Kathmandu, Sept. 9 -- 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.

At the centre, Biraj was part of a special classroom that has a huge support team that works closely with him. "Biraj was learning life skills and interacting with other children. Overall, he was making good developmental progress" said Kripa Shrestha, Biraj's mother. Going to the centre was part of his daily routine.

However, his routine came to an abrupt halt when the Covid-19 pandemic forced his da...