30/04/2026
1st International Conference on Autism Awareness
Women University, Swabi
The 1st International Conference on Autism Awareness was successfully organized on April 30, 2026, at the Multipurpose Hall, Women University, Swabi (Main Campus, Kotha). The conference was jointly organized by Healers Institute for Rehabilitation in collaboration with Women University, Swabi and the Pakistan Pediatric Association, aiming to raise awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and promote inclusive practices in society.
The event brought together distinguished national and international experts, including senior leadership of the Pakistan Pediatric Association—President Dr. Syed Bawar Shah and Secretary Dr. Muhammad Athar Khalily—along with Prof. Dr. Tufail, Dr. Qasim Khan, Advocate Saleem Khan, Mian Imran Shaukat, faculty members, parents, students, and community participants. International expert Dr. Suleman Daud Khan (USA) also contributed valuable global insights on autism care and intervention.
The conference featured comprehensive sessions on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), speech therapy, occupational therapy in autism, pharmacological care, developmental challenges, legal and advocacy perspectives related to autism, and the impact of digital exposure on developing brains. The scientific discourse was led by Dr. Ishrat Khan, Prof. Noor ul Amin, Prof. Muhammad Aqeel Khan, Dr. Sadia, along with the aforementioned senior experts, who collectively enriched the discussions through their multidisciplinary perspectives.
A video presentation highlighting the progress of children at Healers Institute was also shown and highly appreciated by the participants. The event concluded with an interactive discussion session, encouraging dialogue and exchange of ideas among experts and attendees.
At the end of the conference, Dr. Sania Zaheer Ali, Additional Director ORIC, presented the Vote of Thanks, expressing gratitude to the Vice Chancellor, speakers, collaborators, faculty, and participants. She acknowledged Dr. Raheela Begum, HoD Psychology, and her students for their active role in organizing the event. She emphasized inclusion, protection of children with autism