Moroccan government announces new autism support measures, civil society expresses reservations

The Moroccan government has unveiled a series of measures to enhance autism care, focusing on early detection, school inclusion, and family support. A national early detection program, with a pilot phase starting in April 2026, aims to identify autism signs earlier. Authorities also highlight increased school support for over 6,000 children and a budget increase to 500 million dirhams. The initiative includes training specialized support staff and deploying a digital platform for families. While these announcements acknowledge autism as a public health and inclusion issue, civil society organizations, such as the Association Vaincre l’Autisme, question the adequacy of these measures. M'Hammed Sajidi, president of Vaincre l’Autisme, emphasizes the need to evaluate the real impact, stating that the announced care remains "very partial" given that autism affects about 2% of Morocco's population, representing hundreds of thousands of people. He warns against a limited response, noting that school inclusion alone is insufficient and that specialized interventions based on validated methods are crucial. The association also points out the significant financial burden on families and the lack of structured services, leading to inequalities. Vaincre l’Autisme advocates for a dedicated national autism strategy, distinct from general disability policies, to ensure comprehensive, science-based, and long-term support, including for adults. Sajidi concludes that "the time for announcement