Kozhikode: The construction of the first set of autism parks would begin by the end of this year, a first-of-its-kind initiative in the country to be run by the Kerala government. In the first phase, 11 parks are coming up in the state. The plan for the same would be presented to the government on October 15 by the College of Architecture, Thiruvananthapuram, Director of Public Education KV Mohan Kumar told Onmanorama.
Though 20 autism parks were initially scheduled to start in the first phase, a portion of the fund had to be diverted for flood relief activities. Finally, the target for the first phase was reduced to 14 park, one each in all the districts, with additional ones in Kannur and Alappuzha (districts of the chief minister and finance minister). However, it was further reduced to 11, due to the dearth of funds. The sketches for the same were prepared by the College of Architecture.
According to the data available with the department, 1,496 students up to class seven and another 195 students up to class 12 are in need of special care and showing autism features. All the identified children would be given training as well as treatment at the park, which would be an overall personality development centre for children from class 1 to 12.
“We have a budget of Rs 10 crore for the project. Around Rs 50 lakh is expected for each park. In the first phase, Rs 5.7 crore would be spend for the parks, after spending for the flood relief activities. Once the plan is ready, the same would be handed over to the Public Works Department to start the construction.
The scheduled parks are coming up in an area of 2,000 sq ft on 20 cents of land each, with garden, landscaping and all the machinery to support the autistic children aged up to 18. The buildings will have physiotherapy and psychology clinics, catering to the overall needs of the special children. In locations, where 20 cents are not available, the buildings would be made two storied, with 1,000 sq ft on both floors.
At a time, each centre would be able to attend to 25 students, and they would be getting training according to the special needs. Since the autistic children needs special treatment, more children can not be permitted in the centres simultaneously, Mohan Kumar said. However, the number of children suffering from autism could be much higher than the available statistics, the official added.
