In Noida, June 25, 2025, at The Class of One, the mood was one of quiet determination and cautious optimism, being greeted by parents who came with the hope of finding answers, strategies and mostly some hope that their children can succeed in their lives on the autism spectrum. Hosted by The Class Of One Global Online School in collaboration with the Autism Parents Forum, the seminar titled "Beyond the Spectrum: Expert Guidance for Parents" provided a wealth of knowledge and practical tools for families to implement immediately in their daily lives.

Real Stories, Real Solutions

The event kicked off with a Sanskrit prayer, a meaningful gesture that set the tone for the day's proceedings. However, it was Dr Shikha Sawhney's keynote address that truly captivated the attendees. Practising for more than 25 years as an occupational therapist with a specialisation in autism and sensory integration, Dr Sawhney relayed hope and advice using her experience to parents who go through challenges on a day-to-day basis. Being the founder of SANJIVANI – A Ray of Hope, Dr Sawhney was able to capture the hearts of the audience with her deep understanding of the individual needs of a child, which are different.

"Every child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another," Dr. Sawhney remarked, highlighting the importance of individualised approaches in managing autism. She also stressed the importance of little steps that bring about change in the long run, giving parents hope.

The panel of experts were diversified and introduced practical advice in various fields of endeavour. Mr Dhiraj Bhasin, one of the ABA analysts, presented powerful success stories in the work done by him in rehabilitation. Mr Manav Dhir, a speech therapist, shared some excellent communication strategies, while Dr Ruby Chauhan, an occupational therapist, discussed the potentially devastating problem of sensory overload, which many families face daily.

Breaking Down Barriers to Learning with Online Education

The possibilities of online education among neurodiverse learners became one of the most interesting debates. Ms Neha Arora, the director of the Special Education Department at The Class Of One, disproved popular myths about virtual schooling. She said that an online school in India would be a good environment where children with autism may learn their skills because many students are seen to excel when they are in a familiar and non-welcoming environment, not in an overload of senses, which traditional classrooms present to children.

"We're seeing that online learning can be incredibly effective for many children with autism," Ms Arora shared. "By utilising visual learning tools, predictable routines, and individualised pacing, online education offers a personalised and engaging experience."

The Class Of One Global Online School was founded four years ago, and in that short time, it has been growing very fast to reach several students in more than 40 countries to date, which is above 4,000. The school's mission to build an inclusive and collaborative learning environment perfectly suits its promise of giving a flexible and supportive climate of learning to all of its students by recognising their unique needs.

Ms. Hemalatha and Ms. A.V.S. Bharathi, who are senior special educators, had very touching success stories to share about how students who used to struggle with communication capabilities in the traditional classroom setting found their voice online. Remembering, Ms Bharathi said: The former added: It led a non-speaking student to become a confident communicator in the virtual classes.

Expanding Educational Opportunities Through NIOS

A pivotal session on the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) highlighted additional options for parents concerned about their children’s academic journey. Ms Arora explained how NIOS provides a flexible educational framework that supports various learning needs. With features like scribe assistance and specialised examination centres, NIOS is increasingly being recognised as a valuable resource for neurodiverse learners.

"NIOS is a great alternative for many families," Ms Arora noted. "With over five lakh students enrolling annually, NIOS certificates are recognised by universities worldwide. It’s not a compromise – it’s often the better option."

Looking Ahead: Building a Supportive Community for Families

At the end of the seminar, as parents took part in open individual counselling sessions, it was clear the event had had a lasting influence. Parents left the seminar with actionable plans and valuable resources, feeling empowered to take the next steps in supporting their children's development.

To find out more about how The Class Of One will support your child to succeed in a special education school, visit our school website or call, and we can achieve it together, with one step each at a time