Scientific understanding of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has advanced significantly over the years, but social stigma and systemic shortcomings continue to pose the greatest challenges for autistic individuals in India, according to neurologist Dr Ritu Jha. The Director and Head of the Department of Neurology at Sarvodaya Hospital, Sector-8, Faridabad, said misconceptions about autism remain deeply embedded in society, limiting access to education, healthcare and employment despite growing awareness of the condition. She stressed that the biggest obstacles faced by neurodivergent individuals stem not from autism itself but from societal attitudes and institutional failures.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Jha said scientific progress has improved understanding of autism, yet widespread misconceptions continue to shape public perception and policy. "While there has been a lot of scientific progress in understanding autism spectrum disorder (ASD), there are still many social barriers that prevent access to resources and inclusion for those diagnosed with ASD," she said. She added that misunderstandings about autism persist across healthcare systems, educational institutions and communities, contributing to negative stereotypes and preventing autistic individuals from receiving appropriate support.

Dr Jha argued that one of the most harmful misconceptions is the belief that autism is a disorder that must be "treated" or cured. Instead, she advocated viewing autism through the lens of neurodiversity, which recognises neurological differences as a natural variation of human development rather than a defect. According to her, shifting this perspective is essential for creating inclusive environments that focus on accommodating different needs instead of attempting to change individuals. She said many autistic people possess unique strengths and abilities that often go unrecognised because of prevailing social attitudes.

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The neurologist also highlighted the scale of autism globally and in India. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated one in 127 people worldwide is on the autism spectrum. In India, research suggests that around one per cent of children are autistic. Despite these numbers, Dr Jha said awareness, early diagnosis and support services remain inadequate, with many families facing delays in accessing specialised care. She noted that stigma often discourages parents from seeking professional help, while schools and workplaces frequently lack the resources and training needed to support neurodivergent individuals effectively.

Beyond healthcare, Dr Jha said India's education system, corporate sector and public institutions need to adopt more inclusive practices. She emphasised that meaningful inclusion requires structural changes such as better teacher training, workplace accommodations, accessible healthcare services and greater public awareness. According to her, scientific knowledge alone cannot improve outcomes unless institutions are willing to challenge outdated assumptions and create environments where autistic individuals can participate on equal terms. She added that inclusion should be viewed as a shared social responsibility rather than solely a medical issue.

Experts have increasingly advocated for replacing stigma with acceptance as understanding of autism continues to evolve. Dr Jha believes that recognising autism as part of the broader concept of neurodiversity can help dismantle harmful myths and encourage policies that prioritise inclusion over exclusion. As awareness grows, she said, the focus should shift from trying to "fix" autistic individuals to removing the barriers that prevent them from accessing opportunities and living independently. Her remarks underscore the need for coordinated efforts by families, educators, employers and policymakers to build a more inclusive society for neurodivergent people.

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