The article highlights the disturbing issue of maltreatment and abuse of special children at therapy centers in Kochi, India. The incidents, often concealed behind closed doors, have come to light through a recent CCTV footage and the efforts of the parent advocacy group 'Togetherwecan.' These parents have filed a public interest litigation at the Kerala High Court, seeking standardization of therapy for neurological disorders, the establishment of a regulatory authority to prevent malpractices, and transparency by allowing parents into therapy sessions. The parents' campaign is driven by the need to protect the rights of children who cannot express themselves. They report instances of children being verbally and physically assaulted, often with no parental oversight due to claims that the children would not cooperate. The lack of communication from these children during therapy sessions makes it challenging to take action against such abuse. The situation is not new, with past incidents of special children suffering due to inexperienced therapists. The petition to the Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights in 2015 led to recommendations for best practices, district-level panels, and regulatory guidelines. However, the implementation of these recommendations has been delayed. Many parents remain uninformed about proper therapy practices, and therapists often fail to provide proper guidance. The fear of rejection and isolation discourages parents from speaking up about the abuse. In response to these concerns, Seema Lal, a psychologist and petitioner in the case, emphasizes the need for proper therapy, parent empowerment, and a government alternative to private therapy centers. In summary, the article sheds light on the urgent need for transparency, regulation, and accountability in therapy centers for special children to ensure their rights and well-being are protected
