CategoriesAwareness Parent SupportFriendship, Neurodiversity, and the Power of Interdependence Friendship is one of life’s greatest joys—a source of laughter, belonging, and emotional well-being. But for neurodivergent people, including those on the autism spectrum, forming and sustaining friendships can be more complex due to differences in communication, social understanding, and sensory experiences. In a society that glorifies independence, […]
CategoriesAwarenessChildren with developmental disabilities in India continue to face an education system that often underestimates their abilities and aspirations. A UNESCO report (2019) highlights that nearly 75% of children with disabilities in India do not attend regular schools, and among those who do, many encounter low expectations, restricted roles, and limited participation in community life. […]
CategoriesStories of ChangeManav joined Ashish Foundation at the age of five as a quiet and reserved child. He found new places challenging, had difficulty expressing himself, and preferred predictable routines. In unfamiliar situations, he often stayed close to his father for reassurance. At Ashish, structured classrooms, calm communication, and consistent routines supported his learning. Manav responded well […]
CategoriesStories of ChangeIn Shadipur, a dense neighborhood tucked behind Delhi’s roaring traffic, Sandeep spent most of his childhood indoors. Born in 2004 in Punjab, Sandeep faced health challenges from the start—jaundice, seizures, delayed development. His parents, both daily wage workers, had little time or money to seek specialized care. “People used to say he’s cursed,” his father […]
CategoriesStories of ChangeWhen Esha walks into a room, the first thing you notice is her style—carefully chosen earrings, a matching purse, and an easy grace that wasn’t always there. Born with intellectual disability and microcephalus, Esha’s childhood was filled with medical visits and uncertainty. Her mother remembers the sleepless nights—“We didn’t know if she would walk, talk, […]
CategoriesStories of ChangeIn a narrow lane of South-west Delhi, 16-year-old Harshit sits by the window, watching traffic crawl by. He hums softly—an old Bollywood tune—his fingers tapping in rhythm on the sill. For years, Harshit’s world felt much smaller than this view. His parents remember the struggle vividly. “He would forget everything he learned,” his father says, […]
CategoriesParent SupportAs special educators, we are taught not to make assumptions. But the first thing I tell teachers is that there are two things they must always believe: first, that parents are always trying to do the best for their children, and second, that we must presume competence — in the children and in their parents. That being […]
CategoriesStories of ChangeWhen Aanchal, a young girl from Shadipur Transit Camp, first came to Ashish Foundation a year ago, life was full of challenges. She had never attended school, struggled with basic hygiene, and found it difficult to follow routines or interact with others. Growing up in a low-income settlement, she had almost no access to education […]
CategoriesAwarenessFriendship, Neurodiversity, and the Power of Interdependence Friendship is one of life’s greatest joys—a source of laughter, belonging, and emotional well-being. But for neurodivergent people, including those on the autism spectrum, forming and sustaining friendships can be more complex due to differences in communication, social understanding, and sensory experiences. In a society that glorifies independence, […]
CategoriesStories of ChangeFor most people, a first paycheck marks a personal milestone—an achievement to be proud of.For Isha Kohli, it represents something far deeper: a lifeline and a testament to resilience in a world that was not ready for her. Early Struggles Isha’s story begins with exclusion. At just five years old, she was expelled from school […]
