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Maroof Hospital Marks World Autism Awareness Day

This year's theme was: Toward a Neuro-inclusive world for all.

Islamabad, 1 April 2023 (GNP): Maroof Hospital Marks World Autism Awareness Day by re-emphasizing its commitment and advocacy for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This year’s theme was: Toward a Neuro-inclusive world for all. We are moving away from the narrative of curing or converting autistic people and instead focusing on accepting, supporting, and including autistic people and advocating for their rights.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 2023 report stated that around 1 in 36 children is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with boys being four times more likely to receive a diagnosis than girls. However, in Pakistan, many children remain undiagnosed or receive a late diagnosis, missing out on critical early development years. Ms. Tehreem Bangash, Head of the Early Intervention Therapy Unit, highlighted the importance of raising awareness about autism spectrum disorder and identifying it early through early signs and symptoms.

Maroof Early Intervention Therapy Unit at Maroof Int’l Hospital offers therapy services, assessments and training for children from 1 year to 12 years of age under the supervision of International Behavior Analysts (IBAO). Our team of Speech therapists, Occupational Therapists, psychologists, and special education needs coordinators are available to take care of your little ones.

On this occasion, Mr. Haroon Naseer the CEO of Maroof Int’l Hospital announced to give 50% percent subsidies on all the Consultations in Early intervention therapy unit of Maroof for the month of April. He also said that the increasing public awareness of autism spectrum disorders and the betterment of public services provided to affected individuals are sources of immense encouragement for me. World Autism Awareness Day plays a crucial role in promoting understanding and enabling parents to seek early intervention therapies. Moreover, it emphasizes the need for the complete integration of individuals with autism into society, urging policy-makers to encourage schools to welcome students with autism. With adequate support, it is possible and necessary to educate them in the heart of their communities

Also Read: Maroof Int’l Hospital Islamabad commemorates World Kidney Day
According to Ms. Tehreem Bangash, the Early Intervention Therapy Unit at Maroof Int’l Hospital offers inpatient and outpatient consultation services and therapies six days a week. The unit provides a wide range of therapy services including Applied Behavior Analysis therapy, Speech therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physio Therapy, and Remedial therapy that are crucial for the development of these children. The unit has a team of highly qualified professionals such as Certified International Behavior Analysts (IBAO USA), Licensed Registered Behavior Technicians, Speech and Language pathologists, Occupational therapists, and a Special Education needs coordinator. All of our services are evidence-based, and we take pride in being the only hospital in Islamabad to have a unit that is run by Certified International Behavior Analysts.
On this day, we should acknowledge the unique strengths and abilities of individuals with autism and work towards creating a more inclusive and accepting society that values diversity and celebrates differences. We should also continue to advocate for policies and programs that support individuals with autism and their families and promote greater understanding and acceptance of this complex condition.

Dr. Mir Waheed, Medical Director of Maroof Int’l Hospital appreciated the teamwork of the Early Intervention Therapy Unit and reiterated the hospital’s commitment to quality-driven safe patient care.

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