Apoorva Center for Autism(ACA) is an educational and training centre started in 1996 by SAI with the support of the Lions Club of Sarakki. ACA's main centre is located at the premises of Lions Club of Sarakki at J.P.Nagar 2nd Phase, Bangalore, while its early intervention unit is located in 9th Block, Jayanagar, Bangalore. The Apoorva Center is currently headed by Mrs. Nithya S., a qualified Special Educator with 6+ years of experience in the field. Presently the centre has 55 students trained by 10 qualified special education and rehabilitation professionals and 6 teacher-aides, 2 voluntary professionals, 2 teacher-aides, 3 caregivers, 6 educational volunteers, and 2 attendants. The centre also provides practical training to Teacher-trainees of the Special Education program on Autism, conducted by KPAMRC, Bangalore.

Activities of Apoorva

• Early Intervention Program(EIP): Presently the centre is conducting EIP for children with autism between 3 and 6 years on the basis of "Analysis of Verbal Behaviour", "Occupational Therepy" and "Bain-Gym" guidelines.
• Fulltime Program: Aimed at children between 7 and 18 years of age that can include a combination of the following components – self care, communication (oral & AAC - PECS), Academics, Functional Academics, Yoga & Movement Therapy, Socialization skills, Pre-vocational training.
• Vocational Training Program: Directed towards individuals with Autism on any or all of the below mentioned products – Paper Bags, Hand – Embroidery, Jewelry making/designing, Hand woven jute durries, Greeting cards, Glass, Acrylic & Diya Paintings, Candle making, Painting of Window grills & gates, Drawing to measurement, Gardening, Assistant to therapists & educators, Simple Data entry using MS-Word and Excel, Stationer supplies – folders, note-pads, pen holders, envelopes, assembling of pens.
• Support at Regular Schools: To support children with Autism Spectrum Disorder who are enrolled in regular schools.
• Other Activities: such as -
  • Community Awareness Campaign of Autism through lectures, workshops, campaigns, sale of greeting cards and other products made by the students of the centre.
  • Family get-togethers, Trips to recreational and educational places of interest, Celebration of sports day, painting carnival, children’s day and annual day.