Forum for Autism (FFA), set up formally in 2002, is a parent support group which caters to the needs of families touched by Autism Spectrum Disorder. The primary aim of setting up FFA was to create awareness about Autism and to empower parents. Over the last two decades, along with the primary goals, FFA has widened its horizons to work towards protecting the rights of the person with Autism and their families, self advocacy and providing financial assistance to un-affording families. FFA is registered as a Society and Trust under the Societies Registration Act and Indian Trust Act respectively.
• FFA is a vibrant parent body that is working towards empowering persons with Autism and their families.
• FFA conducts parent training workshops and seminars/talks regularly by Professionals from India and abroad to constantly update understanding of Autism and to learn new therapy methods. Due to pandemic, we conducted webinars for parents and professionals.
• FFA has a database of parents and professionals in each area of Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Thane which is readily shared with any new parent who is looking for support and resources.
• Sponsoring of children from un-affording families. FFA commits to partly sponsor a child for 3 years in the school of the parents' choice.
• FFA has helped several parents and professionals set up centers/schools for children with Autism.
• FFA parents have constantly engaged with the Govt of Maharashtra and obtained several concessions for children in mainstream schools and now for college students too.
• FFA has been striving to create job opportunities for adults with Autism in the Open employment and Sheltered workshop arenas.
• FFA proudly encourages its Juniors – young adults on the Spectrum to openly talk about their struggles and successes helping them to become inspiring models for the younger children and parents.
• FFA’s website and Facebook page are updated regularly to keep our awareness and network processes stay alive, relevant and strong.
• FFA proactively advocates for the rights of persons with Autism and published its Charter of Rights for Persons with ASD on the occasion of World Autism Awareness Day on 2nd April 2014.
• In January 2024, FFA has started a center for neurodivergent to provide counselling and to conduct various activities like Hangout, Music Session, Dance session Art session etc.

Appeal

EDUCATION:
Autism is now appearing in 1 in every 68 children, education avenues for our children is still very sparce and is very expensive….
We are helping out families who cannot afford monthly fees and therapy and the money donated by you would certainly help out a child to eventually lead a close to normal life…

ADVOCACY FOR ETHICAL AND SCIENTIFIC METHODS IN TREATMENT AND SERVICES FOR AUTISM
We are in the process of collating Good Practices prevailing in organizations that teach/work with Individuals with Autism. We hope to bring focus on the ethical methods used in the chosen organisations. This project was necessitated because of the multiple cases of abuse of children/ young adults in various centers that were brought to FFA's notice.

TRAINING PROGRAMS FOR PARENTS OF CHILDREN/ADULTS WITH AUTISM
Periodically, we arrange guidance talks/webinars/training programs for the parents and professionals of children/adults with Autism either for free of charge or with nominal charges. Through this we want to help and reach out to the parents who have less resources available in their respective locations.

AUTISM AWARENESS
We also arrange various awareness activities to increase Autism awareness in the community.