News

Volume 1 Issue 5 - November 01, 2003

Centre, Delhi governments to set up autism centres

It is understood that these notices were issued following a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by parents of austistic people.

The PIL sought the governments' help to enable psychological and functional treatment and social rehabilitation for people affected with autism, the newspaper reported.

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice B.C. Patel and Justice A.K. Sikri issued notices to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and Human Resource Development, Delhi Government, Rehabilitation Council of India, Medical Council of India and National Trust for Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities.

It is understood that the petitioners, through counsel Geeta Mittal, urged for the creation of diagnostic centres and specialists who could identify the disorder, which affects a sizeable population of the country.

The PIL also sought directions to the authorities to undertake awareness programmes to sensitise the masses on autism. The petitioners have demanded that disability certificates be granted, the report said.