Status of Autistic Children and Parenting in Nepal

Abstract

This research paper focuses on the relationship between autism and its parents as closely intertwined, but significant. Although autism creates special challenges, knowledgeable, supportive and organized parenting can facilitate the child’s development and help the parent adapt and evolve. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is shown to be a neuro developmental disorder that results in children having trouble with communication, social interaction, and behaviour. In Nepal, there is still a great lack of awareness of, diagnostic processes for, and support for children with autism which creates significant barriers for both the child and the parent. The report researches the current conditions of the children with autism in Nepal and their parent’s personal experiences, which include social, emotional and financial implications. The report identifies barriers such as stigma, limited options for services, educational barriers and caregiver strain based on recent studies. The report stresses the need for policy development, inclusive education and community awareness to provide an improved quality of life for both children with autism and their parents. Parents of autistic children experience increased challenges and stress related to their child and economic and social constraints. Raising a child who is autistic can be difficult for parents and in Nepal, parents of children who have been diagnosed with autism tend to experience social exclusion, economic stress and emotional distress due to the lack of early diagnosis, access to qualified professionals to provide the necessary services and the lack of access to educational options.