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       ISLAMABAD: While consolidated data on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is unavailable, there is a noticeable increase in the number of children being diagnosed with the disease.

       Health experts claimed this during an event held in connection with World Autism Day at Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad.

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       The day is observed on April 2nd every year.

       According to experts, 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 noticed symptoms before their child’s first birthday while others saw noticeable signs around the end of the child’s second year.

       Some children with ASD seem to develop normally until around 18 to 24 months of age and then stop gaining new skills, or they lose the skills they once had, experts say.

       Renowned actor and social activist Hamza Ali Abbasi, who attended the event, stressed that every person in society should play a role in promoting early intervention for children with autism.

       Dr Nosheen Kazmi, Consultant Psychiatrist and Lead Autism Services at Shifa Hospital highlighted that while consolidated data on autism in Pakistan was unavailable, there was a noticeable increase in the number of children being diagnosed with the condition.

       Dr Faiza Badar underscored the crucial role of therapists in improving behaviour, communication and activities of daily living in children with autism.

       The event was attended by teachers working with autistic children, parents of children diagnosed with ASD and healthcare professionals.

       They engaged in discussions on the importance of early diagnosis, intervention and therapy.

       According to the Autism Society of Pakistan, there is no reliable data to estimate the occurrence of autism in Pakistan, but some estimates put it at around 350,000 incidences.

       But in the USA the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) determined that approximately 1 in 59 children is diagnosed with ASD.

       Published in Dawn, March 27th, 2025