Autism children will be an asset to the state

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said that if the potential of children and adolescents with autism is identified and raised in a humane environment with proper care, education, training and love, they will also become assets of the family, society and the state. We are determined to turn Bangladesh into a developed, prosperous, smart Bangladesh by 2041, along with everyone in the society.

The Prime Minister said this in a message on Saturday on the occasion of 'World Autism Awareness Day-2023'. He is happy to know that 'World Autism Awareness Day-2023' is being observed on Sunday (April 2) in Bangladesh like other countries of the world.

On this occasion, he extended sincere greetings to all the children with autism characteristics in Bangladesh, individuals and their family members, caregivers, autism researchers, doctors, therapists, assistive device inventors and related government and private organizations.

He felt that this year's theme of the day - 'Building a neuro-friendly inclusive world for all on the journey of transformation' is very timely.

Sheikh Hasina said that the Awami League government has passed the Neuro Developmental Disability Protection Trust Act-2013, Neuro-Developmental Disability (NDD) Protection Trust Act-2015, Protection of Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act-2013, Protection of Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act-2013 for the welfare of all persons with disabilities, including persons with autism. 2015, Bangladesh Rehabilitation Council enacted Act-2018 and Disability Special Education Policy-2019.

He said that appropriate action plans have been adopted for the successful implementation of all these laws. Apart from this, Bangladesh Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders Chairperson Saima Wazed's initiative, advice and relentless efforts have created a wide awareness at the national and international level to improve the quality of life of children and individuals with autism.

The Prime Minister said, we have formulated 'National Strategy and Action Plan: 2016-2030' to protect the rights of people with NDD disabilities. Under this, people with autism and disabilities are being provided with all necessary services at different stages of life cycle based on level and age. The NDD Suraksha Trust has already provided online training to parents and guardians on home-based care and mental health care for children and individuals with autism. Besides, this protection trust is working on hotline based medical services, digital telemedicine services and curriculum formulation for school students.

Pointing out that the program of establishing 14 'Autism and NDD Service Centers' as a pilot project in 14 places of the country under the NDD Protection Trust is underway in the current financial year (2022-23), Sheikh Hasina said that through these centers, children and individuals with autism and other NDDs will be provided with social and medical procedures at various stages of their life cycle. 17 types of services including early intervention of international standards will be provided by the multi-disciplinary team. This program will be gradually expanded throughout the country.

Besides, the establishment of 8 'Medical, Education and Rehabilitation Centers' in 8 divisions for children and persons with NDD characteristics is underway. He thanked all concerned with NDD Trust for working intensively in implementing these activities. The Prime Minister wished the overall success of all the programs undertaken on the occasion of the 16th 'World Autism Awareness Day-2023'.

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