Autism data gap hampers policy making'

Experts call for inclusive education, trained professionals to address rising cases

ISLAMABAD:

The absence of reliable data on children with autism in Pakistan has created serious challenges for policymaking at the government level, while a rapid increase in autism cases has also been revealed. The lack of degree programmes in applied behaviour therapy has resulted in a severe shortage of trained and qualified professionals to support autistic children.

These views were expressed at a conference titled "Breaking Barriers: Inclusive Education for Students with Autism," organised by Creative Kinder House on World Autism Awareness Day 2026. Speakers stressed that the education sector must play a key role in promoting awareness, acceptance and inclusion.

Experts said inclusive measures for autism must be advanced through the education sector. The shortage of authentic data on children affected by autism is emerging as a major hurdle in policy formulation, while the country also faces a significant lack of trained personnel required for their care and development. The absence of formal degree programmes in applied behaviour therapy and related fields is further complicating the issue, despite their importance for such children, they said.

Addressing the event, founder Sabine Bilal said her institution works with children who possess unique abilities, adding that their achievements prove that, with proper guidance and environment, such children can attain a meaningful place in society. She regretted the absence of a formal database on neurodivergent individuals in Pakistan, making it difficult to assess their numbers, severity levels and effective interventions.

Director Operations Raza Zainab noted that autism is often misunderstood, explaining that the autism spectrum is broad, with some individuals showing mild symptoms that go unnoticed, while severe cases receive more attention.

Speakers also highlighted that autism had not received adequate attention in the past, but various organisations are now working to raise awareness, change societal attitudes and provide better opportunities. Since 2017, Creative Kinder House has been serving in this field with a team of over 70 trained professionals providing educational programmes and therapies to more than 200 children.

The conference concluded with a renewed commitment to intensify collective efforts to integrate individuals with autism into society as active and dignified members.