1. 1 in 160 children has an autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
2. ASDs begin in childhood and tend to persist into adolescence and adulthood.
3. While some people with ASD can live independently, others have severe disabilities and require life-long care and support.
4. Evidence-based psychosocial interventions, such as behavioural treatment and parent skills training programmes, can reduce difficulties in communication and social behaviour, with a positive impact on wellbeing and quality of life for persons with ASD and their caregivers.
5. Interventions for people with ASD need to be accompanied by broader actions for making physical, social and attitudinal environments more accessible, inclusive and supportive.
6. Worldwide, people with ASD are often subject to stigma, discrimination and human rights violations. Globally, access to services and support for people with ASD is inadequate.
Source : WHO (World Health Organization)