Rethinking ‘Normal’: Advancing Global Health Through Autism Awareness and Inclusive Action

This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Dr. Pratik Sarangi, a medical graduate from Vardhman Mahavir Medical College, New Delhi, India. She is affiliated with the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA), cordial partner of The Sting. The opinions expressed in this piece belong strictly to the writer and do not necessarily reflect IFMSA’s view on the topic, nor The European Sting’s one.

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are no longer a niche concern of specialists – they are a public health priority with implications for health systems, education, and societies worldwide. ASD is a complex group of neurodevelopmental conditions, typically emerging in early childhood, defined by differences in social communication, behaviour, and sensory processing. Recent estimates suggest that around 1 in 100 children globally are on the autism spectrum, a figure that has risen over the past decades as awareness and diagnostic practices improve.

Despite these advances, understanding and support remain unevenly distributed, particularly between high-income countries and low- and middle-income regions. The rising global prevalence underscores the need to shift from mere recognition to genuine inclusion of people with ASD in health systems, education, employment, and community life.

In India, home to over a billion people – the picture reflects both progress and persistent gaps. Community surveys indicate ASD prevalence estimates of around 0.15% among children aged 1 to 10 years, though regional studies show variation and likely underreporting due to limited diagnostic capacity and awareness. The sheer scale suggests millions of individuals in India are on the spectrum, many of whom go undiagnosed or receive delayed support. Stigma, lack of trained professionals, and inconsistent use of modern diagnostic tools compound these challenges.

The Indian government and civil society have taken important steps to respond. Autism falls under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPwD Act) of 2016, which is meant to ensure legal recognition and access to certain benefits and protections. Tools like the Indian Scale for Assessment of Autism (ISAA) were developed to support standardized diagnosis and certification, and many NGOs work to raise awareness, provide services, and advocate for policy change. Yet significant gaps in early screening programs, evidence-based interventions, and inclusive education infrastructure remain. 

Why Early Diagnosis and Evidence-Based Understanding Matter?
Early identification of autism, possible reliably by age 2 with appropriate tools, is transformative. It enables tailored support that can improve communication, learning, and quality of life. However, many regions still lack routine screening in primary care, and misconceptions about ASD persist among both professionals and families, delaying diagnosis and intervention.

Healthcare professionals, both current and future, have a central role in turning the tide. Evidence-based training should be foundational in medical, nursing, and allied health curricula, ensuring practitioners can recognise early signs, refer appropriately, and counsel families with sensitivity. In clinical practice, multidisciplinary approaches like integrating developmental paediatrics, psychology, speech and occupational therapy, can improve outcomes and embody inclusive care. Professionals also serve as advocates, challenging stigma and ensuring that health services are accessible, respectful, and tailored to neurodiverse needs.

Students as Change Agents in Health Systems
Students in health and allied fields have unique power to shape future health systems that honor neurodiversity. Simple, everyday actions – from organising awareness campaigns to collaborating with community groups can build a culture of understanding. In research, students can contribute to filling data gaps, especially in under-studied regions, by participating in epidemiological studies or service evaluations. In policy forums and student governance, advocating for inclusive health curricula and disability-sensitive practices helps institutionalise systemic change.

Ultimately, a global health approach to ASD must blend awareness with action: early diagnosis with lifelong support, clinical competence with compassionate care, and policy commitment with community engagement. When health systems recognise neurodiversity as a strength rather than a deficit, they move closer to equity and wellbeing for all.

References

1. Autism prevalence and rising recognition globally and in India. (Ovid)
2. Global and Indian ASD data and trends. (rehabilitationjournals.com)
3. Challenges in Indian ASD prevalence reporting and stigma. (godsownchild.com)
4. Community-based prevalence in India. (PubMed)
5. NGO efforts such as Action for Autism. (Wikipedia)

Importance of early detection and intervention. (Springer)

About the author

Dr. Pratik Sarangi is a medical graduate from Vardhman Mahavir Medical College, New Delhi, India, and is currently serving on the Supervisory Council at MSAI-India. Having led many youth initiatives on public health concerns and being an avid supporter of youth-led innovations, he has advocated for equitable opportunities for young people to transform the Global healthcare sector. He believes that youth hold extreme responsibilities to fight global challenges through their energy, ideas and innovation. In addition, he is immensely passionate about writing and research. He has been an active member of the IFMSA since 2019.