Education Minister Dipu Moni on Sunday said that the age bar for autistic children will be relaxed during admission to educational institutions in the country.
She made the remarks while addressing as chief guest at a discussion meeting organised on the occasion of 16th World Autism Awareness Day, at the International Mother Language Institute in Dhaka.
“Autistic children were once considered a curse and a burden. But these children have special skills in particular areas. We should bring out these skills in them. These children can also contribute to our society,” said Dipu Moni.
“The public examination papers of such special children are evaluated differently and consideration will also be given to age during admission in educational institutions”
Emphasising creating awareness about autism, the education minister said there was not much awareness about autism earlier and it was kept secret even from relatives. These children were not given a chance to lead a normal life but now the people’s views on this matter have changed.
Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education Director General Prof Nehal Ahmed presided over the event while Secretary of Secondary and Higher Education Division Suleman Khan, CEO of Suchna Foundation Dr Saki Khandkar, National Academy for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Project Director Professor Didarul Alam spoke as special guests.
