Finding autism support in Delhi can feel like navigating a very uneven landscape. There are world-class specialists in the same city as facilities with months-long waiting lists. The public and private routes look very different, and which one you access first often determines how quickly your child gets support.
This guide covers what Delhi parents have typically found useful � not a complete directory, but a practical starting point for where to look and what to expect.
Getting a Diagnosis in Delhi
Delhi has a strong base of specialist government and private resources for autism assessment.
AIIMS Delhi � Child Development Unit
All India Institute of Medical Sciences has a dedicated Child Development Unit under the Department of Paediatrics. One of the most clinically robust public facilities in India for developmental assessments. Waiting times can be 3�6 months. Bring detailed written notes about your child's development to the first appointment.
Lady Hardinge Medical College � Child Development
The Department of Paediatrics at Lady Hardinge Medical College provides developmental assessments at government rates. Accessible for families in Central and South Delhi.
Safdarjung Hospital � Paediatrics
The paediatrics department at Safdarjung Hospital sees children with developmental concerns and can provide referrals to specialist assessment teams.
Private Developmental Paediatricians � Delhi NCR
Several developmental paediatricians in South Delhi, Gurugram, and Noida provide private autism assessments within 1�3 weeks. A comprehensive private assessment typically costs ?8,000�?18,000 in Delhi NCR. Ask specifically for a clinician who uses the ADOS-2 for the most comprehensive evaluation.
Therapy and Support in Delhi
Action for Autism (AFA)
One of India's most respected autism NGOs, headquartered in Delhi. Provides parent training, school programmes, transition support, and advocacy. Runs regular workshops and has an active parent network. The AFA helpline is a good first call for newly diagnosed families who don't know where to start.
DEIC � District Early Intervention Centre
Under the government's RBSK programme, DEICs in Delhi provide free developmental screening and referral for children. Access is typically through government schools and Anganwadis. The quality and capacity vary by district � worth enquiring at your nearest government hospital.
Private Therapy Centres � ABA, Speech, OT
Delhi NCR has numerous private therapy centres providing ABA therapy, speech-language therapy, and occupational therapy. Costs typically range from ?1,000�?3,000 per session. When selecting a centre, ask about the qualifications of the therapists, the specific approaches used, and how parent training is incorporated into the programme.
School Support in Delhi
Delhi has a mix of government and private schools with special education provision.
- Government schools: Required under the RTE Act and RPWD Act to admit children with autism. Many have Resource Rooms with a Special Educator. Quality varies significantly by school.
- CBSE board accommodations: Children with an RPWD Act disability certificate are entitled to extra time, a scribe, and other examination accommodations. Apply to CBSE at least 6 months before board examinations.
- Private schools: Vary widely in their inclusion infrastructure. Ask specifically about their Special Educator, their process for creating a support plan, and how many students with developmental disabilities they currently support.
- National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMD): Provides specialist educational resources and parent training.
RPWD Act � Getting Your Disability Certificate in Delhi
The RPWD Act 2016 disability certificate is essential for accessing formal entitlements in India � exam concessions, financial benefits, and priority services. In Delhi:
- Certificates are issued by the Medical Disability Assessment Boards at government hospitals � AIIMS, Safdarjung, GTB Hospital, and others.
- You need a formal autism assessment report from a qualified specialist (private reports are accepted as supporting documentation).
- The certificate assessment is done by the board at the hospital and involves a review of your documentation and a brief clinical review of the child.
- The Unique Disability ID (UDID) card is issued online through the Swavlamban portal after the certificate is issued.
While You Are Waiting for an Appointment
If you are on a waiting list � which is common in Delhi for government services � there is meaningful support you can provide at home right now. Parent-implemented intervention is one of the best-evidenced approaches in autism, and it does not require waiting for a therapy slot.
Nesto's home activities library provides structured activities designed around the same principles used in evidence-based therapy � joint attention, functional communication, sensory regulation, and daily routine building. Available in 19 languages including Hindi.
Other families navigating the same system in Delhi are often the most practical source of local knowledge � which therapists are good, which schools have made accommodations work, which government offices are most responsive. Action for Autism's parent network and local WhatsApp groups are a good starting point. Your hospital's social worker can also connect you with support groups.
Support Your Child at Home While You Wait
Nesto provides structured home activities and progress tracking for parents � in Hindi and 18 other languages. Free for all families.
Explore Home ActivitiesAbout This Page
This page provides a general guide for families in Delhi seeking autism support. Organisations and services change � always verify current contact details, availability, and costs directly with providers. For legal rights information, see our autism legal rights guide. For the diagnosis process, see how to get an autism diagnosis.
If you are concerned about your child's development, consult a qualified developmental paediatrician.