Islamabad, April 3, 2026 — Maroof International Hospital marked World Autism Awareness Day with a focused event that brought families, staff and international partners together to push for autism inclusion and timely support for children across Pakistan.
A symbolic Autism Awareness Walk inside the hospital premises visually underscored the need for acceptance, understanding and early intervention. The walk aimed to turn awareness into tangible action by highlighting local services and pathways for diagnosis and care that support long-term independence.
Rongvudhi Virabutr, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to Pakistan, spoke at the Maroof Early Intervention Therapy Unit (EITU) and urged early diagnosis as a game changer for affected children. “Early diagnosis can change a child’s entire future. We must move beyond pity and focus on creating opportunities for every child to live with dignity,” he said, also sharing Thailand’s vocational initiative “Steps with Theera” as a model for skills development and social inclusion.
Haroon Naseer, CEO of Maroof International Hospital, said awareness carries responsibility and must be matched by systems that nurture potential. He stressed that institutions and policymakers should prioritize programs that enable children with autism to thrive in family and community settings.
Dr. Mir Waheed, Medical Director, compared the urgency of early intervention to emergency care, arguing that public awareness must quickly translate into services that improve developmental outcomes. His remarks highlighted how early, coordinated therapy can reduce long-term support needs and open educational opportunities.
Tehreem Khan Bangash described the comprehensive services available at the EITU, noting that evidence-based interventions including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, individualized education and behavior plans, parent counseling, social skills training and vocational life skills work together to promote independence and social participation. Her comments reinforced the practical steps needed for stronger autism inclusion across Pakistan.
As a gesture of recognition and to strengthen professional ties, the Ambassador presented certificates to EITU staff, celebrating their dedication and underscoring that awareness must be followed by concrete action, inclusion and opportunity for every child.
