Social Integration Needed for Autistic Children

News Desk

Islamabad: First Lady Begum Samina Alvi stressed the importance of raising awareness of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to foster better understanding, motivate parents to seek early intervention therapies, and promote more social integration of people with autism.

“Despite the fact that there are many people with impairments in our society, inclusion and engagement are often difficult for them. Individuals could experience stigma, discrimination, and restricted access to basic services including work, healthcare, and education,” the first lady said while addressing a seminar on the occasion of World Autism Day at Shifa International Hospital.

According to statistics, approximately one in every 59 children is affected by an autism spectrum disorder, Mrs. Alvi stated.

Begum Samina asserted that it is everyone’s duty to promote greater inclusion of people with disabilities in all spheres of society in order to reduce societal barriers for them.

“This entails creating accessible environments, advocating for universal design, and ensuring that people with disabilities have access to the tools and assistance they require to fully engage in their communities,” she added.

ASD is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behaviour and is diagnosed in people of all genders, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Shifa International Hospital Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr Zeeshan Bin Ishtiaque informed that roughly 350,000 children are suffering from the disease, with the majority of them being undiagnosed in Pakistan.

ASD is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. ASD begins at the age of three and lasts throughout a person’s life, although symptoms may improve over time.

Studies have shown that one-third of parents of children with ASD notice a problem before their child’s first birthday, and others see problems by 24 months of age. Some children with ASD seem to develop normally until around 18 to 24 months of age and then stop gaining new skills or lose the skills they once had.

Autism affects approximately one in every 100 children worldwide, according to estimates.

“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 2023 report stated that around 1 in 36 children is diagnosed with an ASD, with boys being four times more likely to receive a diagnosis than girls. However, in Pakistan, many children remain undiagnosed or receive a late diagnosis, missing out on critical early development years,” informed Maroof International Hospital Head of Early Intervention Therapy Unit Tehreem Bangash.