Summary
Autism Care Society Gandaki was registered as an NGO in Pokhara, Nepal, in 2019. They envision a society where individuals with autism in the Gandaki region live with dignity, independence, and inclusivity, realizing their full potential and contributing meaningfully to their communities. They do this by involving all the relevant parties in their work: the direct stakeholders (parents and their autistic children), but also local organisations and authorities in the field of health and education.
Problem analysis
Lack of acceptance and diagnosis of children with autism as well as appropriate interventions.
Solution analysis
The goal we aim to achieve is acceptance and rehabilitation of children with autism.
Stakeholder analysis
Which stakeholders (NGO’s, government, private sector) did you identify as allies and how did you involve them?
We identified as stakeholders:
a. Families with autism.
b. Health workers and early intervention teachers.
c. Local government officials.
We involved local government, NGOs working for children with disability, early intervention centres and pre-primary schools in various sensitizing programmes.
Which stakeholders did you identify as neutral and how did you mobilise them?
Private sector: private schools, private hospitals, etc.
Which stakeholders did you identify as opponents and why were they opposed?
No opponents identified.
How did you involve your beneficiaries in the stakeholder analysis/campaign?
By convincing them to accept autism and providing them orientation programmes.
Short description of the organisation implementing the action/campaign
Autism Care Society is an NGO established in 2019 in Pokhara, Nepal. Our mission is to empower individuals with autism and their families by providing comprehensive support, education, and resources. Through advocacy, awareness campaigns, and collaborative efforts, we strive to promote acceptance, understanding, and inclusion for individuals with autism in the Gandaki region. We are dedicated to enhancing their quality of life, fostering independence, and advocating for their rights to ensure they thrive in all aspects of society. Currently we are providing direct services to 35 children with autism through the Day Care Centre and Training Centre.
Action period
September - December 2023
Objectives
1. To help parents accept their children with autism.
2. To ensure that their children get a proper diagnosis.
3. To provide training to enable parents to support their children in daily activities.
Action results
1. A larger number of parents have been made aware of autism and accepted it.
2. More than 75 children were diagnosed with autism during this period.
3. The diagnosed children were provided a 10 week package of our Parent Child Training Program (PCTP).
Description of preparatory activities
1. Printing of flyers, pamphlets and brochures.
2. Formation of an awareness group.
3. Formation of a diagnosis team, including a child psychiatrist.
4. Arrangement of a training setup for children and their parents.
Description of implementation
1. Distribution of awareness materials.
2. Identification of probable children with autism through door-to-door campaigning.
3. Running of screening and diagnosis camps.
4. Running of the Parent Child Training Program.
Costs
1. Printing of flyers, pamphlets and brochures approx. NPR 150000.
2. Formation of awareness group approx. NPR 20000.
3. Formation of diagnosis team including child psychiatrist approx. NPR 20000.
4. Training setup for children and their parents approx. NPR 350000.
Total costs approx. NPR 540000 (3.650 Euro).
Follow up
To be followed up in September 2024.
