Center of Excellence for Special Children with Autism, Peshawar

As part of the inclusive education program being implemented by the Association for Aid and Relief Japan in collaboration with the Elementary and Secondary Education Department KP, participants from District Abbottabad and Haripur visited the Center of Excellence for Special Children with Autism in Peshawar today.

During the visit, the participants were given a detailed introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder and the different therapies provided for children with autism, including ABA Therapy, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Physiotherapy.

They were also taken on a tour of each department, where therapists explained the therapy materials and answered their questions.

Overall, the participants had a very informative experience, learned a great deal from the visit, and shared positive feedback about the institution and its services.

The National Institute of Public Administration, a constituent unit of the National School of Public Policy, visited the Center of Excellence for Special Children with Autism on May 13, 2026, as part of the 46th Mid-Career Management Course (MCMC) Policy Praxis Program. The visit aimed to provide participating officers with practical exposure to institutional operations, service delivery mechanisms, and organizational management practices.

The delegation comprised one faculty member and eight trainee officers. During the visit, the participants were welcomed by the Project Director, Rizwan Ahmed, who delivered a comprehensive presentation highlighting the center’s objectives, operational framework, services, achievements, and future plans.

Following the presentation, the delegation was given a detailed tour of the institution’s various departments. Professionals from different therapeutic disciplines, including ABA Therapy, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Physiotherapy, provided in-depth information regarding their respective roles, intervention strategies, and service delivery procedures.

In addition, the visiting officers had the opportunity to interact with parents of children enrolled at the center. The delegation attentively listened to the concerns, experiences, and feedback shared by the parents, which further enhanced their understanding of the institution’s impact and challenges.

Overall, the visit proved to be highly informative and productive. The participants expressed their appreciation for the institution’s dedicated efforts in serving children with autism and left fully satisfied with the experience and insights gained during the visit.

At the conclusion of the visit, the delegation presented a commemorative shield to the Project Director, Rizwan Ahmed, as a token of appreciation and recognition for the institution’s outstanding services and hospitality.

We are thrilled to announce that one of our occupational Therapist Madam Gulalai has done her PGD in Assistive Technology from Khyber Medical University Peshawar as a batch first all over Pakistan.

Assistive technology adds modifications and adaptations to therapy according to patient need and accessibility.

Congratulations 🎉 🎉 🎉 🎉 🎉 🎉

May 8th 2026

The Center of Excellence for Special Children with Autism in Peshawar celebrated its Third Anniversary with great enthusiasm marking the completion of three successful years of devoted and unwavering quality services to children with Autism Spectrum disorder. The center is the first of its kind government-run autism center in Pakistan which provides free of cost quality therapeutic services to children with autism.

Mr. Muhammad Khalid Zaman, Director Social Welfare, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa honored the Center with his presence in the Cake Cutting Ceremony. Ms. Shazia Gul, Principal SEC Peshawar and Syeda Nudrat, Gender Specialist also graced the event with their presence. Mr. Rizwan Ahmad, Project Director and the entire staff are truly thankful for their participation and encouragement.

On the occasion, the staff expressed their sincere appreciation to the Project Director for his continuous support and leadership, which made this celebration possible and successful.

That was indeed a very positive and memorable day for everyone.

Mr. Sharif Hussain, Secretary, Zakat, Ushr, Social Welfare, Special Education and Women Empowerment Department; Mr. Muhammad Khalid Zaman, Director, Social Welfare, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa along with Syeda Nudrat, Gender Specialist visited the Center of Excellence for Special Children with Autism Peshawar. They were warmly received by Mr. Rizwan Ahmad, Project Director, who briefed them on both current operations and future development plans of the center. All therapists, including ABA therapists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and speech therapists, presented detailed insights into their respective fields and ongoing interventions.
The Hon'ble Secretary and Director also observed therapy sessions, interacted with the children, and met with their parents to get a clear picture of the services provided in the center.
The Hon'ble Secretary appreciated the overall performance of the center and commended the management, therapists and staff for their dedication and professional efforts. They expressed their satisfaction and ensured their full support in making children with autism independent and useful citizens of society.

Maryam Khan, a student of BS Optometry from the Pakistan Institute of Community Ophthalmology at Hayatabad Medical Complex, visited the Center of Excellence for five days to provide free eye check-ups.

We are sincerely grateful to Ms. Maryam for her valuable contribution and dedication.

The Center of Excellence remains committed to providing maximum facilities and support to our children.