Autism Spectrum Disorder: Awareness, Diagnosis & Intervention, Myanmar

The global prevalence rate of 1 in 160 translates into about 375,000 individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Myanmar. Yet, it has never been surveyed and its research is nearly non-existent. Predictively, ASD awareness and recognition are very low among policymakers, service providers, schools and the community at large. People with ASD are usually regarded as those with mental disorders or extremely ill-raised. The huge challenges and difficulties that I and my peer parents face in raising children with ASD are the main motivations for conducting this research. This in-depth qualitative study was conducted with the parents/caregivers, service providers, and relevant ministry officials to explore the awareness, recognition, and interventions for ASD and their challenges in Myanmar. Even for those affordable families living in the capital city, who are literate and knowledgeable, getting the diagnosis and the appropriate interventions are significantly delayed and difficult. In addition, there is no academic training program on ASD in the country resulting in very few professionals to provide services.