Jhapa: Over 300 children have been diagnosed with autism in Jhapa district. A total of 381 individuals are living with autism, with more than 300 of them being children.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Nischal Ghimire, the coordinator of Karuna Foundation, reported that the individuals affected include 254 male children, 28 female children, and 45 adults. The foundation conducted a survey, supported by the Ministry of Social Development in Koshi Province, across 15 local levels in the district to identify these cases. The organization has worked towards integrating those identified with autism into health and education systems.
Additionally, the district is home to 13,863 individuals living with various disabilities. The provincial ministry has been implementing a disability prevention and rehabilitation program for five years, extending its reach to districts like Ilam, Morang, Sunsari, Khotang, Bhojpur, Panchthar, and Sankhuwasabha.
The disability rehabilitation program commenced in Jhapa, Taplejung, and Tehrathum districts last year, as noted by coordinator Ghimire. Nearly 100 individuals with vocal impairments receive education at Mahendra Ratna Secondary School in Garamani, Birtamod, and another school in Damak. Local authorities are providing free therapies to individuals with autism.