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Legal Provisions, Educational Services and Health Care Across the Lifespan for Autism Spectrum Disorders in India

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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.

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Contributions

MB prepared the initial draft of the manuscript. SK and SG contributed by adding few more parts to the manuscript. MB will act as guarantor of this paper.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Founder and Director, Action for Autism, The National Centre for Autism, Pocket 7 & 8, Jasola Vihar, New Delhi, 110025, India

    Merry Barua

  2. Child Neurology Division, Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India

    Jaya Shankar Kaushik & Sheffali Gulati

Authors
  1. Merry Barua
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  2. Jaya Shankar Kaushik
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  3. Sheffali Gulati
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Correspondence to Merry Barua or Sheffali Gulati.

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Barua, M., Kaushik, J.S. & Gulati, S. Legal Provisions, Educational Services and Health Care Across the Lifespan for Autism Spectrum Disorders in India. Indian J Pediatr 84, 76–82 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-016-2261-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-016-2261-5

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