The number of children diagnosed with autism in Sri Lanka is steadily increasing, according to Dr. Swarna Wijetunga, a specialist at the Lady Ridgeway Children’s Hospital.
Speaking at a media briefing organized by the Health Promotion Bureau in observance of Autism Awareness Day, Dr. Wijetunga highlighted findings from a 2009 national survey, which indicated that one in 93 children was identified with autism.
“A survey conducted in 2009 revealed that one in 93 children in Sri Lanka had autism. However, no systematic studies have been conducted since then. Now, efforts are being made to resume this research, and we anticipate different results due to the rising global trend. From our observations, the number of children being referred to us in Sri Lanka is increasing day by day,” Dr. Wijetunga stated.
She emphasized the importance of early diagnosis, noting that timely intervention can significantly improve outcomes for children with autism. “If we can identify them at the earliest stage, nearly 90% of these children can benefit from targeted interventions between the ages of two and a half to five years,” she explained.
Meanwhile, Dr. Asiri Hewamalage, a specialist in community medicine, also addressed the media, underscoring the crucial role of parents in identifying autism and other neurological disorders in children.
