Lok Sabha Question No. 4510 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-08-12
Subject: Autistic Children
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: CHANDRAKANT BHAURAO KHAIRE

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED  QUESTION NO. 4510 TO BE ANSWERED ON 12 TH AUGUST, 2016

## AUTISTIC CHILDREN

## 4510. SHRI CHANDRAKANT KHAIRE:

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  his  Ministry  has  taken  up the  issue  of  grant  of  admission  to  autistic children  in Government  schools  with  the Ministry  of  Human  Resource Development,  if  so,  the  details thereof;
- (b) if not, the reasons therefor; and
- (c) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to extend necessary medical welfare measures to autistic children of the country?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI FAGGAN SINGH KULASTE)

(a)to (c): The Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Human Resource Development is implementing Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) for universalization of elementa education for all children  from  6 - 14    years  of  age,  including  children    with  spec ial  needs (CWSN). Further Inclusive Education for Disabled at Secondary Stage, a sub   component Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA), aims to enable all students  with disabilities pursue  further four years of secondary schooling (classes I X to XII) after completing eight years of elementary schooling.

Under  National  Health  Mission,  the  Government  of  India  is  implementing  Rashtriya  B Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) for screening of all the children from 0 - 18 years of age including school childr en for 4 D's i.e. defects, Deficiencies, Diseases, and Development delays including disability. Autism Spectrum Disorder is one of the health conditions of Developmental Delay including disability covered under Rashtriya Bal Swasthaya Karyakram (RBSK).

U nder Rashtriya Bal Swasthaya Karyakram, the children in the age group of birth till 6 are screened twice a year at anganwadi centres and children of 6 years to 18 years enr Government and Government aided schools are screened once a year by d edicated Mobile Block Health Teams.

Children diagnosed with identified health conditions receive follow - up care including early intervention services at the district level, including surgeries at tertiary level, free National Health Mission. Under the programme, District Early Intervention Centres (DEICs) are being made operational in all districts of the country. In the District Early Intervent provision has been made for Physiotherapist / Occupational therapist and Paediatric Audiologi &  Speech  pathologist  /  Early Interventionist  with  Paediatric  Audiology  &  Speech  pathology along  with  other  professionals  for  Interdisciplinary  approach  in  management  of  childr DEIC.

Under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan all children with special needs including children with Autism aremedically assessed by a team of doctors to ascertain their extent of disability and the level of functioning. C hildren with special needs are also provided  aids  and appliances, therapy, transport,  escort    and    surgery    as    per  need.      Under I nclusive  Education  for  Disabled  at Secondary Stage Rs 3000/ -per  annum per student is provided to States/UTs, as per  applicab funding  pattern    between  States  and  Centre,  for  student  oriented  components - medical assessment, aids and appliances, access t o learning material, transport facilities, books, uniform assistive devices, stipend to girls students.

The Central  Government  has  set  up  the  National  Trust  for  welfare  of  persons  wi Autism,  Cerebral  Palsy,  Mental  Retardation  and  Multiple  Disabilities.  The  Niramaya  He Insurance Scheme under National Trust, provides affordable health insurance to persons ith Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities. The enrolled benef gets a health insurance cover of Rs 1.0 lakh on  payment of a nominal fee.