Sri Lanka, April 11 -- According to latest data, over 9,000 children have been identified as autistic in Sri Lanka.

Statistics on autism and its impact on children were deliberated during a meeting of the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Women and Child Affairs held in Parliament.

During the discussion, officials highlighted a noticeable increase in the number of children diagnosed with autism in Sri Lanka, according to a statement issued by the Department of Communications of Parliament.

The Committee Chair, Minister of Women and Child Affairs, Saroja Savithri Paulraj had emphasized that due to the lack of proper diagnosis, many children continue to suffer from various disabilities. She stressed that early diagnosis is crucial in...