Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is known as a neuro-related developmental disorder that has been on the rise, and the northern province is not exceptional. Over the years the need for providing a comprehensive service to the relatively new problem was immensely felt by the policy makers of the Northern Province.
In this context, as per the visionary thinking of Prof. S. Sivayokan, a committee was formed by the Northern Provincial Ministry of Health, incorporating a large number of stakeholders, including healthcare providers, teachers, parents, public health experts and administrators. They had many sittings and formulated a draft policy with the objectives of ensuring the clarity of vision and coordinated action for ASD, uplifting the quality of life of those individuals with ASD, protecting, promoting and upholding the rights and dignity of those with ASD, and increasing the capacity of health, education, social and other public services alongside civil society organisations to deliver appropriate support for individuals affected with ASD, carers and support givers. The policy also envisages the importance of identifying the affected children at the earliest stages.
Recommendations were categorised into seven thematic areas: (1) Awareness and sensitisation, (2) Identification, assessment and diagnosis, (3) Education and learning,(4) Treatment, rehabilitation and long-term management, (5) Living in the community,(6) Support for individuals, families and carers and (7) Professional Development. The policy also included the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the policy.
The contribution of the student volunteers, who visited from Canada and were attached to the Jaffna medical faculty, was commendable in the process of draughting the policy. The autism policy for the Northern Province was prepared in English and later made available in Tamil and Sinhala.
The autism policy for the Northern Province was the first of such a kind of policy formulated in Sri Lanka. This policy acknowledges the heterogeneity of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and the variety of ways in which it affects those with ASD and the people who care for them.
The autism policy for the Northern province was jointly published by the provincial ministries of health and education. It was officially launched on 19-07-2017 at the Tilko Hotel, Jaffna, by the Chief Minister of the Northern Provincial Council. The launching ceremony was well attended by a number of provincial ministers, ministry officers, directors, healthcare providers, heads of government departments, representatives from nongovernmental organisations, teachers, parents, and other stakeholders. This event was partially supported by the Serendib Children’s Home.
However, the policy has not got its legal validation yet. We will make sure that it will happen soon.
Mr. Gopalakrishnan Krishnakumar
Planning & Programme Oficer
Ministry of Health,
Northern Province