April 2nd is recognized globally as World Autism Awareness Day, in 2025, the theme for World Autism Awareness Day is “Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.” This year’s focus highlights how embracing neurodiversity can drive policy advancements that promote accessibility, equality, and innovation across different fields.
It is time to dedicate in increase awareness and advocating for the rights of individuals with autism. This neuro developmental condition affects communication and social interaction, and while some individuals can live independently, others require significant support.
Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), encompasses a range of conditions characterized by challenges in social skills, repetitive behaviors, and communication, both verbal and non-verbal. The term “spectrum” reflects the diversity of experiences and abilities among individuals with autism. With appropriate support, accommodations, and acceptance, autistic individuals can achieve full participation in society.
The Importance of Awareness
Stigma and discrimination remain significant barriers to early diagnosis and effective intervention. Raising awareness is essential to ensuring access to timely therapies that help individuals with autism reach their full potential. Upholding the human rights and dignity of neurodivergent individuals is a fundamental step toward creating an inclusive society.
Autism in India
A 2021 study published in the Indian Journal of Paediatrics estimated that 1 in 68 children in India are affected by autism. Additionally, boys are diagnosed at a higher rate than girls, with a male-to-female ratio of approximately 3:1. A 2023 report by ET Health World estimated that around 18 million people in India have autism, with 1–1.5% of children aged 2 to 9 years diagnosed with ASD.
Fostering Inclusivity
To create a more inclusive society, global experts, policymakers, and the autism community must collaborate to address key areas such as accessible healthcare, quality education, inclusive employment, and urban planning. Encouraging educational institutions to adopt teaching methods suited to neurodiverse students and recognising neurodiversity as an asset in the workplace can lead to significant social progress.
Celebrating Unique Strengths
Individuals on the autism spectrum often possess exceptional talents, such as heightened attention to detail, superior memory, and strong logical reasoning. Some individuals exhibit savant syndrome, demonstrating extraordinary abilities in areas like mathematics, music, and art. Recognising and fostering these strengths benefits both the individual and society as a whole.
Dispelling Myths About Autism
Autism is not a deficiency but a natural variation in human neurological wiring. This World Autism Awareness Day calls for the acceptance of autistic individuals, the celebration of their abilities, and the removal of barriers that prevent them from fully participating in society. The 2025 observance will emphasise the need for inclusive policies and the acknowledgment of autistic individuals’ contributions to achieving sustainable development goals.
A Breakthrough in Autism Research: The Promise of 6BIO
Indian researchers have made a significant breakthrough in autism treatment with the development of a compound called 6BIO. In pre-clinical trials using a mouse model (Syngap1+/-), scientists demonstrated that 6BIO can enhance learning, memory, and social behaviors while reducing epileptic seizures. This research, conducted at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), is the first to show a compound with potential therapeutic effects for ASD/Intellectual Disability (ID) beyond just symptom management.
The research team, led by Vijaya Verma and colleagues, published their findings in Experimental Brain Research. Their study indicates that 6BIO restores neural function not only in early childhood but also in later developmental stages when brain regions are more established. Given the current lack of pharmacological treatments addressing the core challenges of ASD/ID, this discovery represents a promising step forward in autism research.
India’s Role in Global Autism Research and Support
With a vast and diverse population, India is uniquely positioned to contribute to the global understanding of autism. Addressing the genetic, dietary, socio-economic, and environmental factors influencing autism can help shape innovative approaches to diagnosis and treatment. Given that 95% of children with neuro developmental disorders reside in low- and middle-income countries, India’s research efforts could benefit the global autism community.
Beyond research, there is a growing need to support autistic individuals across their lifespan. While most autism-related research and services focus on children, addressing the needs of autistic adults remains a critical challenge. India must develop a national autism program that connects researchers, clinicians, service providers, and the autism community to establish comprehensive support systems.
This effort must be guided by consultations with key stakeholders, particularly autistic individuals and their families. While models like the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) in the U.S. offer a useful framework, India must adapt and innovate solutions that align with its unique socio-cultural context. Collaboration with the private sector, parent-led initiatives, and non-governmental organizations will be essential in advancing autism research and services in the country.
By implementing a structured, time-bound national strategy, India can pave the way for pioneering research and comprehensive support systems that enhance the lives of autistic individuals. In doing so, it will not only uplift its own neuro divergent population but also make valuable contributions to global autism initiatives.
