• Financial planning for a child with autism should begin as soon as they are diagnosed to ease parents’ stress of worrying about the child’s future in their absence.

• As a parent of a child with autism, one has to be more accepting of a 14 or 15-year-old enjoying a ride in a park meant for younger children, rather than feeling embarrassed about it.

Parents of children with autism have come together to discuss and seek solutions to the challenges that they face while raising their children.

What after them — it is a concern that haunts most parents who have children with autism or any other disability.

A two-day national autism convention will focus on six essential areas — finance, legal, residential, health, community, and skills.

The convention, to be held in the third week of November, is an initiative by five parents to supportand guide thousands of other parents who often struggle to cope with situations involving their children.

“The parents of a child with autism should start planning their finances as soon as a child is diagnosed. Whether they are salaried persons or run a business or a farmer — they should plan their resources in such a way so that it can secure their child’s future,” said Chaitali Gami, technical adviser of Parivaar, a national confederation of parents’ organisation for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities, at a press conference held on Monday afternoon.

Gami said parents have to be aware of the legal rights of the child with a disability to help them fare better. “There are parents who think that a disability certificate will stamp their children. But they need to understand is that it will provide them with support that will help to make their child more independent,” she said.

Psychiatrist Jai Ranjan Ram said the convention was “unique” as parents are organising it.

“Parents have doubts about their child’s future. Often, we professionals, do not have answers for them. There is a need for more clarity,” said Ram.

He said the work done by parents’ organisations and advocacy groups has helped in raising awareness about autism as a condition that wasn’t there years back.

Nilanjana Rambothu, another parent and member of the organising committee, said the mental wellness of parents was essential so that they could take care of their children.

During the convention, a campaign will be launched to encourage parents and caregivers to bring their children “outside” to promote inclusion and also urge authorities to create more autism-friendly spaces, said Sumitra Paul Bakshi, a member of the committee.

“The first teacher or trainer for a child with a disability is the parent and the family. Professionals only come later. Empowering parents is one of the objectives of this convention,” said Tulika Das, chairperson of, the West Bengal Commission for Protection of Child Rights, who was invited as a special guest.