Explore. Connect. Belong.
Special Hangout is a Mumbai-based community that finds every individual's strength, builds on it, and connects it to real income, dignity, and belonging.
Youth Engaged
In Structured Skill Tracks
Earning Income
Alma Studio Earnings Kept by Artists
"At Special Hangout, we are committed to creating a more inclusive, understanding, and supportive world for neurodivergent and disabled individuals. Our mission is to raise awareness, challenge stigma, and build safe, welcoming spaces where every person—regardless of ability or neurotype—feels valued, respected, and empowered."
In 2019, Ritu Vig's son Kritin turned 18 — bright, curious, creative, and neurodivergent. The day he aged out of school, the routine, community, structure, and purpose disappeared with it. Ritu searched for what came next and found almost nothing. So, joined by her younger son Pranit, she built something from scratch: weekend meetups that grew into a community, and a community that grew into a movement.
Today Special Hangout runs Imaginasium, our core training hub, and Alma Studio, our flagship creative livelihood pathway — and a growing calendar of real-world experiences, from city flea markets to an overnight camp in Igatpuri, that turn classroom skills into lived independence.
Special Hangout runs two kinds of programs side by side. We host regular community hangouts and events — open, low-pressure spaces for the wider neurodivergent community to connect, socialise, and belong. Alongside that, Imaginasium and Alma Studio are specially curated programs for neurodivergent young adults, offering structured training and creative livelihood pathways that turn individual strengths into real skills, income, and independence.
Volunteers are the backbone of our organization. We offer a variety of opportunities for individuals and groups to get involved and make a difference in the lives of those we serve.
Volunteer With UsEvery participant begins at Imaginasium. From there, two pathways — creative livelihood through Alma Studio, and formal employment through our SOLS ARC partnership — carry that foundation into real income.
The core training hub — where every participant begins. Turned one in June 2026. Our trained therapists and special educators, supported by visiting faculty including yoga trainers and sports instructors, run two tracks — an Employability Skills Program and a Vocational Program — with each young adult placed by suitability and in consultation with their parents. Weekly sessions span occupational therapy, music therapy, yoga, and storytelling, plus local and outstation trips and camps — like independent shopping outings and our first overnight camp to Igatpuri — that turn classroom skills into real-world exposure.
Photos: our centre at Fort, Mumbai · first-anniversary celebration · a training session · a group circle session.
Focus, task sequencing, memory & executive function.
Communication, emotional regulation & peer connection.
Special needs yoga, body awareness & stamina.
Workplace readiness, hygiene, time management & pre-vocational skills.
Launched in March 2026 at Dr Purandare's Clinic, Girgaon Chowpatty, Mumbai, Alma Studio is our flagship creative livelihood pathway — for participants whose strength mapping at Imaginasium points toward creative aptitude. Sessions in painting, clay sculpture, and free creative expression are as much about calm and sensory regulation as they are about art — the focus is on the joy of doing, not just the finished piece. Every brushstroke, sculpture, and creation reflects a participant's own imagination — and every rupee earned stays with them.
Photos: an artist with his finished abstract painting · a painting session with mentor guidance · one-on-one mentorship at Alma Studio.
Creative aptitude identified during Imaginasium via facilitator & OT assessment.
Sir J.J. School of Art faculty teach painting, sculpture, digital art & applied design.
Exhibition readiness — including Infinite Perspective 2.0 at Kala Ghoda — and an online storefront.
Artists own all work. Special Hangout takes no profit on sales, stalls, or corporate gifting.
How they connect: Imaginasium builds the foundation for every participant. Alma Studio and our SOLS ARC employment track are the two pathways that follow — chosen based on each individual's mapped strengths.
A group art exhibition by neurodivergent artists — 3–5 July 2026, Mumbai.
Special Hangout presents Infinite Perspective 3.0 — our third annual showcase of artwork by neurodivergent artists from Alma Studio and beyond.
📅 Dates: 3–5 July 2026
📍 Location: Mumbai
Following the success of Infinite Perspective 2.0 at Kala Ghoda, this edition continues our mission of giving neurodivergent artists a public platform, real recognition, and a share in every sale.
A look at what our community has been up to.
Hosted by Special Hangout, with both Alma Studio and Imaginasium taking part alongside the wider community: a full-day marketplace with over 60 stalls set up by neurodivergent young adults and partner NGOs, plus live performances and food stalls. Inaugurated by Shri Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Hon'ble Minister for Skill, Employment, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Government of Maharashtra, who toured the stalls and spoke with participating artists. Held in partnership with India Autism Center, Jai Vakeel Foundation and Research Centre, and World Trade Center Mumbai.
.jpg)
Two days in Igatpuri — pool time, cricket, a lake walk, a short trek, group activities, dancing, and a barbecue. What stood out most wasn't just the fun, but the values that emerged naturally: cooperation, teamwork, empathy, and friendship.
Celebrating one year of our sensory-friendly training hub — 365 days, countless smiles, endless learning.
A summer of games, art, and friendship — designed for every kind of learner.
Real moments from our community — follow along on Instagram for more.
Performances, speeches, and milestones from our community — watch more on our YouTube channel.
Every testimonial below is reviewed by our team before it's published.
Special Hangout gave my son a reason to look forward to his week again. Imaginasium isn't just a programme — it's become his community.
I never imagined I'd sell my own paintings at an exhibition. Alma Studio believed in my work before I did.
Watching the facilitators work with our kids — patient, joyful, structured — it gave our whole family hope again.
Submissions are reviewed by our team and published with your permission. (Placeholder cards shown — live testimonials will load from our moderated submission form.)
Every contribution helps us run Imaginasium sessions, support Alma Studio artists, and open new suburban hubs across Mumbai.
Donate via Razorpay — Activating SoonThis form delivers straight to specialhangout.india@gmail.com — no extra backend or developer needed.
AddressImaginasium, 27, Victoria Building, Fort, Mumbai 400001
Emailspecialhangout.india@gmail.com
WhatsApp+91 97574 37812
Instagram@specialhangout · @imaginasium · @almastudiomumbai
