Your Child's Legal Rights
The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 (RPwD Act) is a landmark law that significantly expanded rights for disabled individuals in India, including those with autism. Autism Spectrum Disorder is explicitly recognized under this law. Understanding these rights is not optional for parents ā it is essential.
The UDID Card: Your Most Important Document
The Unique Disability ID (UDID) card is a central government-issued identity card for persons with disabilities. It is the gateway to most government benefits.
Benefits of UDID:
- Proof of disability accepted nationwide (replaces state-specific certificates)
- Required for most government scheme applications
- 3% reservation in government jobs (for 40%+ disability)
- Income tax deduction under Section 80DD for parents (up to ā¹1.25 lakh/year for severe disability)
- Concession in Indian Railways (75% for person with disability + attendant)
- Free bus travel in most state transport corporations
- Priority in government housing schemes
How to Apply for UDID:
1. Visit swavlambancard.gov.in
2. Register online with Aadhaar, photo, and diagnosis report
3. Visit the designated government hospital in your district for medical assessment
4. The government doctor assesses and certifies the disability percentage
5. UDID card is mailed to your address in 4ā8 weeks
Important: The disability percentage is assessed by the government doctor, not taken directly from your private diagnosis report. Autism is typically assessed at 40ā80% depending on the level of support needed.
Key Government Schemes
National Trust Schemes (under Ministry of Social Justice):
*Niramaya Health Insurance:* Health insurance up to ā¹1 lakh per year for persons with autism, cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, and multiple disabilities. Premium is ā¹250/year for BPL families, ā¹500/year for others. Covers OPD, hospitalization, therapy, and assistive devices. Apply at nationaltrust.gov.in.
*Gharaunda:* Residential care facility scheme for autistic adults whose parents are aging or no longer able to care for them. Run by registered NGOs empaneled with National Trust.
*Samarth:* Rehabilitation support scheme including respite care (temporary care to give caregivers a break), early intervention, day care. Available through empaneled NGOs.
*Vikaas:* Life skills and vocational training for persons with autism, cerebral palsy, and intellectual disability aged 10+.
AYJNISHD (Ali Yavar Jung National Institute): Free assessment and therapy for communication disorders including autism, at centres in Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Secunderabad, and Bhubaneswar.
Education Rights Under RPwD Act 2016
Every autistic child has the right to free inclusive education up to age 18 in their local school. Schools (including private unaided schools) must provide:
- Reasonable accommodations
- Support materials
- Trained resource teachers where possible
Board examination accommodations (CBSE/ICSE):
- 20 minutes extra per hour of examination
- Scribe (amanuensis) if needed
- Use of calculator
- Separate examination room
Apply through your school's examination controller, attaching the disability certificate and a request letter from a government doctor.
Income Tax Benefits for Parents
Under Section 80DD, parents who financially support a disabled dependent can claim:
- ā¹75,000 per year deduction for disability (40ā80%)
- ā¹1,25,000 per year deduction for severe disability (80%+)
This requires a certificate from a government doctor, not just a private diagnosis. File Form 10-IA with your ITR.
State Government Schemes
Every state has additional schemes. Key ones:
- Telangana / Andhra Pradesh: Arogya Sri covers some therapies for BPL families
- Maharashtra: Handicap certificate gives free bus travel, school fee waiver in government schools
- Karnataka: Sandhya Suraksha pension for disabled adults
- Tamil Nadu: Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance for disabilities
- Delhi: Free OPD and therapy at government hospitals
Check your state's Social Welfare Department website for current schemes.