Prakramika Institute Launches 23 Textbooks for Neurodivergent Children in Chennai

Chennai-based Prakramika Vocational Institute has released a series of 23 textbooks titled ‘Beyond Labels’ to establish a standardised curriculum for neurodivergent children and young adults. The initiative aims to provide a consistent academic framework across special schools to ensure learning continuity for students.

Gayatri Narasimhan, founder and director of the institute, stated that a uniform curriculum specifically designed for neurodivergent children previously did not exist. Special schools currently follow individual curricula based on the broad needs of the child, which can interrupt educational progress when moving between institutions.

The newly launched textbooks cater to learners from birth up to 25 years of age, spanning five distinct developmental stages: early childhood (0–6 years), pre skill (6–10 years), basic (11–15 years), intermediate (16–20 years), and advanced (21–25 years). The books are specifically designed for individuals with autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, and intellectual disabilities, among others.

The curriculum integrates academic learning with practical life skills, functional independence, community participation, and workplace readiness. Subjects covered in the books include communication skills, mathematics, functional academics, computer skills, activities of daily living, financial literacy, sex education, safety, personality development, self-advocacy, soft skills, physical fitness, yoga, and vocational education.

Development of the books began in 2020 when Ms. Narasimhan published the initial version of the curriculum in a book. Over the following two years, a team of eight people worked to refine and complete the material. The ‘Beyond Labels’ textbooks, which launched in February 2026, allow educators to prepare Individualised Education Programmes based on each learner’s developmental stage. The books are currently available at the institute's office in Chennai.