The Autism Care Network Foundation (ACNF) was established in India in 2021 in the City/Territory of Chandigarh as a non-profit, non-governmental organization (is defined as a private limited company in India per government regulations). 

ACNF has focused its efforts on autism and related conditions, including attention-deficit disorders and anxiety. We are all aware that these autism-spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a diverse group of conditions marked by difficulties in social interaction and communication. These children have special needs; they often show atypical patterns of activities and behaviours, such as difficulty with transition from one activity to another, unusually persistent focus on certain details, and inconsistent reactions to sensory stimuli. Their abilities vary and evolve with age; some improve towards independence, where others require life-long care and support. 
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Autism could have roots during early development. The earlier we can recognize the etiopathogenesis of ASDs, the better prepared all of us, as clinicians, parents, extended families, the society, and the administrative authorities can be. ASDs are not a rare disorder; these affect 1 in 100, maybe more, children all over the world. And we still need studies in low-/middle income countries. The causes remain unknown; environmental and genetic factors need study. There is also a need to dispel disproven beliefs about the role of live-virus vaccines and preservatives such as thiomersal and additive aluminum. 
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To support individuals with ASDs, we need a broad range of interventions starting in early infancy. Early identification of these disorders can optimize the development, health, and well-being of people with ASDs. Timely access to psychosocial interventions is important; individualized provision of relevent information, services, referrals, and practical support can be key for health promotion, care, and rehabilitation. There is a need to engage with the community for accessibility, inclusivity, and support. We all need to work together as these children are vulnerable to secondary complications related to physical inactivity, malnutrition, and abuse/violence.
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ACNF has been involved in many initiatives to improve access and quality of clinical care for these patients: collaboration with other professionals such as developmental pediatricians, psychologists, neurologists; and engagement with family and self-advocates. We are focusing on: (1) host factors such as genetic predisposition; (2) epidemiological studies to identify other causative factors; and (3) working with the society and other organizations such as ECHO India to enhance needed services. We have developed specialized clinics for personalized care, and are conducting webinars and hands-on training programs with fellow clinicians and societal leaders. 

In 2025, we have decided on a two-pronged approach, where we will maintain our identity and efforts in India but merge our efforts in other parts of the world with the Global Newborn Society. We have adopted the journal newborn as our official mouthpiece as we need to reach clinicians providing care to at-risk children as early as possible after birth.
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