Australian government supports concert to #EmbraceAutism

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Mar. 17: The Kathmandu Metropolitan City, AutismCare Nepal Society (ACNS) and the popular Nepali rock band, 1974AD, are partnering to stage a free Concert for Autism at Tudikhel on March 18.

According to a press release issued by Australian Embassy in Nepal on Thursday, the concert will raise awareness and celebrate people with neuro-developmental differences.

“It is estimated that 300,000 children in Nepal have autism spectrum disorder (ASD),” read the press release. According to Chairperson of AutismCare Nepal Society, Dr Sunita Malekhu, “Autism is rarely discussed and there is limited public knowledge of this disorder despite its prevalence in Nepal.” 

Deputy Mayor of the Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Sunita Dangol, said that KMC has made disability inclusion a special priority and is working with different organisations to realise this. “I call everyone to participate in the special awareness campaign and Concert for Autism,” said Dangol.

Australian Ambassador to Nepal Felicity Volk said the Australian Government prioritises disability inclusive development.

 “This concert is history-making,” Ambassador Volk said. The 1974AD  said, “We are very glad to be performing our concert for Autism and hope this event will be instrumental in spreading messages about autism.”