Peregraf
The Kurdistan Autism Association has sounded the alarm over a sharp increase in autism cases across the Kurdistan Region, with nearly 3,900 children now diagnosed with the condition. Speaking on World Autism Awareness Day, the association’s president, Kemal Jabari, urged the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) to ramp up support for affected families and implement urgent measures to address this growing crisis.
Jabari provided a stark comparison of autism prevalence over the years, revealing that in 2008, the condition was observed in just one out of every 150 births. Today, that number has climbed dramatically, with one in every 90 births affected. He warned that if this trend persists, every household in Kurdistan could have at least one autistic child within the next two decades. "I warn that in another 20 years, one in every 20 children will be born with autism, and that means every household will have a child with autism."
The Struggles of Families Raising Autistic Children
Many families dealing with autism face overwhelming emotional and financial burdens. According to Jabari, the strain has led to at least 50 cases of family separation, while 80% of parents report experiencing mental health issues linked to their child’s condition.
Despite the growing numbers, government assistance remains insufficient. Only 12% of autistic children have access to public autism centers, and just 11% receive financial aid from the KRG. Currently, only 394 children benefit from government stipends, leaving thousands without essential support.
A Shortage of Autism Centers
The lack of specialized facilities exacerbates the crisis. Of the 49 autism centers operating in Kurdistan, just 10 receive government funding. Jabari called for the urgent expansion of autism centers in both urban and rural areas, emphasizing that the government alone cannot tackle the issue. He appealed to international organizations, NGOs, and philanthropists to step in and help bridge the gap.
A Formal Appeal to the Government
The Kurdistan Autism Association has officially petitioned the KRG’s Council of Ministers, outlining key demands, including:
-
Financial assistance for families raising autistic children.
-
Housing and utility subsidies to ease economic hardships.
-
Extended parental leave for government employees with autistic children.
-
Improved special education programs in public schools.
-
Establishment of long-term residential care facilities for autistic children over 12.
Jabari emphasized that autism is not merely a medical condition but a societal challenge requiring a coordinated response. “To break the cycle of neglect and secure a brighter future for these children, we need a comprehensive, government-backed framework that prioritizes their needs and supports their families,” he concluded.