Pandemic makes life tougher for children with autism and Down syndrome

Parents and child care experts say that the Covid-19 crisis has only exacerbated already existing challenges for children with development challenges—and there are no easy solutions in sight.

For as long as Biraj Shrestha can remember, he has been attending a day-care centre run by Autism Care Nepal Society , a non-governmental organisation dedicated to helping individuals with autism. Fifteen-year-old Biraj was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder when he was three years old. He also has anxiety issues .