

We help you to make informed insurance decisions for a lifetime.

How Rising Interest Rates Impact Your Investments—and What You Should Do About It

How Rising Interest Rates Impact Your Investments—and What You Should Do About It

How rising interest rates impact your investments and ways to adapt. Stay informed to make smarter financial decisions and protect your financial future.

Preserving Your Investment: How New Tax Rules Affect Real Estate Sales Before 2024

Financial Freedom for Women Entrepreneurs: Unlocking Success with the 50-30-20 Strategy

Baby Steps to a Secure Future: Financial Planning and Wealth Management

Essential financial planning and wealth management strategies for families. Secure your future and confidently navigate parenthood with these key insights.

Baby Steps to a Secure Future: Financial Planning and Wealth Management
Virtual Learning Advice -Tips for Parents to Help Kids Improve Remote Learning Previous
Let distance not dent the bond you share with your mom Next
HDFC life
HDFC life

HDFC Life

Reviewed by Life Insurance Experts

HDFC LIFE IS A TRUSTED LIFE INSURANCE PARTNER

We at HDFC Life are committed to offer innovative products and services that enable individuals live a ‘Life of Pride’. For over two decades we have been providing life insurance plans - protection, pension, savings, investment, annuity and health.

Popular Search

Popular Searches