CENTRE FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disability caused due to differences in the brain. People with ASD often have problems with social communication and interaction, and restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests. People with ASD may also have different ways of learning, moving, or paying attention. The cases of autism spectrum disorder are increasing at an exponential rate. In April 2018, the CDC reported that 1 in 59 children in the US had a diagnosis of autism. The current study, however, updates this figure and estimates that roughly 1 in 40 children in the US have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 1 in 160 children worldwide has ASD. According to a report by the Autism Care Nepal Society, about 300,000 children suffer from autism in Nepal. Awareness about autism is very scarce and next to nonexistent in most parts of the nation. ASD affects the way people communicate, behave, or interact with others, and generally, these symptoms manifest at the young age of 12 months to 2 years. In lack of awareness and diagnosis of ASD these young children when in need of more attention and help are shunned and isolated from the community. There is a very limited number of NGOs working for the welfare and rehabilitation of children with autism, which are not properly designed. The focus is given only on the therapies and skill development while the environmental factors are considered to be neglected. The study will explore the physical and psychological needs of children with autism.