The number of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Sri Lanka is rising daily, according to Dr. Swarna Wijethunga, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist at Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children (LRH).
Speaking at a press conference at the Health Promotion Bureau in recognition of World Autism Awareness Day, Dr. Wijethunga cited a 2009 survey that found one in 93 children in Sri Lanka had been diagnosed with autism. However, she noted that systematic studies had not been conducted since then and emphasized that ongoing research is expected to reveal a higher prevalence, in line with global trends.
Dr. Wijethunga stressed the importance of early intervention, stating that if autism is identified between two and a half to five years of age, 90% of affected children can show significant developmental progress with proper support.
Adding to this, Dr. Asiri Hewamalage, Community Health Specialist at the Child and Family Health Bureau, highlighted the crucial role of parents in early detection, urging greater awareness of neurological disorders among caregivers.
With autism diagnoses increasing, experts are calling for enhanced screening programs and parental involvement to ensure timely intervention and better outcomes for children on the spectrum.
