Every month, about 10 children are diagnosed with autism in the centre

Kathmandu, December 5

Twelve-year-old Renzen Dorje Tamang was diagnosed with autism within 45 days of his birth. At his parents' request, he has been placed in Grade V to aid his ability for interaction and concentration.

The boy’s father Ramesh Tamang said Renzen could not figure out distant objects and was using contact lenses of minus eight power.  Children with autism, a genetic disorder, have some degree of intellectual disability. Most children with this disability suffer from far-sightedness. “Such children require full support of their parents though they are not considered disabled,” shared Tamang.

“Although in Grade V, my son can’t memorise much besides some words. He cannot take care of himself, nor has self-realisation of his personal daily activities,” he said.

The Central for Disease Control (CDC) has given data that 1 in every 68 Children suffers from autism. With this data, it is estimated that about 300,000 persons suffer from this disorder in the country, accounting for nearly one to two per cent of the national population. This Disorder is five times more prevalent in boys than in girls."

According to data of Autism Care Nepal Society, "Every month, about 10 children are diagnosed with autism in the centre," said Surendra Bajracharya, Public Health officer at Autism Care Nepal Society. Almost all children with autism are also diagnosed with vision, dental and thyroid problems.

"It is very difficult to treat children with such disability. They have communication, socialisation and sensory issues. That's why they have difficulty expressing their problems," Bajracharya shared.

“Due to their slow mental and physical development, children with autism seem to have vision and dental problems,” said Dr Jyoti Gadtaula of Sai Polyclinic and Diagnostic Centre.