When Fatima was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at just three years old, her parents were overwhelmed. Like so many families in similar situations, they faced a maze of uncertainty—confusion, societal stigma, and a painful lack of support services. They wondered if their daughter would ever speak, go to school, or make friends. Then came a turning point: they discovered C-ARTS — a centre established by the Sindh Government in 2018, the first of its kind in Pakistan dedicated to autism care and rehabilitation.
At the C-ARTS centre in Karachi, Fatima began a journey of transformation. Through comprehensive therapies—speech, occupational, behavioral—and the tireless efforts of trained professionals, she started to thrive. In time, she began forming sentences, building friendships, and even attending a mainstream school. For her family, each milestone was a moment of joy and relief. Fatima’s progress is not just personal—it’s a living example of what becomes possible when structured support and care are made accessible to every child in need.
But this is not just Fatima’s story. Across Sindh, hundreds of children like her have received life-changing treatment at C-ARTS centres—and hundreds more are currently being supported through the same care, compassion, and commitment. Each child’s journey is unique, yet together they reflect a growing legacy of hope, healing, and empowerment.
The Genesis of C-ARTS
Recognizing the rising prevalence of autism and the absence of specialized facilities in the province, the Sindh government took a pioneering step in 2018. Under the visionary leadership of Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, the Centre for Autism Rehabilitation and Training Sindh (C-ARTS) was established as a not-for-profit organization under Section 42 of the Companies Act 2017. The initiative is fully owned and supported by the Government of Sindh.
Designed with a bold and inclusive vision, C-ARTS aims not only to provide rehabilitation services for children with autism, but also to train professionals, raise public awareness, and challenge the stigma surrounding neurodevelopmental disorders. The flagship centre in Karachi—a state-of-the-art facility built to international standards—remains the largest autism center in South Asia, with the capacity to serve hundreds of children.
What truly sets C-ARTS apart is its unwavering commitment to providing all services entirely free of cost, ensuring that no child is denied care due to financial constraints.
A holistic and human-centered approach
C-ARTS offers an integrated suite of services tailored to the diverse and often complex needs of autistic individuals:
Academic and therapeutic integration: Therapies—speech, occupational, and behavioral—are combined with educational support to promote holistic growth.
Diagnosis and personalized rehabilitation: From early screening to individualized therapy plans, every step is informed by scientific rigor and empathy.Training and research: C-ARTS actively trains professionals in autism rehabilitation, helping raise the standard of care province-wide.
Parent and community outreach: Through education, awareness campaigns, and advocacy, the center helps reduce stigma and foster societal inclusion.
Welfare and empowerment: Focus extends beyond childhood to prepare individuals for meaningful participation in society through skill-building and vocational training.
As a government-led initiative, C-ARTS also plays a regulatory role by developing care standards and frameworks to guide other institutions across the province.
Expanding reach across Sindh
From its humble beginnings, C-ARTS has grown into a provincial network. As of July 2025, six centres are operational across Sindh, serving nearly 600 individuals with autism. These centers are located in Karachi, Hyderabad, Shaheed Benazirabad, and Sukkur, with two more centers planned in Larkana and Gambat. This expansion is part of the Sindh Government’s long-term vision to make autism care accessible in every corner of the province—from urban districts to underserved rural areas.
Recent milestones: From care to empowerment
Progress has not stalled since the initial launch. On June 27, 2025, the Sindh chief minister virtually inaugurated a new satellite centre in Shaheed Benazirabad, bringing critical services to an underserved region.
Earlier, on January 12, 2024, the Karachi center launched a café run by autistic children—a landmark moment in vocational inclusion. This initiative empowers young individuals by teaching them practical skills and building their confidence, while simultaneously challenging societal stereotypes about disability and independence.
C-ARTS continues to evolve with projects like Ujala-II, a comprehensive initiative designed to expand service delivery and support systems for children with autism and related conditions across Sindh.
Innovation at the core
One of the defining traits of C-ARTS is its emphasis on innovation in therapy and education. From employing creative arts therapy, which has been shown to improve communication and social interaction, to using customized learning plans and digital tools, the approach is as progressive as it is compassionate.
Research-based methods ensure that care isn’t generic—it’s tailored, evolving, and centered on the unique strengths of each child. These aren’t just programs; they are lifelines.
Challenges and the road ahead
Despite its remarkable impact, challenges persist. Autism remains underdiagnosed in Pakistan. Estimates suggest that over 350,000 children in the country may be on the spectrum, yet most go unrecognized due to lack of awareness and persistent social stigma.
The Sindh Government is actively addressing these gaps—through awareness campaigns, professional training programs, and policy development—to ensure that no child is overlooked. Capacity building remains a top priority, with efforts underway to increase the number of trained therapists, educators, and diagnostic professionals across the province.
A legacy of inclusion
The Sindh government’s initiative to establish C-ARTS was not just a policy decision—it was a bold, compassionate commitment to inclusion. By being the first provincial government in Pakistan to invest in structured, government-led autism care, Sindh has set a precedent for the rest of the nation.
Through C-ARTS, the province is rewriting the narrative for families like Fatima’s—families who once felt lost and now feel seen, supported, and hopeful.
C-ARTS is more than a network of centers. It’s a symbol of progress, a sanctuary for growth, and a living promise that every child matters. As more children find their voices, friendships, and futures through this initiative, the vision becomes clearer: an inclusive Sindh where every child, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to thrive.
Published in News Daily on 03-August-2025.
