"We endeavour to render exceptional love, care, hope and educational assistance to children with special needs to help them develop and utilise their potential."
Ms. Jayashree Ramesh began her career in special education in 1986. Her first encounter with autism was a 3.5-year-old child who did not respond to any form of engagement. Guided by her mentor, Ms. Rukmini Krishnaswamy, Director, Spastics Society of Karnataka, she was introduced to the then-little-known condition of autism and encouraged to explore it further.
Motivated to understand children with autism better, she pursued a Master’s in Special Education from San Jose State University, California. After six years in the United States, she returned to Bangalore with a clear mission — to build an institution dedicated to education and training for individuals with autism.
In 1995, she founded the Academy for Severe Handicaps and Autism (ASHA) with just three children in a small rented space in Malleshwaram. As the need grew, ASHA shifted to its own four-storied building in Basaveshwarnagar in 2004. Today, ASHA supports more than 100 children and young adults aged 3 to 24, providing individualized education, training, and therapy through its diverse programs.
Jayashree Ramesh
Founder
At ASHA, we provide a comprehensive, life-cycle approach to autism support. Our services are designed around three interconnected pillars—the child, the family, and the community—ensuring holistic and sustained impact.
We offer structured, evidence-based interventions that support the development, education, and independence of individuals with autism across different stages of life. Our child-centred services include early assessments and intervention, clinical and behavioural services, and a structured day school programme.
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We provide parent counselling and training to help families understand autism, manage challenges, and actively participate in their child’s development. Respite care and peer-support groups offer relief and empowerment.
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Our community initiatives build awareness and capacity — from school sensitisation to professional training and research partnerships aimed at systemic change.
Learn moreTogether, these three pillars form an integrated ecosystem—supporting individuals with autism from early childhood through adulthood, strengthening families, and building a more inclusive society.
Chairman
Mr. M. N. Balachandra is a Mechanical Engineering graduate from B.M.S. College of Engineering, Bangalore. He retired as Vice President – Business Development from Auma India Pvt. Ltd., where he served for over two decades after beginning his career with the Kirloskar Electric Group.
Secretary
Mr. C. R. Subramanya is a finance and management professional with over three and half decades of leadership experience across manufacturing and service sectors in Engineering space.
Treasurer
Mr. A. Ravichandran is a finance professional with nearly three decades of experience in accounting and financial management.
Trustee
Mr. V. G. Raman is an Electronics and Communication Engineer with a postgraduate degree in Computer Science and over 35 years of experience in the manufacturing and IT industries.
Founder
Ms. Jayashree Ramesh holds an M.A. in Special Education from San Jose State University, California, and founded ASHA in 1995.
Head - Administration, Finance and HR
Jyoti Rajappa has been associated with ASHA for the past 24 years. She joined as a volunteer and later served as a special educator before moving into her current leadership role. She holds an M.Com and a Postgraduate Diploma in Autism and Learning Disabilities from Karnataka Parents Association of Citizens with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (formerly KPAMRC). With prior experience at CDOT and Airtel, Jyoti now oversees ASHA's administration, human resources, finance, and compliance functions, ensuring smooth operations across all departments.
Head - Family Services
Sujata Satyamadhava holds an MA and is an RCI-certified special educator who has been with ASHA for over 25 years. As a parent of a son with autism, she brings deep empathy and personal insight to her work with families. At ASHA, she leads parent training programs, conducts workshops and counselling sessions, and manages family enquiries with care and understanding.
Head - Education Services and Management
Priya Vijayan is the Head of Education Services and Management at ASHA. She holds a Diploma in Autism from the Karnataka Parents Association of Citizens with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (formerly KPAMRC). With over a decade of experience at ASHA, she specializes in understanding the diverse needs of children with autism and ensuring that appropriate therapies and interventions are effectively implemented.
Projects and Communication
Anand Krishnan has over a decade of experience in managing corporate social responsibility initiatives in the area of disability. He specializes in project proposal development, budgeting, impact reporting, and SOP formulation. Anand holds a Master's in Autism and Intellectual Disability Studies from the University of Kent, UK, and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Economics from Christ University, Bangalore.
HR Officer and Coordinator
Sindhu Jayan holds a Master's in Social Work (MSW) and has been with ASHA for over 12 years. She oversees ASHA's volunteering and internship programs, coordinating both corporate and individual engagement initiatives that support the organization's mission.
Accounts Manager
Joseph Anthony is a science graduate and has been with ASHA for over 9 years. As Accounts Manager, he oversees general administration, infrastructure, payments, and financial management, ensuring the smooth day-to-day functioning of the organization.
Finance and Accounts Consultant
Finance and Accounts Consultant. (CV available.)
We are always looking for dedicated special educators with RCI certification, as well as teaching assistants and support staff. If you are passionate about making a difference, join our team.
Apply NowWe welcome volunteers and interns who wish to contribute time, skills, and compassion. Opportunities are available across classrooms, therapy sessions, events, and administration.
Apply to Volunteer / Intern