Association for the Mentally Challenged was the idea of then Director of All India Institute of Mental Health (currently NIMHANS, Bangalore), the dynamic and dedicated Dr. D.L.N. Murthy Rao. The institution was started in 1960 under the presidency of Dr.D.L.N. Murthy Rao. Initially, It was started as a bi-weekly clinic in two rooms spared by the Central Social Welfare Board. Dr. Murthy Rao and his colleague doctors and psychologists helped in running the clinic. In 1963, the clinic was shifted to a building in the compound of Smt. Kotwala, the then Secretary of the institution, and the special school was started. One acre of land was granted by the State Government and part of the present building was constructed. The institution shifted to the new building in 1966. The association with NIMHANS continues and AMC receives support and co-operation in all areas, including assessment, consultation and guidance from NIMHANS.