Government Plans Residential Schools For Children With Autism In All Seven Provinces

Kathmandu, August 23, 2026

The Nepal government is preparing to establish residential schools for children with autism in all seven provinces, with one school planned in each province. Education and Sports Minister Sasmit Pokharel said the government has already allocated the required budget and is now working on how the schools will operate.

Pokharel announced the development during a program in Dhangadhi, Kailali, organized to discuss the Educational Program Operation and Management Standards 2083 for children with autism and neurodiversity.

One School In Each Province

According to Minister Pokharel, the government announced plans to establish one residential school in each of Nepal’s seven provinces soon after taking office.

He said the necessary budget has already been arranged. Discussions are now underway to decide the operating model and services that will be provided through the schools.

The planned schools will combine education with health care, therapy and creative activities. The government is also considering a system where children and their parents can stay together while receiving these services.

Support Before Mainstream Education

Pokharel said a draft standard has been prepared to provide residential education and health services to children with autism before they enter mainstream schools.

The government plans to provide children with education, therapy and other necessary support based on their needs. The aim is to create a more supportive learning environment and prepare children for further education where possible.

The minister also said autism and neurodiversity will be included in upcoming education laws, policies and standards.

He stressed that government action alone will not be enough and said families, communities and society must also work together to support children with autism.

Parents Call For More Services

Parents attending the Dhangadhi program called for more services at the local level. They requested care centers at ward level, separate residential schools and therapy centers for children with autism.

They also asked the government to create income generating opportunities for parents, as caring for children who need additional support can create financial and practical challenges for families.

House of Representatives member Sarita Mahato said children with autism should not be seen as a burden. She said families and society should identify their interests and abilities and support their development accordingly.

Specialized Support Needed

National Autism Care Center Society Chair Ramesh Basnet said children with autism have different needs and should receive support designed specifically for them rather than being treated in the same way as children with other disabilities.

Education Department official Deepak Majhi also explained different provisions included in the draft standards and said the government is actively working to address the issue.

With funding already allocated and operating standards being discussed, the government is now preparing to move ahead with the seven residential schools. If implemented as announced, the initiative will provide specialized education, therapy, health care and creative activities for children with autism across all seven provinces.