Bangladesh mission in NY hosts roundtable on Autism in COVID

On the occasion of World Autism Awareness Day 2021, Bangladesh Permanent Mission, along with the Permanent Missions of Brazil, Kuwait, Poland, Qatar and Korea, UN DESA and Autism Speaks organised a virtual roundtable titled “Autism at the Covid-19 Pandemic: How Technology Can Support Equitable Global Response and Recovery”.

Chairperson of the National Advisory Committee on Autism and Neuro-developmental Disorder of Bangladesh and WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Autism in South-East Asia Region Saima Wazed attended the event as a panellist. 

Saima Wazed shared good practices from Bangladesh in supporting children with autism and their families during the pandemic, including through targeted support measures and the use of ICT.

'The children with autism and their families suffered disproportionately due to disruptions in their education and therapeutic services during the pandemic. However, in Bangladesh, the existing social support system, strong ICT infrastructure and robust community-based health services helped many families cope up with the challenges,” she said. 

Referring to the increased awareness about autism, she said that during the last seven years, the National Advisory Committee on Autism in Bangladesh has worked together with various stakeholders, ministries and departments to mitigate the challenges and stigma faced by people with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders. 

Saima Wazed also referred to the social challenges and stigma that the families face in many societies including Bangladesh and highlighted how positive changes have been brought about in Bangladesh through sustained awareness-raising and information sharing.

The event was co-chaired by Ambassador Rabab Fatima, permanent representative of Bangladesh to the UN along with the Permanent Representative of Qatar. 

In her welcome remarks, Rabab Fatima thanked Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her leadership and commitment in addressing the challenges of people with autism and also commended the endeavours undertaken by the government in this regard. 

“In Bangladesh, we have put in place strong legislation and programmes to protect people with disabilities and neurodevelopment disorders. This includes support and learning centres across the country, and other referral services, including disability-inclusive e-services,” she added.

Bangladesh’s PR underscored the need for more investment for research and development of new technologies to support individuals with autism disorder, especially during the pandemic. 

“We must bridge the digital divide so that technologies could be made available to, and accessible by all, regardless of their social or economic status,” she further said.

Assistant Secretary-General for Policy Coordination and International Affairs of UNDESA framed the issues at the event. 

Along with Ms Saima Wazed, other distinguished panellists from different parts of the world including speakers with autism spoke at the roundtable panel discussion segment. 

The virtual event was widely attended by people from all corners of the globe.