The Third Global Convention on Autism, held in Bengaluru and hosted by St. John’s Medical College, concluded on January 25 with a strong call for expanded healthcare infrastructure, early intervention programs, and greater social empathy, as global autism rates continue to show a steady rise.
Organizers and experts at the weeklong international gathering warned that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is becoming increasingly prevalent, with current estimates indicating that one in every 100 people worldwide is on the autism spectrum. Delegates emphasized that while awareness has grown, access to professional support, rehabilitation services, and inclusive education remains insufficient in many parts of the world.
“The rising number of children diagnosed with autism demands urgent expansion of facilities, trained professionals, and community-based support systems,” organizers noted in the closing summary.
Global Experts, Families, and Advocates Unite for Autism Care
The convention drew approximately 1,000 delegates from multiple countries, making it one of the largest autism-focused scientific gatherings in the region. Over 155 speakers — including medical professionals, neuroscientists, psychologists, educators, therapists, parents, and disability advocates — presented research papers and shared insights on diagnosis, therapy, education, home-based care, and community inclusion.
Sessions addressed:
- Advances in early detection and screening
- Evidence-based behavioral and speech therapies
- Mental health challenges faced by autistic individuals
- Inclusive schooling and vocational training
- Family support systems and caregiver well-being
- Public policy frameworks for disability rights
Experts stressed that autism must be approached not only as a medical condition, but also as a social and human rights issue, requiring empathy, inclusion, and long-term policy commitment.
St. John’s Medical College Announces Dedicated Autism Center
A major outcome of the convention was the announcement by St. John’s Medical College, operated under the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, that it will establish a dedicated autism treatment and rehabilitation wing on its Bengaluru campus.
The planned facility aims to offer comprehensive services, including:
- Diagnostic assessment
- Therapy and behavioral interventions
- Parent training and counseling
- Special education programs
- Long-term rehabilitation and life-skills training
“This center will benefit thousands of children and adults living with autism by providing integrated care under one roof,” organizers said, describing the project as a landmark step in India’s autism healthcare landscape.
Voices from Families and Social Innovators
Beyond scientific research, the convention placed strong emphasis on lived experiences, with parents, caregivers, and social entrepreneurs sharing stories of resilience, innovation, and hope.
One of the most inspiring voices at the event was Alina Alam, founder of Mitti Café, a social enterprise she launched at just 22 years old to create employment opportunities for people with autism and other disabilities.
Mitti Café has since grown into a nationwide chain with more than 50 outlets, including locations at prestigious institutions such as Rashtrapati Bhavan and the Supreme Court of India.
The organization has:
- Created 6,500+ livelihoods for people with disabilities
- Served over 13 million meals
- Built a model of inclusive employment and dignity through work
“Employment is not charity — it’s empowerment,” Alam has said in past addresses, reflecting the convention’s broader theme of shifting from care to capability-building.
Call for Greater Church and Community Involvement
While praising the academic depth of the event, Father George Kannanthanam, one of the few Church representatives present, expressed concern that faith-based organizations involved in autism services were underrepresented.
“This was a strong academic exercise with scholars and experts, but not enough representation from Church groups actively engaged in autism care,” he told Matters India.
He noted that several Catholic women religious congregations across India run autism therapy centers, special schools, and rehabilitation programs, yet were not included among invitees.
“Many religious congregations are deeply involved in autism treatment and rehabilitation. They should be included in future conventions to strengthen collaboration,” he added.
Father Kannanthanam also said the convention inspired him to integrate autism support into his mission work among persons with disabilities.
“Every time I visit Bengaluru airport’s Terminal 1, I stop at Mitti Café for tea. It reminds me of how inclusion can work in real life,” he said.
Autism Rates Rising: A Global Challenge
Participants at the convention underscored that autism diagnoses have steadily increased worldwide, due to a combination of:
- Better screening and awareness
- Expanded diagnostic criteria
- Possible environmental and genetic factors
However, speakers warned that healthcare systems and education frameworks have not kept pace with rising demand, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
“Early intervention can dramatically improve outcomes, but many families still lack access to timely diagnosis and professional support,” a pediatric neurologist noted.
Experts called for:
- Increased government funding
- Training more autism specialists and therapists
- Expanding public school inclusion programs
- Supporting caregivers and parents emotionally and financially
Toward a More Inclusive Future
The convention concluded with a renewed call for multi-sector collaboration, urging governments, medical institutions, educators, religious organizations, corporate entities, and civil society groups to work together to improve quality of life for autistic individuals.
“Autism is not a limitation — exclusion is,” one delegate remarked during the closing session.
“What autistic people need is not pity, but understanding, opportunity, and dignity.”
With St. John’s Medical College’s planned autism center and growing grassroots initiatives like Mitti Café, organizers expressed hope that India can become a regional leader in autism care, inclusion, and research.
