A SPECIAL care centre for children with autism is due to open in Mawlamyine, the capital of Mon State, in early 2018, according to the Myanmar Autism Association.

“There are approximately about 30 children suffering from autism in the town,” said U Kyaw Swa Aung, one of the centre organisers. “The move aims to improve the lives of those children by providing specialised care through this centre. Children under the age of ten years will be allowed to stay at the centre.”

The new centre will cost Ks240 million in funds contributed by local residents. The three-storey facility will include trained autism and child development experts. U Thike Tun, the father of an autistic child, said he welcomes the establishment of the training centre and believes it can help autistic children improve their lives.

According to an international study, one in 68 children worldwide has an autism spectrum disorder, and 67 million people live with autism globally.

Autism, a neurodevelopment disorder often becomes evident during childhood and include impaired communication and restricted and repetitive behavior.