FAQ — Autism In Nepal

Question 1

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

Accepted Answer

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by persistent differences in social communication and interaction, alongside restricted or repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests, or activities. It is a spectrum condition, meaning it presents very differently across individuals — from those who are non-speaking and require significant support, to those who are highly verbal and live independently. ASD is diagnosed using DSM-5-TR or ICD-11 criteria and is not caused by parenting, vaccines, or any single environmental factor.

Question 2

How common is ASD in Nepal?

Accepted Answer

Global prevalence estimates from the CDC (2023) indicate approximately 1 in 36 children are diagnosed with ASD. Nepal lacks a nationally representative epidemiological study, but clinical data from Autism In Nepal's network suggests prevalence is consistent with global figures. Significant underdiagnosis persists due to limited specialist capacity, geographic barriers, and stigma — particularly in rural and hill districts.

Question 3

What causes ASD?

Accepted Answer

ASD has a complex, multifactorial aetiology. Heritability is estimated at 64–91% in twin studies, with contributions from both common genetic variants and rare de novo mutations. Prenatal factors such as advanced parental age, valproate exposure, and preterm birth are associated with increased risk. Vaccines do not cause ASD — this has been conclusively established across multiple large-scale studies. There is no single cause, and families should be counselled accordingly to counter prevalent misinformation.

Question 4

At what age can ASD be reliably diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

ASD can be reliably diagnosed from 18–24 months by experienced clinicians using validated instruments such as the ADOS-2 and ADI-R. Diagnosis before age 3 is associated with significantly better outcomes due to the brain's neuroplasticity during this period. Red flags such as absent babbling at 12 months, no pointing or gestures, or loss of previously acquired language warrant immediate referral regardless of age.

Question 5

Is there a cure for ASD?

Accepted Answer

There is no cure for ASD, nor is one the goal of evidence-based practice. ASD is a neurodevelopmental difference, not a disease to be eradicated. The aim of intervention is to support the individual in developing communication, adaptive skills, and quality of life. Early, intensive behavioural and developmental interventions (ABA, ESDM, SLT) are associated with significant functional gains. Pharmacological treatment addresses co-occurring conditions (ADHD, anxiety, epilepsy, sleep disturbance) but does not target core ASD features.

Question 6

What is Autism In Nepal?

Accepted Answer

Autism In Nepal is Nepal's professional society for clinicians working in autism spectrum disorder. Founded in 2014 by paediatric neurologists and child psychiatrists, we advance evidence-based ASD care through accredited continuing professional development, clinical guidelines, peer networks, case conferences, and health policy advocacy. We are a clinician-led, non-profit organisation registered in Nepal.

Question 7

Who founded Autism In Nepal?

Accepted Answer

Autism In Nepal was co-founded by Dr. Ram Shrestha (paediatric neurologist) and Dr. Sunita Poudel (child psychiatrist), both of whom identified a critical gap in structured clinical support and professional development for ASD practitioners in Nepal. The organisation grew from a small peer network into a national professional society with members across all seven provinces.

Question 8

How is Autism In Nepal funded?

Accepted Answer

Autism In Nepal is funded through a combination of membership fees, individual donations, institutional grants, and in-kind support from partner organisations. We maintain a zero-overhead policy for donations — all donated funds are directed to professional training, clinical research, and provincial outreach programmes. Our financial statements are available to members on request.

Question 9

Does Autism In Nepal provide direct clinical services?

Accepted Answer

Autism In Nepal is a professional society, not a clinical service provider. We do not see patients directly. Our work focuses on building the capacity of clinicians across Nepal — through CPD, guidelines, peer networks, and policy advocacy — so that more families can access quality ASD care in their own communities. For clinical referrals, please contact our member network.

Question 10

How can I contact Autism In Nepal?

Accepted Answer

You can reach us by email at info@autisminnepal.org. For membership enquiries, use the application form on the Professional Network page. For media or research collaboration enquiries, please include a brief description of your request in your email.

Question 11

Who can join Autism In Nepal?

Accepted Answer

Membership is open to licensed healthcare professionals working with individuals on the autism spectrum in Nepal. This includes paediatricians, child psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, developmental paediatricians, neurologists, and allied health professionals. Student membership is available to those enrolled in relevant postgraduate programmes.

Question 12

What are the benefits of membership?

Accepted Answer

Members receive access to accredited CPD programmes (recognised by the Nepal Medical Council and Nepal Health Professional Council), the full clinical guidelines library including the 2022 National ASD Guidelines, peer case conference participation, research collaboration opportunities, conference access at member rates, and the ability to contribute to national ASD health policy. Members are also listed in the national ASD professional directory.

Question 13

How do I apply for membership?

Accepted Answer

Applications are submitted through the membership application form on the Professional Network page. You will need to provide your professional registration details, current clinical role, and a brief statement of your work with ASD populations. Applications are reviewed by the membership committee and processed within 10 working days.

Question 14

Is membership recognised for CPD purposes?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Autism In Nepal's CPD programmes are accredited by the Nepal Medical Council (NMC) and the Nepal Health Professional Council (NHPC). Members receive CPD certificates for all completed programmes, which can be submitted for licence renewal and professional development records. We typically offer 20–30 accredited CPD hours per year across workshops, webinars, and the annual conference.

Question 15

What clinical resources does Autism In Nepal provide?

Accepted Answer

We provide a comprehensive clinical resources library including: the 2022 Nepal ASD Clinical Guidelines (endorsed by the Ministry of Health and Population), validated Nepali-language screening instruments (including the M-CHAT-R/F), diagnostic protocol guidance aligned with DSM-5-TR and ICD-11, intervention frameworks, and curated research summaries. Full access is available to members; selected resources are publicly available on the Clinical Resources page.

Question 16

Does Autism In Nepal offer training for clinicians outside Kathmandu?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Provincial outreach is a core part of our mission. We run training workshops in partnership with provincial health offices and district hospitals across all seven provinces. We also offer online CPD modules accessible to clinicians in remote areas. If you are based outside Kathmandu and would like to request a training programme in your region, please contact us at info@autisminnepal.org.

Question 17

Is the M-CHAT-R/F available in Nepali?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Autism In Nepal completed the Nepali language validation of the M-CHAT-R/F in 2016. The validated Nepali version is available to members through the clinical guidelines library. It has been used in community screening programmes across multiple districts and is recommended as the primary Level 1 screening tool for toddlers (16–30 months) in Nepal.

Question 18

How can I refer a patient for ASD assessment?

Accepted Answer

Autism In Nepal does not provide direct clinical services. For referral pathways, we recommend contacting the Department of Paediatric Neurology or Child Psychiatry at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH), B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS), or Kanti Children's Hospital. Members of our professional network are also available for consultation — contact us at info@autisminnepal.org for a referral directory.

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