Angels’ World is a community living project in Thiruvananthapuram built by parents of neurodivergent children

The multi-storied building at the end of the unpaved road looks every bit a typical apartment complex. But this brand new project at Mannanthala in Thiruvananthapuram is different in many ways. This is Angels’ World – Centre for Autism and Related Disorders, a community living project set up by 10 sets of parents as a home for them and their neurodivergent children.

The 25,000 sq ft complex standing on 50 cents, officially launched last month, is run by Angels’ World Charitable Trust, of which these parents are members. The Trust opened Angels’ World as a day care facility in 2021 at Pattoor. “It was an initiative of us six set of parents, who went on to become a family. We used to meet at different therapy centres. We decided to open a space on our own for those children aged above 15, since there weren’t many such facilities for that age group. Although we planned to start it in 2019, the pandemic delayed operations,” says Captain AM Riyas, patron of the Trust. More parents joined the Trust, and the centre was opened in 2021.

“Besides teachers and caretakers, parents were always around so that the children were comfortable at the centre. Our focus was on making each day productive for them. They were well past the age of receiving therapy and so we gave them entertainment-based training. There was Zumba, dance, music, outdoor trips, exercises etc. We parents took turns to take care of them. Other than our children, there were a few other neurodivergent children as well,” says Riyas, father of 21-year-old Raijal Riyas.

Parents and children at the home theatre at Angels’ World at Mannanthala in Thiruvananthapuram
| Photo Credit:
NIRMAL HARINDRAN

There came a time when these parents were worried about their children’s future. There was apprehension and fear about what would happen to their wards if they were not around. “That discussion eventually led to starting a community living project. We bought the land in 2022 and started construction the following year. Each flat has three bedrooms, with decor and facilities done according to each family’s taste,” Riyas adds.

Out of the 10 families, two have moved to their apartments at Angels World, four occasionally stay, mostly on weekends. The remaining four will be moving in eventually, says Lakshmi Hariharaputhran, mother of 18-year-old Sacheth Prasanth, who has been part of Angels’ World since its early days. “Even if their parents are not there the children are comfortable in the company of another parent(s) since we all have known each other for so long,” Lakshmi adds.

Trained teachers and caretakers are always around. Besides the residential apartments, Angels’ World has classrooms, an interactive computer kiosk, computer training area, sensory room, indoor and outdoor play areas, a swimming pool, dormitory with beds, common kitchen and dining hall etc. The facilities are spread across the basement, ground floor and three floors. There is also a space for recreation, a full-fledged gymnasium, and a home theatre. “They love to use the gym. That has improved the health of those who are on the heavier side due to their sedentary lives and medication,” Riyas points out.

All parents point out that there have been noticeable changes in their children. For Manikantan S Nair, president of the Trust and his wife S Jayasree, Angels’ World is unlike all other places they had sent their son Amal Babu (Sachu), now 25. “He was diagnosed with autism when he was around three years old. We put him in regular schools since the State Government has been promoting inclusive education. However, that hardly benefitted him. These schools eventually became a place to keep him safe when we both went to work. But at Angels’ World, we found him responding to what teachers say. He likes music and also writes a bit. Since he is reluctant to do anything, the teachers here keep pushing him,” says Jayasree.

Children working out at gym at Angels’ World
| Photo Credit:
NIRMAL HARINDRAN

For Sobhana Kumar, who retired from C-DAC, and his wife Mary Jasmin, their son Suvin MS’ health has been a cause of worry since he was two months old. “He used to have epileptic attacks. Post a surgery to remove a tumour in his brain when he was around four, his milestones started getting delayed. We gave him the best professional help, but to no avail. He does not write or read. At Angels’ World, there has been a slight improvement in his communication skills. It is a big thing for us that he has started responding to a ‘Good Morning’ greeting,” Sobhana Kumar says. 

Lakshmi stresses that the parents want the children to be happy more than anything else. “When my husband [Prasanth Gangadharan] passed away in 2020, I was clueless because only he knew how to deal with Sacheth. That’s when I got the support of this group of parents. The biggest change in Sacheth is that he has started interacting more. Earlier, he didn’t like to be in the company of strangers. All children here have become more socially aware, especially when we take them out,” she says.

Lakshmi Hariharaputhran with son Sacheth Prasanth at Angels’ World
| Photo Credit:
NIRMAL HARINDRAN

The parents believe they have set a model to provide a safe and happy environment for the neurodivergent community. “We parents have come to understand that autism is not a condition to be fixed but a way of being that requires understanding and support,” Riyas says.

Angels’ World is admitting day scholars as well. “We can accommodate 30 of them. The centre will also support these children in case of any emergency,” he adds.

For details, contact: 9995952206