Autism no disability in government's blinkered view

Autism -- the neural development disorder that leaves those affected by it incapable of social interaction and communication and restricts their behaviour forcing them to rely on caretakers -- does not figure in the list of disabilities eligible for social security measures like pension and job reservation in Karnataka.

This despite the National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities Act, 1999 listing the disorder as a developmental disability. The Persons with Disabilities Act 1995, however, recognizes intellectual disorders like cerebral palsy as a disability but is silent on autism. A new bill on the disabilities has identified autism also as a disability but is still in the draft stage.

"Any person with developmental problems is handicapped. Disability is not necessarily only for physical problems," said Dr Kavitha Krishnamoorthy of Kilikili which is involved in creating inclusive play spaces for children.

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