Autism stigma, misinformation

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani government has established the country’s first public sector national autism and mental health center for children in Islamabad, located at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) numerous organisations in Pakistan are dedicated to supporting individuals with autism and their families. The Autism Society of Pakistan a non-governmental organisation based in Rawalpindi, works tirelessly to raise awareness and provide resources for autism diagnosis and treatment. Similarly, the ZEE autism health & education center in Islamabad offers community-based healthcare services. The Pakistan autism health sciences & Research Foundation, a non-profit organisation also in Islamabad, focuses on advancing research and health initiatives for autism. Additionally, the autism resource center in Islamabad provides vital resources and support services for individuals with autism and their loved ones. These organisations play a crucial role in improving the lives of individuals with autism in Pakistan and promoting a more inclusive and supportive society. This is a step towards addressing the growing concern of autism in the country. However, access to autism treatment remains a significant challenge for marginalised groups, who often struggle to afford the heavy fees charged by doctors specialising in autism care. Genetics plays a significant role in ASD, but environmental factors also contribute to its development. People with ASD can minimise abilities with early diagnosis and intervention, personalised therapies, and programmes.

The fee charged by doctors specialising in autism treatment varies significantly depending on their experiences, qualifications, and strong reputation in the field tend to charge higher fees for instance, a seasoned psychiatrist with over 10 years of experience in autism treatment may charge between Rs2,500 to Rs5,000 per consultation. While a less experienced doctor may charge between Rs1,500 to 3,000. Similarly, psychologists with specialised training in autism therapy may charge higher fees ranging from Rs2,000 to Rs4,000 per session compared to those with general training

Additionally, doctors working in urban areas, particularly in major cities like Karachi and Lahore, tend to charge higher fees compared to those in rural areas. The fee structure may also vary depending on the specific service offered, such as diagnostic assessments, therapy sessions, or counseling, with more comprehensive services commanding higher fees. Overall, the fee charged by autism doctors is a reflection of their expertise, time, and effort invested in providing quality care to individuals with autism and their families.

— Zufishan Zulfiqar

zoyazulfiqar616@gmail.com