ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has urged families, educators, healthcare providers and community leaders to work together and extend all possible support to people affected by autism, bringing them into the mainstream of society.

In his message on World Autism Awareness Day, Mr Zardari said: “We must ensure that individuals with autism are able to live with dignity, take part in daily life and pursue their potential without unnecessary obstacles. Progress depends on practical cooperation at every level. A society is measured by how it treats those who need support.”

The president stressed the need to address gaps in awareness and access.

“Our responsibility is to ensure that individuals on the autism spectrum have access to the support, education and understanding they need to live with confidence,” he emphasised.

Autism is not a limitation, he said, but a different way of experiencing the world. Referring to the global scenario, he noted that one in every 100 children worldwide is on the autism spectrum. The condition affects early development, with signs often appearing in the first few years of life and shaping how a child communicates, learns and interacts.

About Pakistan, he said available estimates suggested that around 0.5 per cent of the population is affected. This represents a considerable number of families who rely on consistent access to diagnosis, schooling, therapy and social acceptance, the president noted.

Mr Zardari stressed early identification and timely intervention to reduce risks. Screening during routine child health visits, along with better training for doctors, teachers and community workers, can help ensure quicker referrals. Nutritional support during pregnancy, including the use of folic acid supplements, has also been shown to reduce risk, allowing children to receive help when it can make the greatest difference.

For many families, the impact is felt in everyday routines. Parents often have to travel long distances to find specialised care or adjust work schedules to attend therapy sessions. Schools may not always have the trained staff or facilities to support children on the spectrum. These are practical challenges that require sustained attention from public services and local administration.

Published in Dawn, April 2nd, 2026