Centre For Autism, Velloor

There has been a significant increase in the number of children and young people diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum, both nationally and internationally. Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how a person communicates and relates to other people. It also affects how they make sense of the world around them. Some people with autism are able to live relatively independent lives but others may have learning disabilities and need a lifetime of specialist support.

Over the past one and half decades we have been dealing with mentally challenged children, and in our experience, we have seen the number of Autism cases have been momentously increased over the last 3 years. At present we have around 40 Autistic children and we expect, it would be doubled in a couple of years. This growing number of Autism children in our centre has made us to think about a specialized approach to make considerable changes in their life. We realized their special needs and the significance of sensory integration techniques in autism spectrum disorders.

On 4^th February 2025, St. John of God Centre marked another milestone in the history of the Centre by opening a new Autism Block. It was celebrated with great enthusiasm and inclusiveness. There were representatives from all spheres of life, religious leaders, representatives from other communities and centers of the Order, all gathered to mark the beginning of a new era in autism care and support. Among the dignitaries there were Brothers and Co-workers from Korea, Spain, France, Austria, Germany, Italy and Vatican pharmacy. Mar Thomas Tharayil, the Archbishop of Changanacherry, blessed the building and Our Prior General Most Rev. Bro. Pascal Ahodegnon inaugurated the building. Madam de Polignac, President of Association pour l'Aide aux Jeunes Infirmes et aux Personnes Handicapées (AAJI), unveiled the inaugural plaque, symbolizing the center’s official opening. This momentous act received applause and appreciation from the attendees.

Prior General Most Rev. Bro. Pascal Ahodegnon in his address, he emphasized the commitment of the Hospitaller Order to providing quality care and support to children with autism and their families. The blessing of the building was held by the Archbishop Mar Thomas Tharayil. Then during the public function Archbishop Mar Thomas Tharayil delivered his benedictory address, invoking divine guidance and support for the success of the centre. His words inspired the audience, emphasizing the moral and social responsibility of society in supporting individuals with autism. The inauguration of the St. John of God Autism centre, Velloor, marks a significant step forward in autism care and stands as a testament to the collective efforts of the community in fostering an inclusive society. The purpose of the new autism block is the early detection and intervention for the autism children.