ASHA (Academy for Severe Handicaps and Autism) is a school primarily dealing with children with autism. Autism is a neuro-developmental disorder that affects the way a person communicates and relates to people around him/her. Children with autism have difficulties in language and communication, social interaction and exhibit behavioural challenges. A majority of children and adults with autism are unable to express themselves clearly. ASHA’s main aim is to help these children become independent in taking care of themselves and also in making use of their time productively.

One of the ways ASHA does this is to create vocational activities for its students, such as papier mâché work. A combination of shredded paper, gum and chalk powder is made into a clay-like material which is moulded into various shapes, then later painted and decorated. Arastan has been working with ASHA’s children to produce papier mâché Christmas decorations. These…