ISLAMABAD: As Pakistan grapples with a lack of awareness about autism, the Capital Development Authority has decided to establish an ‘autism centre’ in Islamabad and formed a “technical committee” comprising students to do research work for the planned initiative.

The proposals would be shared with the CDA board for approval. CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa visited the summer camp organised by the F-7 Model College for Girls and announced this project during his visit.

On the occasion, students and other officials underscored the need for an autism centre in the capital to create awareness and support students on the autism spectrum.

Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa said that a “state-of-the-art art autism centre” would be established in the city for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

According to Mr Randhawa, a technical committee consisting of students under the principal of the F-7 Model College for Girls has been formed for the establishment of the autism centre whereas a suitable place would be identified and allotment of land would be made for the centre as well.

The committee comprising the students of the summer camp would conduct research “according to the international models of the autism centre” and these students would brief the CDA board on their research.

The CDA would implement these recommendations and finalise the plan.

Mr Randhawa said that the purpose of asking the students to conduct the research was to “develop the tendency of research in students…so they will be able to express their best skills by doing [this] research”.

He said that this will increase the habit of research in children.

Mr Randhawa said that there was a dire need for an autism centre in Islamabad so that children with autism could “also play their role in the development of the country like other children”.

According to mental health experts, common symptoms of this disorder include delayed speech, limited interest in peers, avoidance of eye contact, selective responsiveness, and repetitive activities like hand-flapping.

It is relevant to note here that the education ministry has been arranging visits of various government officials to the summer camp and Mr Randhawa’s visit was also part of that effort. An education ministry official said that “motivational words and experience of visiting officials have been leaving a lasting impact on students”, encouraging them to pursue their passions and dreams.

“Our summer camps aim to provide a platform for students to learn, grow, and develop new skills in a fun and interactive environment,” he said.

Published in Dawn, July 7th, 2024