my uttarakhand news Bureau
Dehradun, 22 Dec: Myra Care Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation committed to empowering individuals with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities, has announced its mission to establish a comprehensive, world-class autism care and learning ecosystem in Dehradun.
Founded with the vision of early identification, structured intervention, dignity, and lifelong independence, Myra Care Foundation was conceptualised by Dr Nishant Nawani, Founder, whose long‑standing vision has been to create an integrated, ethical, and globally benchmarked ecosystem for autism care in Uttarakhand. The Foundation aims to serve individuals on the autism spectrum from 8 months to 30 years of age, irrespective of socio‑economic background.
Myra Care Foundation is powered by Shine Avi Learning USA, an internationally recognised, evidence-based learning framework that significantly raises the benchmark for autism education and intervention. The Foundation is being developed as a one-stop centre integrating early intervention, education, therapy, vocational readiness, and family support under one roof, with a strong emphasis on holistic outcomes.
The Foundation is guided by Dr Nishant Nawani, Founder, and Dr Jaya Nawani, Co‑Founder, a senior psychiatrist deeply committed to mental health and neurodevelopmental inclusion. The Foundation’s operations are headed by Anita Sharma, Operations Head, a US citizen and internationally recognised autism educator and advocate with over two decades of experience in autism education and inclusion. She leads program implementation, curriculum adaptation, global best-practice alignment, and capacity building at Myra Care Foundation. Sharma is a recipient of the Governor’s Award from the State of New Jersey, the Indian Academy Award for her contributions to autism advocacy and education, and has also been honoured with an official Proclamation from the United States Government recognising her lifelong commitment to inclusion and disability empowerment. A recipient of multiple national and international honours, including awards from the Government of Uttarakhand and the State of New Jersey, Sharma brings global best practices to India through evidence-based, culturally relevant programs.
Core Programs at Myra Care Foundation include:
Early Intervention Program (8 months – 3 years) focusing on communication, sensory integration, and developmental milestones
Holistic One-on-One Learning Program (3 – 15 years) powered by Shine Avi Learning USA, addressing language, academics, social-emotional learning, executive functioning, and life skills
Independent Work Task System & Vocational Readiness (15 – 30 years) promoting independence, employability, and dignity
Parent Mentorship & Empowerment Program, a cornerstone of the Myra Care model, equipping parents with tools, strategies, and confidence to become active partners in their child’s developmental journey
Community Awareness & Capacity-Building Programs to strengthen families, professionals, and society while reducing stigma.
The Foundation is being developed with the support of a medical and professional ecosystem in Dehradun, including doctors, educators, therapists, and community leaders. The initiative aligns with national priorities of inclusive education, skill development, and disability empowerment.
“Myra Care Foundation is not just a centre—it is a movement,” said Dr Nishant Nawani. “This vision was born from the need to create a place where science, compassion, structure, and dignity come together for individuals on the autism spectrum.”
Anita Sharma further said, “Being powered by Shine Avi Learning USA allows us to raise the bar for autism education in India. Our holistic model focuses not only on the child, but equally on mentoring and empowering parents, because sustainable progress happens when families grow alongside their children. Our goal is to unlock potential, change perceptions, and ensure that individuals with autism are seen for their abilities, not their limitations.”
The Foundation is scheduled for an official launch in January, with phased expansion and long‑term sustainability through partnerships with government bodies, CSR initiatives, and philanthropic organisations.
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