When a child or adult is in need of special care, the care-giver is faced with demands on time, patience, energy & effort that only those placed in the same situation can truly relate to and understand.

Information and a good support system prove invaluable in this emotional journey. With this in mind, we provide a list of informative websites, support groups and chatrooms that offer guidance and support.

The Central Institute on Mental Retardation (CIMR) - http://www.cimr.info/
The Central Institute on Mental Retardation (CIMR) is a non-profit organization at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. As the executive wing of the All Kerala Association for the Mentally Retarded, it focuses on the development, education, training and rehabilitation of the mentally challenged and has plans to launch a mailing list and discussion board facilities to audiences all over the world.

The Disability India Network - http://disabilityindia.org/index.cfm
The Disability India Network provides comprehensive data about non-government organizations that provide facilities and services for the disabled. This Network aims to be a one-stop portal for disability related issues in India. The site has discussion board facilities, educational resources and many articles.

The National Institute for the Mentally Handicapped - http://www.nimhindia.org/
Official website of the The National Institute for the Mentally Handicapped (NIMH), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Govt. of India. It is equipped with a chat room and a list of publications brought out by the NIMH in the field of mental retardation.

The National Institute of Mental Health - http://www.nimh.nih.gov/home.cfm
This website provides information to the public, researchers, and clinicians on a range of mental disorders and other behavioural conditions that can adversely affect healthy development. Included are brochures and information sheets, reports, press releases, fact sheets, and other educational material.

The Arc of the U.S - http://www.thearc.org/
The Arc of the US seeks to change people's perception of individuals with mental retardation, and to educate the public about the potential of people with mental retardation. The website contains extensive information and resources on mental retardation and developmental disabilities.

The Autism Society of America - http://www.autism-society.org/
The Autism Society of America was founded in 1965 by a small group of parents working on a volunteer basis out of their homes. Over the last 38 years, the Society has developed into one of the leading sources of information and resources on autism. It also supports initiatives in research, education, and treatment.

Internet Mental Health - http://www.mentalhealth.com/
the Internet Mental Health site aims to improve understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of mental illness throughout the world. It provides information, resources, discussion groups, and publications on mental health. The site also has a separate section for self-diagnosis and another for stories of recovery and personal experiences.

National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI)- http://www.nami.org/
NAMI is a nonprofit, grassroots, self-help, support and advocacy organization for people with severe and persistent mental illness that affect the brain, their families and friends. It provides information and support in the form of discussion groups and chat rooms.

SAMHSA's National Mental Health Information Center - http://www.mentalhealth.org/
Using research, publications, news, programs, information and resources regarding mental health, this site aims to improve the lives of everyone with mental health problems or learning disabilities. By increasing public awareness, it encourages caregivers to seek early and appropriate treatment and services.

The Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation - http://www.dougflutiejrfoundation.org
Started by Doug Flutie and his wife Laurie to honour their son Doug Jr., who has autism, the Foundation's mission is to aid families who need assistance in caring for their children with autism through support and education; to fund education and research into the causes and consequences of childhood autism; and to serve as a clearinghouse and communications center for new programs and services developed for individuals with autism.

Beacon of Hope - http://www.lightship.org
This site, created by the wife of a person with bipolar disorder is dedicated to men and women who are partners of someone diagnosed with a severe mental illness. It offers information and tips to ease the tension and stress that are part of living with a mentally ill partner. The site also contains a 'Caregivers Corner' with help, support, and inspiration in regularly updated articles from caregivers.

Center for the Study of Autism -http://www.autism.org/
The Center for the Study of Autism (CSA), located in the Salem/Portland, Oregon area provides information about autism to parents and professionals, and conducts research on the efficacy of various therapeutic interventions. Much of their research is in collaboration with the Autism Research Institute (ARI)- http://www.autism.com/ari/ , a non-profit organization in California, primarily devoted to conducting research, and to disseminating the results of research, on the causes of autism and on methods of preventing, diagnosing and treating autism and other severe behavioral disorders of childhood.

National Autistic Society - http://www.nas.org.uk/groups.html
In 1962 a group of parents, frustrated with the lack of provision and support for children with autism and their carers, and whose children had been labelled 'ineducable' came together and formed The Society for Autistic Children which later became The National Autistic Society (NAS). The site contains links to a comprehensive list of national and international societies and associations for children, adolescents and adults with autism throughout the world.

World Federation for Mental Health - http://www.wfmh.com/
The WFMH is a non-profit organisation, founded in 1948, to prevent mental and emotional disorders, give proper treatment and care to those with such disorders and to promote the highest possible level of mental health by enhancing public awareness among all peoples and nations through publications and resources.

National Network of Adult and Adolescent Children who have a Mentally Ill Parent/s. Vic. inc. Australia - www.vicnet.net.au/~nnaami/
The NNAAMI has been established by a group of children who have experienced life with a mentally ill parent, to provide assistance for one another via self -help support, discussion and counselling groups. The group also informs the community of their common needs and life experiences.

The Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health (SCMH)- http://www.scmh.org.uk/
Affiliated to King's College, London, The Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health is a registered charity, working to improve the quality of life for people with severe mental health problems. It aims to influence national policy and encourage good practice in mental health services. The site has an 'Interview' area where experts, practitioners and users give their views from the field and a 'Discussions' area to participate in further debate.

AMHA
'Ashirvad'
Karyattukara,
Elthuruth P.O.,
Thrissur- 680 611
Kerala, India

amhaindia@yahoo.co.in

Tel. Nos. : 
(0091487)2363670 
(0091487)2381844 

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