Focus on neurodevelopmental disorders as UN marks World Autism Awareness Day

2 April marked the United Nations General Assembly designated World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD), a special day meant to promote the fundamental freedoms for autistic individuals, ensuring their equal participation in society. Globally, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a complex and multifaceted neurodevelopmental disorder is on the rise and this is true of Sri Lanka as well. 

Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa was among those who commented on WAAD saying that in Sri Lanka, many autistic individuals are held back not by their differences but by systems that fail to understand and support the spectrum. “We need an education system that adapts, one that offers therapeutic, remedial and inclusive pathways for every learner to thrive. This is where digital infrastructure in schools will play a big role,” Premadasa said on his X (formerly Twitter) account.

Similar views were aired by others on the need to stop the neglect of children who suffer due to misdiagnosis or are left behind as they are slowed down by this neurodevelopmental disorder.

According to the UN, autism is a lifelong neurological condition that manifests during early childhood, irrespective of gender, race or socio-economic status. The term Autism Spectrum refers to a range of characteristics. Appropriate support, accommodation and acceptance of this neurological variation allow those on the Spectrum to enjoy equal opportunity, and full and effective participation in society.

While there are no up-to-date studies on the prevalence of autism among Sri Lankan children, a study conducted some years back showed that around 7.4% of children displayed red-flag signs of autism as defined by the American Academy of Neurology and Child Neurology Society. Additionally, one in 93 children (1.07%) aged 18 to 24 months was diagnosed with autism. These statistics are about a decade old but it indicates a high prevalence in the country.

In his Budget speech last November, President Anura Kumara Disanayake paid special emphasis on providing healthcare treatment for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities, including autism. In his speech, the President said that Sri Lanka has seen a rise in the number of children diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disabilities, including autism over the past decade.

To address these challenges, he proposed a five-year national program to improve health, education and service facilities for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities, including autism across all 25 districts of Sri Lanka. He also announced the allocation of Rs. 200 million for 2025 to establish a treatment centre for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities with international standards at the Lady Ridgeway Children’s Hospital (LRH) while district level centres were mooted for the future.

Also welcome were plans to allocate Rs. 250 million for developing a model day care centre with special emphasis on children with neurodevelopmental disabilities, including autism. This is the first time the Government has paid special attention to this much neglected sector and hence must be applauded for the effort.

The theme of WAAD this year is “Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”, which highlights the intersection between neurodiversity and global sustainability efforts, showcasing how inclusive policies and practices can drive positive change for autistic individuals worldwide and contribute to the achievement of the SDGs.

The rate of autism in all regions of the world is high and the lack of understanding has a tremendous impact on the individuals, their families and communities.

Raising awareness is a key challenge regarding such disorders including mental disorders. This helps to lift the stigma that surrounds such conditions and enable individuals with these conditions to live a fulfilling life amidst limitations their conditions place on them. 

Sri Lanka is taking baby steps in the right direction in embracing individuals with conditions such as autism. It is important to stay focused on these issues so that discrimination against such people and their families can be minimised.