In the journey of raising a child with autism, mothers in Pakistan often stand alone, facing a battle many cannot even see. Their strength, patience, and unconditional love rarely make headlines, but they are the backbone of their children’s survival and success. Yet, despite their sacrifices, these mothers often find themselves isolated, blamed, and unsupported.
It is time we recognize them for what they truly are: heroes.
The Silent Warriors
In many parts of Pakistan, autism is still misunderstood. Mothers are often the first to notice that something is different about their child — the lack of eye contact, delayed speech, repetitive behaviors — yet they are rarely listened to. Instead, they face dismissal, blame, and even accusations of bad parenting or neglect.
Without formal support systems, mothers become their child’s therapist, teacher, advocate, and protector — all rolled into one. They spend endless hours researching, traveling long distances to seek therapy, and fighting societal stigma, all while managing their homes and families.
According to Autism Speaks, early intervention can make a profound difference in an autistic child’s life. Yet in Pakistan, early intervention often only happens because a mother refuses to give up.
Battling Stigma and Isolation
In traditional Pakistani society, any deviation from “normal” behavior in a child is often seen as a family failure — and mothers bear the brunt of the blame.
Relatives may shame them, neighbors may gossip, and sometimes even fathers, overwhelmed by denial or ignorance, may distance themselves.
The emotional toll on mothers is immense. Studies worldwide, including research in similar South Asian societies (NIH Study on Autism Mothers), show that mothers of autistic children face higher rates of depression, anxiety, and social isolation than the general population.
Yet, despite the mental, emotional, and physical exhaustion, these mothers rise every day and keep fighting — not because they have no fear, but because their love is greater than any fear.
The Need for Support Systems
It is not enough to admire these mothers from a distance. Pakistan urgently needs:
- Parent Support Groups: Spaces where mothers can share experiences and receive emotional support.
- Counseling Services: Access to affordable mental health support for autism caregivers.
- Educational Workshops: Training programs for families to better understand and support their autistic children.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Combatting stigma so that mothers are seen as advocates, not failures.
Organizations like Pakistan Autism Society are working to raise awareness and build these much-needed bridges of support.
Conclusion: Celebrating Their Courage
Behind every autistic child’s progress in Pakistan is a mother who refused to give up.
She is the therapist who never went to therapy school, the teacher who wrote her own curriculum, the advocate who fought even when her voice shook.
This Mother’s Day — and every day — let us honor these women. Let’s listen to them, support them, and celebrate their relentless courage.
Because in the story of autism in Pakistan, mothers are not just supporting characters — they are the heroes leading the way.
1 Comment
Very good read