In a first-of-its-kind centre for specially abled children, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation is going to set up an early intervention and rehabilitation centre in Byculla. The project had a special mention in the budget 2022-23 presented by the BMC commissioner on Thursday.

Developmental paediatricians welcomed the move saying this was long awaited. “It shows that the authorities are recognising that children with special needs require a separate specialised approach and it cannot be clubbed with adults. We also need an outcome-oriented approach towards these children,” said Dr Samir Dalwai, consultant developmental-behavioural paediatrician, Nanavati Max Hospital.