In a groundbreaking step for neurodevelopmental care in Eastern India, Desun Hospital in Kolkata will open the first hospital-based Autism & Neurodevelopment Support Centre in the area. This facility was created in partnership with Behaviour Momentum India (BMI), the top institute for Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) in India, located in Bangalore.

The developmental disorder known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has an impact on a person’s behaviour, communication, and interpersonal relationships. It usually shows up in early childhood and can take many different forms, ranging from people who have special ways of communicating and learning to people who require a lot of help with everyday tasks. The World Health Organisation estimates that one child out of every 100 is diagnosed with autism globally.

As the first hospital in the state to directly incorporate international standards for autism intervention into its medical infrastructure, Desun’s initiative represents a major turning point for West Bengal’s healthcare system. Within 250 meters of Desun Hospital, the autism therapy centre will provide direct access to paediatrics, emergency services, diagnostics, and therapy facilities. Children with autism, especially those with additional medical needs, can receive seamless, multidisciplinary support thanks to this proximity.

Desun’s clinical and training teams launched the initial round of recruitment for Assistant Behaviour Technicians (ABTs) from Mahishadal in East Midnapore. To work with children on the autism spectrum, the initiative is looking for kind, driven people who will complete formal training in early behavioural intervention.

The Centre is being developed in partnership with BMI, a reputable provider of ABA services, whose leadership team consists of US-trained Board Certified Behaviour Analysts (BCBAs). In order to guarantee that international clinical standards are fulfilled, BMI will supply Desun with US-trained specialists and supervise ABT training and treatment procedures.

As Desun establishes the groundwork for a trained, culturally sensitive autism care workforce in Eastern India, recruitment efforts will spread over the next few weeks to other districts in West Bengal and a few areas in the Northeast, such as Sikkim and Tripura.

Priyanka Dutta