title: Legal Provisions, Educational Services and Health Care Across the Lifespan for Autism Spectrum Disorders in India.
abstract: India is estimated to have over 10 million persons with autism. Rising awareness of autism in India over last decade with ready access to information has led to an increase in prevalence and earlier diagnosis, the creation of services and some policy initiatives. However, there remains a gaping chasm between policy and implementation. The reach and quality of services continues sketchy and uneven, especially in the area of education. The present review discusses existing legal provisions for children and adults with autism in India. It also discusses Governmental efforts and lacunae in existing health care facilities and education services in India. While there are examples of good practice and stories of hope, strong policy initiatives have to support grassroots action to improve the condition of persons with autism in India.
authors.affiliation: Founder and Director, Action for Autism, The National Centre for Autism, Pocket 7 & 8, Jasola Vihar, New Delhi, 110025, India. merry.barua@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Merry
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Barua
authors.affiliation: Child Neurology Division, Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India.
authors.forename: Jaya Shankar
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Kaushik
authors.affiliation: Child Neurology Division, Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India. sheffaligulati@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Sheffali
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gulati
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000067877:Autism Spectrum Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D002648:Child; D018479:Early Intervention, Educational / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006291:Health Policy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007194:India / Q000453:epidemiology
keywords: Autism; Education; Health care; India; Legal rights