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Autism in Sri Lanka is a growing concern. The number of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been steadily increasing in recent years. This trend reflects both a rise in actual cases and improvements in awareness and early detection.
Autism, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a condition that affects how a person thinks, interacts with others, and experiences the world. People with autism may have difficulty with social interactions, communication, and understanding how others feel.
It’s called a “spectrum” because it affects people in different ways and to different degrees. Some might need a lot of help in their daily lives, while others may be able to live independently but still face challenges in social situations.
Common signs of autism include:
Autism is something you are born with, and though it’s not “cured,” there are therapies and support that help people with autism lead fulfilling lives. It’s also important to remember that everyone with autism is different—just like everyone is unique!
The global prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has been increasing, but this trend is not the same in Sri Lanka. A study conducted in 2009 found that 7.4% of children showed signs of autism. Additionally, one in 93 children (1.07%) aged between 18 to 24 months was diagnosed with autism. New statistics (2025) indicate that more than 9,000 children across Sri Lanka are currently identified as being on the autism spectrum. This is a sharp rise from previous years and indicates both a real increase in cases and improvements in early detection and awareness. While Sri Lanka’s prevalence is higher compared to some other parts of South Asia, there is still a need for improvement in autism detection and support.
Sri Lanka is facing several challenges when it comes to supporting individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These challenges are particularly noticeable at the national level, where issues such as awareness, early detection, early intervention, educational system, and employment opportunities are yet to be fully addressed.
One of the main challenges in Sri Lanka is a lack of awareness about autism among the general population. Many people still do not fully understand what autism is or how it affects individuals. This lack of awareness makes it difficult for parents to identify the signs of autism early, and for society to provide the support needed. Public education campaigns and awareness programs are essential to address these issues and ensure that autism is better understood.
Another significant challenge is the absence of a well-organized early detection and referral system. Early identification of autism is crucial for effective intervention. In Sri Lanka, however, many children are diagnosed late, which can affect their development. An efficient system that helps identify autism at an early stage, followed by proper referral to specialists and intervention centers, could make a big difference in the lives of children with autism.
There is a need for more centers that focus on early intervention for children with autism in Sri Lanka. Early intervention can greatly improve the skills of children with ASD and help them lead more independent lives. While there are a few specialized centers, they are not enough to meet the growing demand. Expanding and improving these centers is vital to provide support to children and their families.
The education system in Sri Lanka faces significant challenges when it comes to accommodating children with autism. Most children with autism are placed in segregated classrooms, away from their typically developing peers. While these classrooms may provide specialized care, they often limit the social exposure that children with ASD need to improve their social skills. Many schools do not accept children with autism into mainstream or inclusive classrooms due to a lack of awareness and professional training on how to manage children with ASD within a general classroom setting. This exclusion from regular classrooms can lead to further isolation and hinder the social and academic development of children with autism.
As children with autism grow older, the need for vocational training and employment opportunities becomes more important. Unfortunately, in Sri Lanka, there are limited options for young adults with autism to pursue meaningful work or skills training. Vocational programs that cater to individuals with special required needs are still in the early stages, and more resources need to be directed towards creating job opportunities for adults with autism. Encouraging businesses to employ people with autism and providing the necessary support in the workplace are essential steps toward a more inclusive society.
In Sri Lanka, especially in Colombo, various services are available for children with autism. These services include assessments, therapies, and educational support. They are provided through both government and private hospitals, with Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children being a key facility. Individual health care centers and schools also offer specialized services.
Universities in Sri Lanka train professionals and therapists to work with children with autism. Higher education institutes also conduct research and develop tools to help diagnose and manage autism. One such tool is the “Culturally Sensitive Autism Assessment Tool“. It uses modern technology, allowing parents to assess their child’s condition using a mobile phone app.
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