MPs file bid for debate on autism health, social and school support

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

MPs have filed a request for a general discussion to set out the government’s policy on programmes and initiatives for people on the autism spectrum, the means to improve the health, social and educational services they receive, and ways to strengthen their place in the community, a move spearheaded by MP Hassan Ibrahim.

The request is lodged under Article 68(b) of the Constitution and Articles 170–174 of Parliament’s Rules of Procedure, and asks that it be put to a vote with MP Hassan Ibrahim Hassan given priority to speak.

The paper seeks clear data on how many people in Bahrain are on the spectrum, broken down by recognised levels, and a full account of the Ministry of Health’s diagnostic path from first concern through to confirmation.

It asks which levels the ministry uses in its classifications and why these are not recorded on the national Smart Card, where ‘severe intellectual disability’ appears instead.

It also asks if there are nationwide schemes for early screening and intervention and how widely they are available at primary health centres.

On social support, the request asks the Ministry of Social Development to set out its programmes for people on the spectrum, the rules for paying the disability allowance, the categories covered and the value of the benefit.

It asks for the criteria used to judge eligibility for financial and social support, and for an account of oversight of public and private rehabilitation centres that serve children on the spectrum, including how service quality and performance are assessed.

It also asks for plans to expand or upgrade state specialist centres and for a progress update on the near-opening Comprehensive Disability Complex, including the services planned and the readiness of facilities and staff.