India, March 9 -- image credit- freepik

What is the current scenario of the autism sector in India?

Aonghus Gordon: The autism sector in India is at a critical stage of growth and transition. Awareness around Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has increased significantly in recent years, particularly in urban centres, leading to improved early identification and parental engagement. However, access to quality services remains uneven, with rural and semi-urban areas facing substantial gaps.

A major challenge is the shortage of trained professionals and the limited availability of integrated, lifespan-based support. While early intervention services are gradually expanding, structured pathways for adolescents and adults, especially in vocati...