Innocent Times Star: A Beacon of Hope for Neurodiverse Children – Dr. Ankita Sanghvi Shares Her Journey

Exclusive interview with Dr. Ankita Sanghvi, Founder of Innocent Times, by Romal Surana (Founder and Director, Nanhaagyan Foundation)

What began as a compassionate response to a distressed mother in 2008 has now blossomed into Innocent Times, a pioneering institution for children with autism and neurodiverse needs. In an exclusive interview, Dr. Ankita Sanghvi, founder and director, recounts her journey, challenges, and vision for creating an inclusive future.

The Spark That Ignited a Movement

Dr. Ankita Sanghvi’s journey began when her mother relocated from Mumbai to Pune, struggling to find a preschool for her 2.5-year-old son diagnosed with autism. “No school would accept him. When she approached me, I decided to take him in,” recalls Dr. Sanghvi. Today, that child is 13 and thriving, serving as the inspiration behind Innocent Times Star. Word spread, and soon, more parents sought her help. By 2015, Dr. Sanghvi launched a formal intervention program after earning a B.Ed in Special Education and training her staff.

Breaking the Mold: Curriculum & Individualized Plans

Early challenges forced a paradigm shift. A standardised curriculum failed, leading to frustration. “We realised one size doesn’t fit all. We adopted Individualised Education Programs (IEPS),” she explains. Today, each of the 50 students has a tailored plan, blending group activities for social growth and one-on-one sessions for personal milestones. The school’s structure mimics mainstream education—uniforms, assemblies, sports days—while integrating therapy. “Group sessions build social skills, but individual goals are tackled in dedicated slots,” says Dr. Sanghvi.

Facilities Designed for Growth

The campus boasts sensory-friendly spaces: a calming dark room with bean bags for meltdowns, an occupational therapy room, a music studio, and a sports arena run by a national-level coach. Notably, chess has emerged as a therapy. “FIDE’s Chess as Therapy for Autism project revealed how quickly these children learn. We now have a chess academy,” she shares.

Daycare extends support beyond school hours, focusing on life skills. “It’s not just babysitting. We enforce routines that families often struggle with, leading to remarkable progress,” Dr.Ankita Sanghvi adds.

Parents as Partners

Transparency is key. Digital updates, quarterly reviews, and an upcoming app keep parents informed. “We document every step. Parents never have to ask, ‘What is my child doing?’” she emphasises.

Teachers: The Heartbeat of the Institution

Hiring educators involves psychological assessments and rigorous training. “We test for passion and patience,” says Dr. Sanghvi. Continuous workshops with experts like Dr. Sunil Godbole ensure skill upgrades. Even the watchman, she laughs, can calmly handle five autistic children.

The Road Ahead: Vocational Training & NIOS Success

As students age, the focus shifts to vocational training. Collaborations with hospitality and horticulture sectors are in the works. Meanwhile, NIOS exams have been a triumph. “Eight students appeared this year, leveraging concessions like scribes. Academically strong kids thrive here,” she notes.

Vision: A One-Stop Autism Haven

Dr. Ankita Sanghvi envisions a holistic hub where therapy, education, and vocational training coexist. “This will be a happy place—a lifetime support system for neurodiverse individuals,” she asserts.

Conclusion:

From a single act of kindness to a transformative institution, Innocent Times Star exemplifies innovation and empathy. As Dr. Ankita Sanghvi aptly says, “Every child deserves love, structure, and a chance to shine.” For parents of neurodiverse children, that chance begins here.

About the interviewer

Romal Surana, Founder and Director, Nanhaagyan Foundation, is known for her contribution, specialising in education and social impact stories.