Autism Care Nepal Society (ACNS) concluded its 18th Annual General Assembly, presenting its annual report and highlighting significant progress across awareness, advocacy, diagnosis, therapy, education, training, and research. The organization shared that the past year has been one of its most impactful, with several landmark developments.
One of the biggest achievements of the year is the long-awaited progress toward ACNS’s sustainability plan. After nearly a decade of effort, ACNS officially relocated to its new premises in Ward No. 13, Jharuwarashi, Lalitpur Metropolitan City. The new building hosts a structured Daycare School with a capacity of 40 students, directly supervised by Special Educators. Therapy services are now being expanded and systematized, with Occupational Therapy and Sensory Integration (OT/SI) strengthening as key additions.
With support from Health Care Nepal (HCN), ACNS is upgrading its OT/SI rooms to a professional standard. As part of the Australian Aid Volunteer Program, Occupational Therapist Sophie Rose McNally is serving with ACNS for one year. Consultant Developmental Pediatrician Dr. Merina Shrestha has also completed a year-long fellowship in “Developmental Pediatrics focusing on co-morbid conditions in ASD” from Canada and is set to expand specialized services.
Transportation, Training & Vocational Support Strengthened
To address challenges in mobility, ACNS has added two EV vans and a school bus received from the Indian Embassy. A Transportation Committee has been formed to manage and sustain the service, for which continued financial support remains essential.
The organization also identified the need for “Temporary Residential Training” as PCTP enrollment declined for various reasons. The Vocational Unit now has 18 adolescents actively engaged in skill-based programs. ACNS emphasized the importance of creating meaningful employment and community engagement opportunities for autistic adults. Under the DRF Project, Peer Support Groups have been running successfully with participants showing noticeable improvement in confidence and overall well-being.
Expanding Special Education through PGDE and Inclusive Education Projects
The PGDE program, run in collaboration with Kathmandu University, is currently in its second cohort. ACNS is planning to extend the program up to the Master’s level. The latest cohort marks its graduation this year.
With support from CBM Global Nepal, ACNS has been working with 10 schools each in Budhanilkantha and Godawari Municipalities to strengthen inclusive education, especially for children with ASD and other neurodevelopmental disorders.
Leadership in ASD Screening and Research
The multi-country NAMASTE Project (ND and Autism in South Asia) has entered its third year. The project focuses on early identification and intervention for ASD and NDD in Nepal. It has been developing Nepal-appropriate screening tools, a developmental calendar, and implementing WHO-CST and PASS Plus interventions. By 2027, the project will have produced one PhD and two Master-level human resources in this field.
So far, 87 Female Community Health Volunteers (FCHVs) have been trained, screening 5,512 children aged 18 months to 1 year using REDCAP for scientific data tracking. ACNS expects this model to be adopted by local governments across Nepal.
National Autism Directives Formulated
In line with the Ministry of Health’s instructions, ACNS led the development of the “Autism National Directives,” submitted to the Ministry of Health. The directives outline national pathways for screening, diagnosis, referral, intervention, and human resource development across all three levels of government.
New Building Construction with Government Grant
ACNS has received government grants from the Ministry of Health and Budhanilkantha Municipality to begin construction on a new facility at the 6-ropani land allocated in Budhanilkantha–6. Preparations for construction are underway.
International Partnerships and Gratitude
ACNS expressed heartfelt appreciation for its national and international partners, including Health Care Nepal, MyRight Sweden, Abilis Foundation, NIHR UK (NAMASTE Project), Australian Embassy, World Education, DRF, CBM Global, government ministries, local municipalities, and community supporters.
A special acknowledgment was given to Jack Starmer, ACNS’s long-time international advisor and supporter since 2010. His guidance and the continued support of Health Care Nepal have played a critical role in developing ACNS’s services, training programs, fellowship support, and institutional growth.
ACNS reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening sustainability, expanding inclusive education, scaling ASD screening models, and ensuring greater access to therapy, training, and support services nationwide.
Executive Board Members (2082–2084)
- Dr. Sunita Maleku Amatya – Chairperson
- Ms. Anjana Basnet Mahara – Vice Chairperson
- Ms. Neelam Ojha Gautam – Secretary
- Er. Sachin Shrestha – Treasurer
- Mr. Shyam Prasad Bhandari – Executive Board Member
- Mr. Bidhan Shrestha – Executive Board Member
- Adv. Gopal Singh – Executive Board Member
- Mr. Ramesh Sipahi – Executive Board Member
- Ms. Rajju Joshi – Executive Board Member