Addressing gaps in provision
Government-run autism center to open in Kalar
KALAR — The Garmiyan administration has announced plans to establish the first government-run autism center in Kalar, addressing the current lack of such facilities in the region, according to Zhilwan Adil, General Director of Social Care and Development in Garmiyan.
Speaking to 964media, Adil noted the absence of government funding for new construction has led to repurposing an existing building previously used as a children’s daycare. “The government cannot currently fund the construction of a building. Therefore, we have repurposed an existing building,” Adil stated.
The center’s establishment comes with the support of the German organization Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit, which has committed to renovating the building and supplying the necessary equipment. Work is expected to start shortly.
“This will be the first government-run autism center in the Kalar district. Once the work is completed, we will begin the process of hiring staff for the center,” Adil added, noting that the exact number of required staff is still under evaluation.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) presents challenges in social interaction, communication, and behavioral patterns, affecting individuals differently and to varying degrees. The Kurdistan Autism Society has reported a significant rise in autism diagnoses in the region, with nearly one new case per day over the past year.
Kamal Jabari, head of the Kurdistan Autism Society Higher Committee, highlighted the need for enhanced government support. “Only 11% of autistic children receive monthly financial assistance from the government,” Jabari said, advocating for free treatment at public hospitals, substantial discounts at private clinics, and mandatory autism services in private healthcare plans.
As of April 4, there were 49 autism centers in the Kurdistan Region, with only eight government-run facilities among them. Jabari emphasized the need for more centers to meet the growing demand.
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