Millions of children in India struggle with learning disabilities and mental health issues. Thankfully, they need not be deprived of educational opportunities as the country has specialised education schools for them. Essentially, special education helps students struggling with challenges or disabilities that interfere with their learning. These children cannot cope with the elements of a regular classroom. They require specialised curricula, teaching approaches, and learning environments to address their needs. Special needs schools and programmes have them covered.

Special needs schools are designed and staffed to give the right support to students with unique needs. They are created with the vision to level the playing field by helping special children reach age-appropriate educational goals. Instead of taking a one-size-fits-all approach to education, these schools have customised programmes to match the unique combination of needs of each student. They offer features such as small classes, trained staff, low teacher-to-student ratios, resource rooms, learning aids, and academic and psychological counselling. Here is the list of the best special needs schools in India.

ACADEMY FOR SEVERE HANDICAPS AND AUTISM

Academy for Severe Handicaps and Autism was set up in 1995 and has helped over 500 individuals and their families by addressing their different needs. It blends education with a comprehensive set of therapies for students with autism spectrum disorders. It has ranked as number one among the Indian special schools in 2021-22. It runs collaboration with Global Autism Project, USA, to extend clinical support for its programmes.

TAMANA AUTISM CENTRE — SCHOOL OF HOPE

Tamana Autism Centre in Delhi is a non-profit voluntary organization that follows the purpose of helping the mentally challenged. It was the first institution to recognize autism as a distinct disability. It runs a special school, diagnostic center, early intervention center, sensory integration clinic, an outreach cell, and a research cell under one roof. It has consistently ranked as the top special needs school by the Education World Schools Ranking.

TABIS- ADITYA BIRLA INTEGRATED SCHOOL

The Aditya Birla Integrated School (TABIS) in Mumbai specializes in educating students with learning difficulties. The school has got approval from the Cambridge Assessment International Education to provide the Cambridge programme. With the Cambridge Secondary curriculum, the school aims to provide more exposure and foster holistic development for students with learning difficulties.

SPJ SADHANA SCHOOL

SPJ Sadhana School in South Mumbai facilitates educational, vocational, and therapeutic development for mentally-challenged students with multiple disabilities. The non-residential school is among the top-ranking special schools in the country. that trains people with special needs. It also offers polytechnic programmes for mentally-challenged adults.

AMAR JYOTI RESEARCH AND REHABILITATION CENTRE

Located in Delhi, Amar Jyoti is a voluntary organization that renders rehabilitative services for the disabled. It offers inclusive education, child guidance, medical care, vocational training, and self-employment. The centre also runs a teachers-training unit for special education and an orthotic and prosthetic workshop on its campus.

ASHA KIRAN SPECIAL NEEDS SCHOOL

Asha Kiran in Bangalore is a special school catering to children with autism, ADHD, Hearing impairment, dyslexia, mental challenges, and learning disabilities. It also educates disadvantaged children hailing from an economically weak background. Asha Kiran Special Needs School is a school with a difference as it aims to create general awareness to ensure these students can be integrated into society.

MATA BHAGWANTI CHADHA NIKETAN

Mata Bhagwanti Chadha Niketan (MBCN) in Noida is a charitable school for differently-abled children. It provides rehabilitation services to students with intellectual impairment, hearing impairment, autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, and multiple disabilities. The school aims to make learning enjoyable for students and empower them with maximum independence despite their limited abilities.

These are the best special schools Indian parents can consider for their children with special needs. They offer quality education, holistic development, and a safe environment for the learners.