Beyond the autism spectrum

As a child growing up in suburban Japan, Satoshi Tajiri was deeply fascinated by insects. He would spend hours collecting them, observing their behaviour, and studying their habitats; an activity that earned him the childhood nickname "Dr Bug". This intense, focused interest, often a hallmark of autism, later inspired the core concept of Pokémon: collecting, understanding and battling small creatures. Satoshi Tajiri, the visionary behind the iconic Pokémon franchise, is widely believed to be on the autism spectrum — the subject discussed below.

Satoshi struggled in traditional schooling and was seen as a misfit by many, but he found purpose in video games and design. His unique thinking and creative vision led him to conceptualise a game where players could explore, collect and trade creatures — a world now beloved by millions. What began as a niche Game Boy title in 1996 grew into a global phenomenon, with Pokémon becoming one of the most successful multimedia franchises in history.

Tajiri's story is a shining example of how neurodivergent minds can transform childhood passions into world-changing creativity when given the freedom to imagine and build — even in Pakistan, where the system often pits those who learn differently against their classmates. At home, the rigid classrooms force these students to fade into corners, not because they lack potential, but because we lack the will to see them.

"An estimated prevalence reveals that around three million children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are living invisibly in Pakistan because they are misdiagnosed, misunderstood, and several social stigmas are attached to them," said Dr Afaf Manzoor, a consultant for special needs and rehabilitation. Sometimes, even the parents abandon them.

In classrooms across Pakistan, children with ASD often face an uphill battle — not because they lack intelligence or curiosity, but because the system is not designed for minds that think differently. From difficulties in processing social cues to challenges with sensory overload, many autistic students navigate a school environment that misunderstands their behaviours and overlooks their strengths. They may struggle to follow rigid routines, interpret vague instructions or cope with sudden changes in schedule — all while facing isolation from peers and misjudgement from adults. These are not deficits of character; they are reflections of a neurodiverse reality. Until our classrooms are safe spaces for every kind of mind, we will continue to lose the brilliance that autism quietly holds.

The solution lies in shifting attitudes, providing training and fostering empathy. Inclusive education is not just about ramps and resource rooms. It is about recognising that learning does not look the same for everyone.

Teacher training programmes must include modules on neurodiversity and inclusive pedagogy. Public and private schools should be encouraged to adopt classroom strategies that accommodate children with ASD without forgetting the parents as they often carry the burden of guilt, confusion and exhaustion. Schools should work with, not against, families to craft individual learning plans that meet the child where they are.

Schools must adapt, and not the other way around. Using clear, direct language, having predictable routines, addressing the sensory needs and building transition teams are some of the strategies which can help such children.

The question is: Will we choose to meet them where they are, or will we continue to force them into moulds they were never meant to fit?

Society should understand that Autism is not a disease. Autistic children are people to be understood. It is a developmental difference, and those who live with it are not less — they are simply wired differently. The idea of neurodiversity encourages us to move away from labels like "disabled" or "abnormal" and instead recognise autistic individuals as part of the vast spectrum of human variation.

Satoshi's journey reminds us that when educational systems and societies make space for different kinds of thinkers, we don't just include them — we unlock brilliance the world didn't know it needed, else parents would keep thinking what will happen with their children once they leave this world!