Question : Cases of Autism

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether about 40 lakh people suffer from Autism in the country and their number is constantly increasing;

(b) if so, the reaction of the Government thereto;

(c) the details of the Non- Governmental Organisations (NGOs) which are being provided financial assistance by the Government for working amongst autistic people along with the amount of financial assistance provided to these organisations;

(d) the details of the steps taken by the Government to address autism spectrum disorders; and

(e) the extent of success achieved from the above mentioned steps?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND
FAMILY WELFARE
(SMT. ANUPRIYA PATEL)
(a) & (b): Data on Autism, which is a neuro-development disorder, is not maintained centrally. Autism Spectrum Disorder has been recognized as a specified disability under the Rights for Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

(c): The details of financial assistance provided by the National Trust, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to the Non-Governmental Organisations under various schemes is at Annexed.

(d) & (e): To address the burden of mental disorders, the Government of India is implementing the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) since 1982. The Government is supporting implementation of the DMHP under NMHP IN 517 districts of the country for detection, management and treatment of mental disorders/illness. With the objective to address the acute shortage of qualified mental health professionals in the country, the Government, under the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP), is implementing manpower development schemes for establishment of Centres of Excellence and strengthening/ establishment of Post Graduate (PG) Departments in mental health specialties. Till date, support has been provided for establishment of 23 Centres of Excellence and strengthening/ establishment of 46 Post Graduate (PG) Departments in mental health specialties in the country. During the 12th Five Year Plan the DMHP has been restructured to include additional components like suicide prevention services, work place stress management, life skills training and counselling in schools and colleges. Support is also provided for Central/ State Mental Health Authorities, Research and Training and for Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities.