In a historic move for inclusive education, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated the groundbreaking of the Autism Centre of Excellence for Special Children in Islamabad 2026. This dedicated facility, being built at the Rehabilitation Centre for Children with Development Disorders, promises a safe, supportive, and structured environment for children on the autism spectrum, marking a hopeful milestone for families across the capital.
A Major Step Toward Inclusive Autism Support in Islamabad:
Pakistan has marked an important moment in special education with the groundbreaking of a dedicated Autism Support and Rehabilitation Complex in Islamabad, inaugurated by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The project is being developed at the Rehabilitation Centre for Children with Development Disorders and reflects a growing commitment to structured, state-led support for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
What Sets This Initiative Apart:
Unlike existing facilities that offer limited services, this center is planned as a comprehensive public-sector institution, focusing on therapy, education, and skill development under one roof.
The Prime Minister directed that the project timeline be reduced from two years to one year, with completion targeted for late 2026, highlighting the urgency of addressing autism care gaps.
Capacity, Access, and Transport Arrangements:
Once operational, the center will accommodate more than 300 children, providing a safe and enabling environment tailored to sensory and learning needs.
To reduce access barriers, the government has announced 15 customized coasters and buses that will provide free transport for enrolled children, ensuring families are not excluded due to mobility or cost issues.
Core Services Planned at the Facility:
The project has received PC I approval with a total allocation of Rs. 1.34 billion, covering infrastructure, equipment, and staffing.
Planned services include:
- Speech and occupational therapy units supported by sensory integration labs
- Smart classrooms and simulated learning spaces
- Vocational and technical training labs for functional independence
- Early assessment and diagnostic services to support timely intervention
The center will employ 120 specialized staff members, including applied behavior analysis therapists and trained special educators.
Why This Development Matters for the Capital Region:
According to estimates shared by the Autism Society of Pakistan, 350,000 to 400,000 children in Pakistan are on the autism spectrum.
In the Islamabad Capital Territory, families have long faced:
- Limited public-sector services
- High private treatment costs
- Delays in diagnosis and therapy
This facility directly addresses these challenges by offering centralized, government-supported care within the capital.
Official Admissions Session:
While construction of the main Centre of Excellence is underway, the Directorate General of Special Education has opened admissions at its existing specialized institutions in Islamabad for the current academic session.
Eligibility Criteria
- Children between 3 and 18 years of age
- Families residing in Islamabad and nearby areas
Required Documentation
- Child’s B Form
- Parent or guardian CNIC
- Available medical or diagnostic reports
Where to Apply
- DGSE Office located in Sector H 8 4, Islamabad
- DGSE official website for updates and notices
Practical Advice for Families During Interim Period:
- Seek early support: Research consistently shows better progress when therapy begins between ages three and five.
- Use available public resources: Families with overlapping communication needs may also explore services at the National Education Centre for Hearing Impaired Children.
- Stay connected: Parent support networks such as the Autism Society of Pakistan can help families manage home-based strategies while awaiting placement.
A Long Term Vision Taking Shape:
The Autism Centre of Excellence represents a significant policy shift toward inclusive, publicly accessible rehabilitation services in Pakistan.
If completed as planned and staffed with trained professionals, this project has the potential to improve early diagnosis, reduce family burden, and set a foundation for similar centers across the country.
Conclusion:
Frequently Asked Questions:
-
How will transportation be managed?
The government has announced free transport facilities through customized buses to help families overcome travel and mobility challenges.
-
What kind of support will children receive?
Services will include speech and occupational therapy, sensory integration support, smart learning environments, vocational training, and early diagnostic assessments.
-
Is the center already accepting children?
While the main facility is under construction, admissions are currently open at existing specialized centers operated by DGSE for the ongoing academic session.