Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni on Sunday said that the age limit of autistic children will be considered for admission in educational institutions.
She made the remark at a discussion meeting organized on the occasion of 16th World Autism Awareness Day at the International Mother Language Institute in Dhaka.
The education minister said: “Children with autism were traditionally seen as a misfortune and a burden. Nonetheless, these kids are very talented in certain fields. We ought to help them develop these abilities. These kids can benefit our society as well.”
“These special children's public examination papers are examined differently. Their entry age to educational institutions will also be taken into consideration,” she added.
The education minister emphasised the importance of raising awareness regarding autism since there was not much awareness about autism earlier. There was not much awareness about it in the whole world. It was kept secret even from relatives. These children were not given a chance to lead a normal life. But people's views on this matter have changed.
Bangladesh has gained a great reputation in this regard at the international level, she further added.
Director General of the Secondary and Higher Education Department Professor Nehal Ahmed presided over the discussion.
Suchna Foundation CEO Dr Saki Khandkar, National Academy for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (NAND) Project Director Professor Didarul Alam also spoke at the event.
Secondary and Higher Division Secretary Soleman Khan said: "Autism is not a disease. It is a neurological problem. Children with autism face problems in communication and responding to different stimuli. But these children are talented. It is the responsibility of the family and society to develop their talent. As if these children can contribute to the country according to their merits and abilities."