Children with Down Syndrome and the State of Affairs for them in Pakistani Society

Abstract

Pakistan is a developing country with a total population of 198.36 million,^[1] is categorized among first six most populous countries of the world, and with a high fertility rate. In this overflowing populous country census has never covered the head counting of special needs children of different categories; specifically, the learning disabilities that includes Down syndrome (DS), Autism, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. In the very recent National Census 2017 for the first-time head counting was done for physically disabled persons.  In this scenario one has to dig too hard into the data resources to find exact numbers of our special needs children of various categories; specifically, children with DS. Pertinent question is:  when data is not available regarding the number of children/persons with DS of various age categories; how is it possible to make some comprehensive planning for them? Why has the Government not been able to develop a well-coordinated network for life long rehabilitation of these children at national level?