Welcome to Ahaan Foundation!
Ahaan Foundation, a registered trust since 2012, is committed to addressing children’s emotional and psychological well-being by providing them with opportunities for growth, development, and mental resilience. We empower children, individuals, families, and communities through structured programmes that focus on mental health awareness, early intervention, and capacity building. Our mission encompasses fostering children’s development, sensitizing communities to critical social issues, and driving positive change through collective action.
Our Initiatives
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that impacts learning, communication, behavior, and social interaction. It is described as a “spectrum” because the symptoms and challenges can vary greatly in type and severity from one individual to another. Children and adults with ASD may experience difficulties in social interaction and communication, along with restricted or repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. Early identification and timely intervention are critical to supporting optimal development, yet in many resource-limited settings, delays in detection often prevent children from receiving the essential support they need.
Ahaan Foundation launched this initiative to bridge the gap in early identification and support for children with ASD. The program focuses on children aged 3-10 years, offering a 2-day intensive training that equips pre-primary and primary school teachers in the state of Goa, as well as Anganwadi caregivers in Ambarnath, Thane, with the skills to recognize early signs of autism and engage effectively with parents.
By strengthening awareness and early intervention capabilities among secondary caregivers, our ultimate goal is to build inclusive classrooms and nurturing, supportive environments where children with ASD and their families can thrive. We have created a structured system where educators can report suspected cases of ASD to Ahaan Foundation’s Counsellors.
Objectives
- Spot Early Signs – Train pre-primary and primary school teachers & Anganwadi caregivers to recognize ASD indicators
- Refer Early – Connect children to professional health services through Ahaan Foundation
- Guide Parents – Equip educators with simple strategies to communicate effectively with parents
- Enable Intervention – Support timely action to improve children’s quality of life
- Raise Awareness – Promote knowledge of healthcare services available for children in their respective areas
Programme Overview:
Goa (North & South):
Educators, including pre-primary and primary school teachers – from newly trained to seasoned professionals – across North and South Goa, representing both state and central boards, can participate in the ASD – Early Detection Project sensitization programme. The 2-day training focuses on equipping teachers with essential knowledge and skills for the early identification and support of children exhibiting atypical developmental patterns. A key highlight is the introduction of the Chandigarh Autism Screening Instrument (CASI), an effective preliminary screening tool designed to aid in the early detection of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Training Calendar – Goa (North & South):
| Date | Timing | Venue |
| Day 1: November 12, 2025 | 9:30 AM – 4.30 PM (includes Breakfast, Lunch and High Tea) | State Institute of Health and Family Welfare, (Old Asilo Hospital), Mapusa, Goa 403507 |
| Day 2: November 13, 2025 |
To book a session, reach out to coordinatorasd@ahaanfoundation.org | +91 86553 41491
Ambarnath, Thane:
Request a Programme
Ahaan Foundation’s initiative also includes intensive, school-specific sessions for all faculty and support staff to enhance their ability to identify early signs of autism and foster sensitisation within classrooms. Dedicated parent sessions are also conducted for families of children in pre-primary and primary sections, helping build awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage timely support.
To know more, reach out to coordinatorasd@ahaanfoundation.org | +91 86553 41491
Feedback from Teachers
“It was the best session I attended. I have learned here that how to identify the autism students. Thank you for this beautiful session I love it. Thank you.”
“The session was informative and gave valuable insights into understanding and supporting students with ASD.”
“The session was very lively, well-conducted, and explained. It helped me learn so many things I was not aware of. Thank you, Ahaan Foundation!”
“I would like to have such training every six months, and the teachers who did not appear should also be given a chance.”
“The ASD training was really helpful. It helped me to understand autism better. All the trainers did well in providing information and helping us understand in a positive way.”
“The ASD training was really helpful. It helped me to understand autism better. All the trainers did well in providing information and helping us understand in a positive way.”
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Our Team
Sonali Patankar
Founder & CEO
Sonali has conceptualised and founded Responsible Netism.
She has to her credit more than 25 years of professional experience with eminent organisations such as CRY - Child Rights and You, PCGT - Public Concern for Governance and Trust, IL&FS and Salaam Bombay Foundation.
She has been instrumental in hosting the Tobacco-Free Mumbai Campaign with the Mumbai Police in partnership with Salaam Bombay Foundation.
Unmesh Joshi
Co-Founder & COO
Unmesh is closely associated with Maharashtra Police and Cyber Lawyers in the Country. He is involved in doing a comparative study of Cyber Laws and Law Enforcement Agencies of various Countries and passionately talks about Legal Implications of irresponsible online behaviour.
Unmesh is a Social Entrepreneur, Philanthropist. He is the founder of ‘Anviksha Pratishthan’ and the Director of ‘Marathi Asmita Cultural Foundation’. He owns Bharatiya Vastra Shilpa – a leading Souvenir and Garment manufacturing company that has pioneered in the field of promoting Marathi Calligraphy Poetry and Marathi Culture on his souvenirs. He has several Young Entrepreneurs Awards to his credit and is also actively involved in reviving Theatre, Promoting Films and Events.
Utpal Madane
Executive Director - Operations and Infrastructure
Utpal provides design and printing expertise at Ahaan Foundation. Utpal Madane is a young entrepreneur who is mainly into offset printing business for the last 16 years. He has his business spread across Mumbai, Nashik and Jalgaon.
Utpal is a Versatile Entrepreneur who along with Printing, is also working with Prasad Pawar Foundation, Nashik who is working towards Digital Restoration of Ajintha Caves for last 10 years.
He is also a Director in Marathi Asmita Cultural Foundation, a Production House which is formed to promote Marathi Music and Literature across the globe.
Manjula Nair
Treasurer & Trustee
Manjula has been associated with Ahaan Foundation since its inception. She adds her expertise in content creation and in mental health services required during online distress, and the promoter of Digital Literacy at Responsible Netism.
Manjula is the Secretary of Bharatiya Stree Shakti (BSS), Mumbai. She is also a member of the National Executive Council of BSS. She has around two decades of experience in the areas of family counselling, life skills training and teaching. She has worked extensively with women and adolescents and has also taught Science, Mathematics and Geography at some of the top schools in Mumbai.
Dr Mukul Joshi
Executive Director - HR and OD
With more than 22 years of work experience, Mukul has extensively partnered with CEOs and senior executives, project and cross functional teams and systems (small, medium and large scale organisations) to facilitate complex business transformation and change. His areas of expertise include transformation and change management, strengthening organisation effectiveness through diagnosing organisational performance issues (structure, competency, talent) - designing and implementing large-scale transformational journeys, talent strategies, as well as senior team and leadership development and coaching.
Mukul’s industry experience includes IT and Services, Semiconductor, Infrastructure, Financial Services, Manufacturing, Non-Profit Organizations and education.
Shilpa Chandolikar
Executive Director - Brand and Communications
Shilpa is a Commercial Artist with over 19 years of experience in the field of Graphic Designing. She has been a brand custodian to an esteemed multinational organisation in the Marketing Communications function for the past 15 years.
Shilpa is a Trustee of Ahaan Foundation since its inception, and contributes towards brand building and amplification of the project, Responsible Netism.
Sumeet Rathod
Trustee
Sumeet, a young tech-savvy Cyber Security Expert, has been one of the founding members of Responsible Netism. His expertise in the field of Cyber Security and Cyber Forensics is a great value addition to the project Responsible Netism. He has developed a software and application called MOBICID to monitor and improve online behaviour of children and adults.
Sumeet is a Computer Science Graduate with over 16 years of experience in the IT Industry. He specialises in the field of Social Networking sites and is the Co-fFounder Laibhaari.com (a Marathi Facebook look-alike). He has worked with the Anti-Terrorist Squad and SID for Security Application and continues to assist the Cyber Cell.
Swapnil Pange
Head Counselling Services
Swapnil is an experienced clinical psychologist with over 15 years of dedicated work in the mental health field. He leads the counselling services at Ahaan Foundation in Mumbai, where he plays a key role in developing and expanding community mental health initiatives. Driven by a clear and compassionate vision, Swapnil is committed to making comprehensive and accessible mental health support available to communities in need.
Nivedita Borkakoty
Project Coordinator
Nivedita is a psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a PG Diploma in Counselling and Family Therapy. With over four years of experience supporting individuals with autism and ADHD, she uses a strength-based, neurodiversity-affirming approach. At Ahaan Foundation, she leads autism awareness and sensitisation efforts in the Goa region.
Rhythm Agrawal
Counsellor
Rhythm holds a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and is working as a Counsellor with the Autism Spectrum Disorder Project in Ambernath, Thane. She partners with educators and caregivers to support early detection and provide psychosocial interventions, fostering compassionate, neurodiversity-affirming spaces where every child can thrive.
Sharlene Fernandes
Counsellor
With an MSc in Clinical Psychology, Sharlene works as a Counsellor for the ASD Sensitization Programme in Ambernath, Thane. Passionate about neurodiversity, she believes in moving beyond labels to create a more inclusive, compassionate world that celebrates differences and nurtures each individual’s unique strengths.
Shivani Raikar
Counsellor
Shivani, a Clinical Psychology postgrad, working as a Counsellor with the Autism Spectrum Disorder project at Ahaan Foundation in the Goa region. She works closely with schools, families, and communities to conduct awareness sessions, provide counselling, and facilitate early identification and intervention for children with autism, dedicated to fostering safe and inclusive environments that support their development.
Aparna Sawant
Admin Executive
Aparna is a Commerce graduate with over 7 years of experience. For the past four years, she has been working as an Accountant and Admin Executive with Ahaan Foundation. Aparna’s dedication and attention to detail contribute significantly to the Foundation’s backend efficiency and compliances.
Dhanashree Kudale
Accountant
Dhanashree is a Commerce graduate with two years of experience in accounting. She currently works as an Accountant at Ahaan Foundation, contributing to the organization's financial management and daily accounting operations. Her commitment to accuracy and process support adds value to the organisation’s administrative functions.
Our Initiatives
Responsible Netism: A flagship project committed to safeguarding netizens in cyber space.
CYBER WELLNESS HELPLINE
Responsible Netism is a social purpose initiative committed to the cause of women and child online protection and cyber wellness.
Project Responsible Netism was established by Ahaan Foundation in 2012, with the primary objective of protecting the safety rights of children and women in cyberspace. Through our movement, we advocate for cyber wellness, raise awareness, educate individuals about digital safety, and promote responsible online behaviour. Our efforts have been initiated in the states of Maharashtra, Goa, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
We have successfully educated over 1.8 million children and more than 1 million adults through our educational and training programmes.
Ahaan Foundation Contact Details:
Contact our Project Coordinator:
