For many parents in Noida, a neurodivergent diagnosis comes with a daunting question: Where do we go from here? While the city is experiencing rapid infrastructure growth, finding specialized and structured schooling for children on the autism spectrum remains a practical challenge.
Located in Sector 116, the Sunrise Learning Foundation is working to address this gap.
Rather than operating strictly as a daycare or therapy center, Sunrise Learning functions as a comprehensive educational ecosystem. The organization focuses on building a structured pipeline from early childhood intervention to independent livelihood training.
A Founder’s Mission: From AIIMS to Sector 116
The foundation’s approach is rooted in the background of its founder, Dr. Sonali Kataria.
A medical professional with an MD in Anatomy from AIIMS, New Delhi, Dr. Kataria shifted her career focus in 2014 following her son Poorab’s autism diagnosis. Noting a lack of long-term educational support for neurodiverse children in the region, she transitioned from medicine to special education.
Today, she leads a facility where many of the faculty members are themselves parents or relatives of children with special needs, bringing shared, lived experiences to the classroom.
The Ecosystem: From Early Years to Employment
Sunrise Learning differentiates itself by utilizing a lifespan approach to neurodiversity, focusing on building practical life skills over time.
Their programs are categorized by developmental stages:
- Early Intervention (Ages 2+): Focuses on foundational communication, sensory integration, and basic daily living skills.
- Saturday School & Skill Programs (Ages 8+): Weekend and evening programs that blend functional learning with practical experiences, such as computer lab sessions and hands-on café bakery workshops.
- Vocational & Employment Readiness (Ages 18 to 30+): The facility trains neurodiverse adults—spanning from 18 up to 30+ years of age—in hard and soft skills, preparing them for employment and functional independence.
According to the foundation’s official mission statement, their primary objective is to create an integrated support system under one roof, providing continuous education and livelihood readiness to prevent the marginalization of specially-abled individuals.
Empowering the Parent, Not Just the Student
A core component of the Sunrise Learning model is their School-Home Partnership. The administration operates on the principle that parents are a child’s primary learning partners.
Instead of isolating the educational process at the school, the foundation actively trains parents. Through dedicated counseling and guidance programs, they equip families in Noida and Greater Noida to manage daily routines, handle emotional regulation, and support their children’s development at home.
Measuring the Impact
Since its establishment in 2014, the foundation has published several operational metrics tracking its reach. According to data provided by Sunrise Learning:
- Over 500 students have enrolled in their Noida special school programs.
- More than 3,000 families have utilized their global outreach and support services.
- The organization has developed a network of over 10,000 community members engaged in autism awareness and inclusion initiatives.
Building an Inclusive City
As Noida continues to attract corporate investment and a growing workforce, localized institutions like Sunrise Learning play a necessary role in civic development. By providing targeted utility for neurodiverse residents, the foundation ensures that the city’s growth includes supportive infrastructure for all families.
Connect with Sunrise Learning:
- Official Website: sunriselearning.in
- Foundation & Donations: sunriselearningfoundation.org
- Location: Plot No SD-01, Sector 116 (Next to Sector 77), Noida, UP-201301.
