New Delhi, April 17 -- A recent AIIMS study has highlighted a startling statistic-77% of mothers of children with autism experience depression. This revelation is not surprising to those of us who have worked closely with families navigating developmental challenges.

Also read: Why human engagement lies at the heart of treating autism

At the New Horizons Child Development Centre I run in Mumbai, we have served thousands of children and their families since 2003. A consistent observation down the years has been that parental well-being directly impacts a child's progress - more so, a child with developmental challenges. Our work has demonstrated that when parents feel supported and emotionally balanced, their children show better outcome...