"The Santosh Institute for Mentally Challenged Children is a dream for autistic kids," says Nagma Ali (name changed) as she watches her 11-year-old daughter, Shaina, throw a tantrum on being asked to join in the exercises. One of its kind The city has only a handful of therapy centres, most of them unaffordable, and only one such institute.

Before opening the institute, 30-year old Datta (he refuses to give his full name) personally visited the homes of kids suffering from cerebral palsy and helped with their training. Disturbing figures The positive response of parents inspired him to establish this centre. But Datta always wanted to provide an avenue for therapy to autistic children. "My brother was autistic and I understand the needs of such children," explains Datta.

The institute is named after his late brother.

Datta, who has worked as a special educator for many hospitals, states that one out of every 150 children is autistic.

While the students dance to the tunes of the Taare Zameen Par chartbuster, Bum bum bole, he discusses the various levels of autism.

Pointing at four-year-old Dev, who is running frantically across the terrace, Datta says, "These kids are either too scared to participate, like Shaina is, or too hyperactive. Teaching them how to tie their shoelaces requires immense patience." Learning is fun Manish Twenty two-year-old Bhatia would have been a college student. But cerebral palsy has restricted his movements. Now, after a 15-day stint at the centre, he can skate with some assistance.

Fancy gym equipment and a basketball net make learning fun. Bright corners are marked on the terrace floor so that the children can cycle easily.

Datta has several volunteers working for him. While the kids open tiffin boxes and nibble on snacks, the volunteers are busy assessing the kids before admitting them to the centre. Sports are important A newcomer's parents want Datta to make certain changes on the admission form. The organisation should be called "institute for special children" and not "institute for mentally challenged children," goes the complaint.

Despite the high numbers of autism cases, the cause has caught the eye only recently. He winds up, stating, "Therapy can heal to an extent. But sports are as important for special children as they are for others."