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Forum for Autism’s journey began with a group of parents who came together in solidarity, united by the shared experience of raising autistic children and navigating a system that often left them feeling unheard and unsupported. What started as a space for reassurance and shared understanding soon grew into a community anchored in hope, resilience, and collective strength. For many families, FFA became the first place where their questions were met with compassion and their concerns were met with clarity.

Over the years, this parent-led collective has transformed lived experience into meaningful action. Through support meetings, workshops, awareness programmes, and advocacy efforts, FFA has created a safe and informed environment where parents can learn, connect, and uplift one another. Their work has helped families access resources, build confidence, and navigate education and society with greater ease, ensuring no parent has to face their journey alone.

Their recognition with the Guiding Light Support Group Award honours the heart of what FFA represents, shared leadership, shared strength, and unwavering belief in community. Forum for Autism continues to create pathways of belonging and understanding for families across the city, reminding us that when caregivers stand together, inclusion becomes not just possible, but powerful.

Dr. Gayatri Narasimhan’s journey into inclusive education began with a simple but powerful belief, that every neurodivergent learner deserves dignity, opportunity, and the chance to build an independent life. Trained as a software engineer but drawn toward education through purpose and conviction, she transformed her career path to serve families across India. Witnessing the gap between mainstream education and the real needs of neurodiverse children, she committed herself to creating learning pathways that honour each individual’s strengths, pace, and aspirations.

As the Founder of Prakramika Vocational Institute (PVI), Dr. Gayatri has built one of India’s most impactful vocational ecosystems for neurodivergent learners. Through more than 30 structured skill-based courses, long-term programmes, assessment tools, and free training modules, she has supported over 500 individuals in developing meaningful skills that lead to confidence and long-term independence. Her dedication extends beyond learners to the wider community, empowering more than 2,000 parents, teachers, and caregivers through free training sessions, and contributing innovative curricula, frameworks, and tools recognised at national and global forums, including the UN Civil Society Conference.

Her recognition with the Guiding Light Professional Award celebrates the heart of her work — compassion, vision, and a relentless belief in the potential of every learner. Dr. Gayatri’s leadership continues to bridge gaps, unlock possibilities, and shape a future where vocational education is not an exception but a rightful pathway for neurodivergent individuals across India.

Dr. Mini A.O.’s journey in child development spans more than 25 years, shaped by a steadfast commitment to ensuring that every child receives the support, understanding, and care they deserve. As a rehabilitation professional, developmental therapist, and psychologist, she has walked alongside families from the earliest stages of concern to moments of hope and progress. Her work reflects a rare combination of clinical expertise and deep compassion qualities that have guided countless parents through some of their most challenging moments with dignity and reassurance.

For over two decades at the Child Development Centre, Government Medical College in Trivandrum, Dr. Mini has provided diagnostic, therapeutic, and developmental support to more than 25,000 children. Her dedication extends beyond clinical care: she has mentored future professionals, contributed to essential screening and assessment tools, and pursued research that centres caregiver wellbeing. Through each of these efforts, she has strengthened pathways for early intervention, built trust with families, and helped shape an ecosystem where children with developmental challenges can receive timely, thoughtful, and effective support.

Her recognition with the Guiding Light Professional Award reflects the very heart of GLA, honouring professionals who bring expertise and empathy together to create lasting impact. Dr. Mini’s life’s work stands as a powerful reminder that when early intervention is guided by belief, connection, and compassion, it becomes a catalyst for change in the lives of children and their families.