The Reality of Autism in India

Latest trends suggest 1 in 68 children are Autistic, yet many remain undiagnosed.

Bridging the Data Gap

Advocating for better surveys and inclusion for the 30 million+ intellectually disabled.

Latest Trends & Analysis

Latest trend of Autism in India is 1 in 68 children are Autistic. The methodology had clearly stated and admitted undiagnosed cases in rural areas, among tribal children, and at certain community levels. Even government-level recordings also have certain exclusions due to non-cooperation of parents in disclosing information on their child.

Regarding the intellectual disability scenario in India, its estimate is only approximate due to its data in a population of more than 1.4 billion. Still, the general survey had agreed on the number being approximately 20 million, including autism, which is more than 3 million.

Government Focus & Data Gaps

Apathy of government towards these children due to their minority status compared with UDISE data for general students of 24.80 crore (248 million) in the year 2024-25. The number of autistic children is around 3 million, and the total number of autistic and intellectually disabled people is 30 million.

The latest survey, conducted by NSSO in the year 2018-19, shows that 2.2% of the population are with intellectual disability (2.3% in rural, 2.0% in urban). The data says, among persons with disabilities aged 3-35 years, 62.9% had ever enrolled in an ordinary (mainstream) school, and 4.1% in special schools or received specialized therapy.

The sad part of the survey is that it does not separately enumerate autism/autism spectrum disorder (ASD). That category is not explicitly listed in the standard NSS disability types. Latest data shows 4 million children are suffering from Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Unfortunately, NSSO does not take special studies on autism.

Note: Countries such as the USA, England, South Korea, Australia, and many European countries do have their detailed surveys and have complete data of ASD and intellectual disability.

Our Mission

To empower autistic children and their families by providing accessible, evidence-informed services, peer and parent support, and community advocacy that promote well-being, learning, and inclusion.

Our Vision

A society where autistic people are respected, supported, and able to participate fully—with timely access to quality services, inclusive education, and opportunities for meaningful participation across life.

Prevention & Management

Minimization: Though there are no assured ways to prevent autism and intellectual disability in a mother’s womb, they can be minimized to a greater extent. Pre-marriage counseling can bear results if taken and obeyed in proper ways.

The Multidisciplinary Approach

A multidisciplinary approach is necessary for the management of Autism Spectrum Disorder, which includes professionals such as:

1. Pediatrician 2. Occupational Therapist 3. Speech & Language Therapist 4. Psychologist 5. Special Educator 6. Psychiatrist 7. Parent 8. Social Worker

This level of involvement is only seen in institutions created by, for, and of parents, as demonstrated by this author’s effort for his autistic daughter.

Learning vs. Training

In cases of improving ASD and intellectual disability, the process of learning provides the best results. Learning difficulties are common with intellectual disabilities. Learning fits with the internal process of understanding or skill.

In certain situations, training in these categories (ASD) of our society is needed as social skill training, but for intellectual disabilities, one needs vocational training programs. Parents need behavior management training to support their child’s progress.

Learning

Learning is needed for a person’s growth and understanding.

Training

Training is needed for skill practice or for a structured teaching program.

The Role of Parents

Parents are the nucleus of the structure of this unique program for ASD and intellectually disabled persons. Special educators and social workers have their roles related to the education and behavior of those with either autism or intellectual disabilities.

Note: Symptoms of babies suffering must be noted so that early intervention can save parents. Certain precautions can be taken.

12-Dec-2025

Autism Symptoms

Almost no eye-to-eye contact during talks.
When called by name, he/she responds after several attempts.
Always try to remain alone even if among a mass.
The individual is reluctant to wave goodbye during departure, and if they do, it is in a different manner.
Starting the talk of two or more words late.
Difficulty in remembering the sequence of talks.
Difficult in expressing emotions during social events, such as mourn during death and joy during celebration of a birthday, etc.
Feeling of distress if the schedule changes for any reason.
Little awkward reactions for different situational inputs, such as lighting, sound, touch, odour, smells, etc.

Featured Resource

General Symptoms of Intellectual Disabilities in Babies

Newborn babies are not smiling when we see them with smiling faces during interaction by 8 to 10 weeks.
After repeated attempts of smiling or saying many things with smiling faces, the baby stares silently but does not smile, then it is a little concerned.
Baby should say two-lettered words carrying no meaning (sa, ka, ba, pa, ma, su etc etc during 5 to 6 months, and if baby does not imitate our sounds when we repeatedly say them with love, then it is a concern for us.
When a baby is unable to roll on its sides at 7 months, it is a concern.
If the baby is not sitting by nine months.
If the baby is not crawling by 12 months.

Reach out for support, counseling, or just to talk.

Helpline Number

Mobile +91 9437085453