Support Abandoned Intellectually Disabled Children

Meet Sheela — a reminder of why early intervention changes everything.

When Sheela arrived at Sri Arunodayam at the age of seven, she came with challenges that affected both her body and mind. What she needed most was timely medical care, steady rehabilitation, a safe space to call her own, and the nurturing love she had gone without. Today, her transformation stands as a powerful testament to what your support makes possible.

 Transformed by Timely Care

Sheela was brought to Sri Arunodayam in 2017 after being found abandoned near a charity institute in Thoothukudi, over 600 kilometres from Chennai. Confused, fragile, and carrying more than any child should, she came with a diagnosis of spina bifida, a birth condition where the spinal cord does not form properly. Along with an intellectual disability, her mobility was severely restricted.

At Sri Arunodayam, she received timely medical intervention and underwent spinal surgery that reshaped her future. Through steady physiotherapy, she learned to stand, take steps, and eventually walk independently. Her gait may occasionally falter, but her determination never does. Regular medication helps stabilise her, enabling her to take part fully in school, play, and everyday activities.

Early medical intervention saved Sheela’s life. It gave her the childhood she deserved. With nutritious meals, patient teaching and consistent therapy in a safe environment, she learned to read, write, draw, colour, and even do simple math—milestones once thought out of reach for a child like her. Today, she is remarkably independent. Though she has no bladder control due to spina bifida, she manages her personal care with confidence and dignity, changing her own diapers before returning to her routine without hesitation.

Sheela’s journey is a powerful reminder of how early medical care and rehabilitation can completely change the trajectory of a child’s life. With timely support, every child can move closer to independence and a wonderful future filled with possibilities!

Dear Donor,

With immense gratitude, we share a quick update on the transformative healing work being done at Sri Arunodayam. Your kindness is bringing new life, comfort, and dignity to the abandoned children with intellectual disabilities who arrive at our doorstep with complex medical needs.

Every child deserves a chance to thrive, and our medical program stands as a cornerstone of this belief, central to our holistic approach to rehabilitation and care. For many of our children, the journey begins with substantial health hurdles – from untreated infections and malnutrition to epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and other co-morbid conditions that have gone unaddressed for far too long.

Here’s how your contributions fuel our medical interventions.

• Immediate attention: Upon arrival, every child undergoes a thorough medical assessment. Urgent conditions are addressed promptly, often involving hospitalizations, specialized treatments, and life-saving interventions. This initial care is often their first experience of compassionate healing!
• Ongoing management: Intellectual disabilities frequently come with associated medical complexities. Our medical team provides continuous care, managing chronic conditions like epilepsy, respiratory issues, and digestive problems through regular check-ups, medication management, and nutritional support.
• Nutritional rehabilitation: Many children arrive severely malnourished. Our medical program pivots on good nutrition, so we ensure therapeutic nutrition by providing our young patients with balanced, nourishing meals tailored to their specific dietary needs. This is crucial for their physical development and cognitive function.
• Preventive care: We promote preventive health measures, including vaccinations, regular deworming, and robust hygiene protocols, to protect the children from common illnesses and create a healthy living environment.

Here’s a story that illustrates that emotional healing is just as vital as medical care.

Anusree’s Story

Like most children at our home, Anusree’s story is a sad one. Her father passed away and shortly after, her mother abandoned her. Anusree was brought up by an uncle and aunt. One day, her teacher noticed bruise marks on her body and filed a complaint with the police. Anusree was being abused. She was rescued and sent to an organization where she received speech and occupational therapy, but was sent to us on being diagnosed with an intellectual disability.

Anusree needed urgent medical treatment. And while the scars on her body have healed, she’s still under observation as she’s been through a very traumatic experience. She is still not very coherent but her therapist is working to improve her speech. Given her sad background, we are surprised that she’s quite sociable. She’s also doing quite well at school. We are witnessing this precious life blossom with a little love and care!

Your contributions are more than just financial aid; they are an investment in human dignity. You directly participate in the miracle of transformation, turning their despair into hope. And for this, we are deeply grateful.