DHAKA, July 12, 2018 (BSS) – The prevalence rate of autism in children
aged between 16 and 30 months is 17 in every 10,000 in Bangladesh, according
to a survey.
The information came out today at a disseminating programme at ‘A’ Block
auditorium of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) here.
The Institute of Pediatric Neuro-disorder and Autism (IPNA) organised the
event.
This is the final outcome of a largest survey titled, ‘Nation-wide Survey
on Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Bangladesh 2017’conducted
by IPNA, the lone institute of BSMMU.
Professor Dr. Shahina Akhter, Director of IPNA, presented the findings of
the survey at the meeting.
The survey was conducted in two phases in selected 85 areas of 30
districts under eight divisions across the country from May to November 2017.
The number of total surveyed children was 38,440 and their age was
between 16 and 30 months.
The findings showed that the autism spectrum disorder prevalence rate is
17 in per 10,000 children. Among them, prevalence in rural areas is 14
whereas the ratio is 25 in 10,000.
The autism prevalence was five times higher for the children of mothers
aged between 35 and 39 compared to the mothers aged 20 or less, said the
survey.
State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Zahid Maleque was present as
the chief guest of the programme with BSMMU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr
Kanak Kanti Barua in the chair.
Director General, Directorate General of Health Services Prof. Dr. Abul
Kalam Azad, Deputy Executive Director, icddr, b Syed Manjurul Islam and vice-
chairperson of Shuchona Foundation Prof. Dr Pran Gopal Datta were present as
special guests.
Among others, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Education) of BSMMU Prof Dr
Sahana Akhter Rahman, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research and Development) Prof.
Dr. Shahidullah Sikder, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Prof. Dr.
Sharfuddin Ahmed were also present in the programme.