Community efforts will be the only viable solution through which we can help and prevent factors that cause autism
RAWALPINDI: Life has become difficult for people having autism in Pakistan. Autism, for those who do not know, is characterised as the rapidly-growing developmental disability. Despite the astonishing statistics, autism remains a disorder that lacks widespread awareness.
Autism spectrum disorder is estimated to affect more than three million people in the US. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates autism’s occurrence as one in 59 children in the US. According to the Autism Society of Pakistan, there is no reliable data to estimate the occurrence of autism in Pakistan, but some estimates put them at 350,000 children with autism in Pakistan. They are not easily identifiable as it is not a physical disease which can be diagnosed by tests easily. The actual numbers are probably higher in Pakistan as many children remain undiagnosed due to lack of education, awareness, or the stigma attached to diagnosis. Consequently, these children and teenagers have no access to a healing set which could be key for improving their lives and the lives of people who are supporting them.
Community efforts are required as this will be the only viable solution through which we can help and prevent factors that cause autism.
Abdul Muqtadir
Published in The Express Tribune, November 30th, 2019.
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