About Us
About Us
Dishaa Hope Foundation is a dedicated center for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), providing specialized early intervention and individualized educational programs. Our mission is to empower children and their families with the skills needed for independence and inclusion. With a compassionate and research-driven approach, we strive to create a supportive environment where every child can thrive and reach their full potential.
Our Founder’s Journey
I still remember that fateful day—the day my world turned upside down. At just 2 and a half years old, my identical twin daughters were diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Overwhelmed and far from family support, I faced the challenge of raising two children with unique needs on my own. At my lowest point, I teetered on the edge of despair but found strength in the thought of my daughters’ futures. I chose to fight for them and began searching for ways to help them thrive.
Mainstream solutions often seemed resigned to merely coping. I refused to accept this. While others emphasized self-care over child development, I poured my energy into creating a better path for my girls. Despite their silence and struggles, I held onto hope. Through trial and error, I developed a unique method that combined activities with guided hand movements to connect sounds and letters. Slowly, my daughters began to articulate words and express their thoughts. This breakthrough transformed not just their communication but also their behavior, emotional understanding, and social skills.
As they grew, I nurtured their academic, emotional, and creative potential. They embraced independence, learning life skills like cooking, hygiene, and managing responsibilities. Today, they are confident, capable adults, surfing life with sheer determination and will.
In 2017, I began sharing my approach with other families, witnessing remarkable transformations in children’s skills and behaviors. This inspired me to establish the “Dishaa Hope Foundation,” a charitable trust dedicated to providing affordable, consistent therapy to families, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Our mission is to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their circumstances.
The PPA approach and the foundation are testaments to the power of determination, love, and tailored support. Through these efforts, I hope to inspire others facing similar challenges and create a more inclusive world where every child can bloom beautifully.
The Founder
Dr. Ida Menezes
(Founder – Dishaa Hope Foundation)
(Founder – Dishaa Hope Foundation)
Dr. Ida Sylvia Menezes is the Founder and Director of Dishaa Hope Foundation, an Early Intervention Centre for Autism in Mysore. As a clinical psychologist, child development specialist, and author with over two decades of experience in neurodevelopmental disorders, her work is dedicated to supporting children with autism and ADHD through specialized behavioral interventions.
Beyond her clinical practice, Dr. Menezes is deeply involved in research and innovation developed unique approach, a structured Individualized Educational Program (IEP) aimed at enhancing academic success for children with autism. Additionally, she created the LsPQM-12, a patented tool designed to measure leisure-specific psychological well-being and quality of life for mothers of children with autism. Her research contributions include over 20 journal articles published in SSRN during her PhD, reflecting her commitment to advancing knowledge in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders.
As an author, Dr. Menezes has written two books: Finding Balance, which focuses on the mental health of mothers of children with autism, and The LsPQM-12 Manual Book, which explores the role of leisure in overall well-being. These works underscore her dedication to both parental mental health and holistic child development.
Alongside her professional endeavors, she actively engages in humanitarian and psycho-social initiatives. As a member of Rotary Panchsheel Mysore District 3181, she contributes to community service projects and awareness programs on mental health and parenting. Over the years, she has conducted numerous workshops and seminars, equipping parents, educators, and professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to support children with special needs and promote family well-being.
In addition to her expertise, Dr. Menezes brings a personal perspective as a mother, offering a deep understanding of the joys and challenges of parenting. Her experiences shape her approach, and her mission remains to empower families with practical insights to navigate the complexities of childhood and adolescence with confidence, patience, and positivity.
Our People: Team and Board
Our People: Team and Board
- Dr. Ida Menezes
Founder
P.S.Chandrasekhara Rao
Sanjeer K Rajan
Dechi Kaveriappa K
Dr. Thejavathi UC
Deepa S Harsha
Divya S Harsha
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Our Events
Event 1
Celebration of Birthday, National day & Festivals at Dishaa
Event 2
Managing Exams & Academic Pressures, Workshop for Grades 10,11,12
Event 3
Autism Mothers' Mental Wellness Program
Event 4
Awareness Program & Living with Autism, for Postgraduates
Event 5
Mental Wellness Program “Dishaa & Jeevana”
Event 6
‘Vocational Excellence Award’ from Rotary Panchsheel Mysore for the legacy of empathy, resilience & exceptional service to humanity
Event 7
Building Resiliency in High School Students
Event 8
Christmas Day Celebration -Distributing Goodies, Cakes, & Toys
Event 9
Judging Taare Zameen Pe -Art & Drawing Competition for 140 Special Needs Children
Event 10
Living Book, Human Liibrary Project, Mysore
Event 11
Dishaa Hope Foundation & Rotary Panchsheel Mysore -Rotarian Service
Event 12
NGO Incubation Program-Disability Sector
Event 13
Education For Every Ability- Development Training Course; Resource Person at Auroville
Event 14
Psycho-Social Support in Emergencies- NIDM Workshop Delhi
Event 15
Collaborative Community Service with Other NGO's
Event 16
EASE Program -National Health Mission, AP- iECHO; Advanced Training for Child Counselling
Event 17
Workshop on Complementary Therapies in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Served Across The Globe
India
Australia
UAE
United States
They Need Your Help!
Your support can make a life-changing difference for children with autism. Help us provide early intervention, specialized education, and family support to ensure every child gets the chance to thrive.
They Need Your Help!
Your support can make a life-changing difference for children with autism. Help us provide early intervention, specialized education, and family support to ensure every child gets the chance to thrive.