About Pakistan Centre for Autism (PCA)
Project of SCALeD
Pakistan Centre for Autism (PCA) is a Project of SCALeD (Society for Children with Autism and Learning Differences) which is a non-profit, non-governmental, non-political and welfare organization working for the education of individuals with autism, learning differences and special needs. It is registered under the Societies Registration Act XX1 of 1860. SCALeD has also been granted Tax Exemption under Section 2 (36) c.
PCA is recognized amongst top few institutions in Pakistan dedicated to the cause of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) awareness & support.
Vision
“A society where children and adults with special needs and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) lead a functional and respectable life”
Mission
Provide comprehensive Therapeutic Interventions based on evidence-based practices.
Spread awareness about Autism, early intervention and inclusion in mainstream schools and Pakistani society.
Develop community support towards Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Aim
Core Values of SCALeD
Compassion
Commitment
Responsibility
Perseverance
Background
Pakistan Centre for Autism began its journey in 2012, with the vision to transform society, where children and adults with special needs and ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) lead a functional and respectable life. Thus, an initiative was taken by Dr. Saeed Ismail, under the guidance and inspiration of a senior pediatrician and philanthropist Prof. Dr. Abdul Gaffar Billoo, and with the generous support of a local businessman and father of a child with Autism Mr. Babar Qamar Alam. Other than the founder members, several other respectable philanthropists and professional joined our hands as board members for this noble cause including Dr Shahzad Alam, Brig (R). Saleem Abdullah, Dr Shahnaz İbrahim, Ms Sabina Khatri, Ms Aamina Siddiqui, Dr Ayesha Mehnaz, Ms Samia Mujtaba, Mr Naeem Munshi and Dr Zaibunnisa Ahmed.
Our first campus was set up in 2012 in Gulistan-e-Jauhar. PCA has now expanded to three branches, providing support services for Autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders in Karachi. Till date we have provided therapies to 1002 clients. In addition to therapies, we also provide school readiness program; so far we were able to get 35 children enrolled in mainstream schools.
PCA provides training opportunities at various level. We have provided Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) trainings to 300 persons. These are held under supervision of Ms. Alliya Haidery, BCBA (USA) and Mr. Mansur Choudry (BCBA, USA). We welcome undergraduate students of relevant field for fulfilling their internship and research requirements; so far 450 students have availed the opportunity. In addition to increasing skilled human resource in the field , we hold awareness and training sessions for parents so as to enable them to join hands with us in providing continuum of care to children at PCA and home setting.