Superstition, socio-economic isolation challenges to autism: Saima

Global autism advocate Saima Wazed Hossain has identified stubbornness and superstition, lack of quality training facilities and social and economic isolation as challenges to the efforts aiming to overcome autism in the developing world, reports UNB.
Saima, also daughter of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, made the remark while delivering her speech at a discussion titled 'Science, Cooperation and Answer for the Autism Community' held in the UN Headquarters on Thursday.
She also made a power-point presentation on 'Multidimensional Strategy of Autism in Developing Countries' laying emphasis on inclusive development, according to a media release received in Dhaka on Friday.
Spouse of the United Nations (UN) Secretary General Yoo Soon-taek, Secretary-General's Special Adviser on Post-2015 Development Planning Amina J Mohammed, cofounder of Autism Speaks Suzanne Wright, Bangladesh Permanent Representative to the UN Dr AK Abdul Momen, Permanent Representative of Qatar to the UN Sheikh Alia Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani and Indian Permanent Representative to the UN Asoke Kumar Mukerji, among others, spoke on the occasion.
Saima, who won the WHO award for her contributions to the fight against neural development disorder and autism, and 13 ministries are working in a coordinated way to create awareness about autism, quick identification and rehabilitation. She is the chair of the National Advisory Committee on Autism.
She also mentioned that a five-year initiative has been taken for carrying out research, education, training, social inclusion and creating awareness about autism.
Saima said work plans on seven sectors are being implemented right now, including collaboration between private and public efforts apart from empowering parents.