Every child is unique and has different requirements that deserve special attention. Some children thrive best in a different kind of structured environment, requiring specialized programs to cater to their individual learning and developmental requirements. Boarding schools designed for special needs students are specifically tailored to meet such needs. Apart from providing education, these schools excel in fostering social skills within a controlled environment, reducing the stress associated with daily commuting to day boarding schools. Moreover, they offer an invaluable 24/7 company of skilled teachers who specialize in training children with diverse needs.
We acknowledge that the decision to send a child to boarding school is complex, and it becomes even more challenging when a child has special needs. However, you can be assured, as there are boarding schools in India that are specifically crafted to offer a secure, optimistic, and structured environment. In this blog post, you will get to know about the best boarding schools for children with special needs.
Table of Contents
- 1. Tamana Autism Centre School of Hope, Delhi
- 2. Krishna Chaitanya Residential Special School
- 3. Mother & Child Residential School, Kolkata
- 4. SAANIDHYA – Residential School & Training Centre, Karnataka
- 5. Sadhana – School & Hostel for Intellectually Challenged, Hyderabad
- 6. Asmita Residential School for Divyang Mentally Challenged Children, Bharuch, Gujarat
- Nurturing the Future…
- Frequently Asked Questions
1. Tamana Autism Centre School of Hope, Delhi
Ranking as one of the top five special needs schools, Tamana Autism Centre, was the first institute that recognised autism as a distinct disability. This not-for-profit organization offers modern solutions for children with autistic spectrum disorders and other disabilities, starting from the age of 2.
The school aims to boost both the intellectual and physical capabilities of its students using positive reinforcement techniques, behaviour management strategies, and therapeutic activities such as dance, music, drama, yoga, and more.
This Co-ed school also offer residential facilities for boys aged 14 to 30. The residential program focuses on teaching practical life skills such as cooking, washing, personal grooming, and bed-making in real-life situations. Parents can stay on-site in case of emergencies, emphasizing the school’s commitment to a supportive and inclusive community.
2. Krishna Chaitanya Residential Special School
Dedicated to the belief that every child, regardless of disability, deserves an equal opportunity in life, Krishna Chaitanya Residential Special School is committed to empowering children with intellectual disabilities. Situated in Bengaluru, this institution provides comprehensive support, including food, accommodation, and education, to disabled children aged 6-16. The school’s curriculum aligns with the standards set by the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (NIEPID).
Beyond academics, the children at Krishna Chaitanya engage in a diverse range of activities, including gardening, dancing, singing, meditation, yoga, and various recreational games. To ensure their holistic development, the school employs appropriate equipment and methodologies, fostering an environment that nurtures each child’s unique capabilities.
3. Mother & Child Residential School, Kolkata
“Mother And Child” started on its journey with a vision to raise awareness, educate and transform societal perspectives towards children and adolescents with Multiple Disabilities. They have a specialised team comprising special educators, qualified academic teachers, psychiatrists, speech and occupational therapists, psychologists, etc. Notable, all special educators are officially recognized by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) under the Ministry of Social Empowerment and Justice.
In addition to its core team, the school regularly hosts visits from ortho-dentists, child specialists, ENT specialists, and neuropsychiatrists as part of its commitment to comprehensive care. Extracurricular activities, such as yoga, dance, music, computer usage, arts-n-crafts, etc contribute to the holistic development of the students.
The collective efforts at “Mother And Child” aim to not only enhance the intellectual quotient (IQ) of the children but also to equip them with the skills and resilience needed for a promising future.
4. SAANIDHYA – Residential School & Training Centre, Karnataka
Located in Mangaluru, Karnataka, Saanidhya Residential School & Training Centre stands as a great option for children with special needs. The dedicated teachers and caretakers in the school are known for their unwavering commitment and affectionate approach. Saanidhya adopts the Functional Academic Checklist Programme (FACP) designed by the National Institute for Mentally Handicapped (NIMH).
At Saanidhya, students receive training in a broad spectrum of activities, including Functional Academics (FA), daily living skills, speech therapy, pre-vocational skills, vocational skills, physiotherapy, sports, yoga, dance, drama, and a variety of extracurricular pursuits. The institution warmly welcomes differently-abled children and individuals ranging from four to forty years of age, irrespective of gender.
5. Sadhana – School & Hostel for Intellectually Challenged, Hyderabad
Sadhana stands out as one of the top choices for families seeking specialized support for children with special needs near Hyderabad. The school is renowned for its specialised educational programs and a team of well-trained staff dedicated to the holistic development of the children. For instance, it provides occupational therapy to improve fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination and all-around development. Additionally, the school provides speech and physical therapies, ensuring that each child can thrive to the best of their abilities.
Being a non-profit organization, Sadhana extends its commitment further by offering free boarding and lodging facilities. So if in case you’re looking for boarding schools for special needs students in India fee, you would be glad to know that there is an option that is free of cost.
The residential school creates a secure, supportive, and controlled environment with 24/7 supervision. Noteworthy is the inclusive approach of Sadhana, as it welcomes children not only with mild or moderate disabilities but also those who are fully dependent on others. This reflects the organization’s dedication to providing a caring and inclusive space where every child, regardless of their level of dependence, can receive the support and education they deserve.
6. Asmita Residential School for Divyang Mentally Challenged Children, Bharuch, Gujarat
Asmita Vikas Kendra established Asmita School with the mission to empower individuals, promote respect, instill self-confidence, and provide essential resources. This residential school stands out as a unique, cost-free boarding option for students with special needs, covering all aspects of care. Boarding, lodging, clothing, medicines, and nutritious meals are offered at zero cost.
In addition to academic education, Asmita School goes above and beyond by providing students with pre-vocational and vocational training, speech therapy, yoga sessions, music classes, games, and various other therapeutic activities. The school emphasizes holistic development by offering fresh fruits and vegetables grown on a sprawling 5-acre land near the school premises.
The students at Asmita School also engage in enriching experiences such as educational tours, picnics, festival celebrations, and participation in special Olympics, fostering a vibrant and inclusive environment. The comprehensive approach of Asmita Vikas Kendra reflects its commitment to nurturing the potential of each student and creating a supportive community for individuals with special needs.
Nurturing the Future…
Everyone deserves a solid foundation for a promising start in life, and you can be one such force, providing your special child with an environment that nurture confidence and growth. One can check these aforementioned special needs boarding schools, that are considered reliable options by the parents seeking comprehensive support. Plus, they have a commendable track record, showcasing the positive transformations of students who have benefited from the well-structured training provided by these institutions.
These special needs boarding schools are well-equipped to deliver effective training, create a conducive environment, and offer the necessary therapies to enhance the personality, intellectual capabilities, and emotional resilience of the students. However, the ultimate decision rests with you. Take the time to carefully shortlist residential schools that align with your child’s unique needs. Subsequently, a physical visit to these schools can ensure that the environment is indeed suitable.
For more information about boarding schools or to explore options that match your preferences, you can visit our website boarding schools of India. If you have any inquiries or need support, feel free to connect with us at [email protected]. We’ve assisted numerous parents, and you could be the next to benefit from our guidance. Your child’s journey toward a brighter future begins with the right choice of a nurturing and supportive educational environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.1 – Can autistic kids go to boarding school?
- Yes, autistic children can attend boarding schools that cater to special needs. Many boarding schools offer specialized programs and support services to address the unique requirements of autistic students, providing a structured and nurturing environment for their development.
Q.2 – What is a special boarding school?
- A special boarding school is an educational institution that specifically caters to the needs of students with special needs or disabilities. These schools are equipped with trained staff, therapeutic resources, and tailored academic programs to support the diverse requirements of students facing challenges such as autism, intellectual disabilities, or other learning differences.
Q.3 – How do children with autism learn?
- Children with autism often have unique learning styles, and their educational needs can vary. Many autistic individuals benefit from structured and visual learning approaches. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), speech therapy, and sensory integration techniques are often employed to enhance communication skills, social interactions, and overall cognitive development.
Q.4 – What do you mean by special education needs?
- Special education needs (SEN) refer to the additional support and resources required by individuals with disabilities or learning differences to access education on par with their peers. This can include a range of conditions such as autism, dyslexia, ADHD, or physical disabilities. Special education addresses these diverse needs through tailored teaching methods, accommodations, and support services to ensure an inclusive learning environment.