Rabat – The Collective Autisme Maroc (CAM), in partnership with the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), presented two landmark national studies on autism in Morocco during a conference held Tuesday in Rabat.
The research seeks to provide a scientific foundation for inclusive public policies and improve the integration of people with autism into Moroccan society.
The two studies, “National Study on Autism in Morocco” and “Intersectoral Plan for Autism in Morocco” (PIAM), were conducted with contributions from researchers, health and education professionals, and civil society actors. Together, they seek to establish a clear picture of autism in Morocco and propose evidence-based strategies for action.
According to the collective, the studies represent “two complementary steps toward an objective and scientific understanding of autism,” while also proposing concrete measures to ensure that people with autism are fully included in public policy frameworks.
A first national diagnosis
The National Study on Autism in Morocco is the first comprehensive diagnostic assessment of autism in the country.
Conducted in three regions, it combines quantitative and qualitative methods, relying on field data and precise statistics on the situation of autistic individuals and their families.
It also involves experts from the health, education, and social protection sectors, aiming to offer a holistic view of autism care and support nationwide. The findings, according to CAM, will help identify systemic gaps and inform coordinated, long-term responses.
A roadmap for action
The PIAM outlines a roadmap for cooperation among relevant government institutions across six strategic pillars: governance and coordination, early screening and access to care, inclusive education, professional integration, scientific research and innovation, and awareness campaigns to combat stigma and discrimination.
By aligning these sectors, the plan seeks to ensure consistency between national policies and international commitments, particularly the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Morocco’s human rights obligations.
According to experts, these joint efforts are crucial to transforming the research findings into concrete programs that uphold the rights of people with autism and their families, while improving access to quality care and inclusion across Morocco.
Autism research and data collection remain limited in Morocco, with few to no comprehensive studies or coordinated public initiatives addressing the condition.
For years, families and associations have called for greater attention to autism, citing a lack of reliable statistics, specialized care, and inclusive educational frameworks.
These new national studies represent a commendable step forward in bridging this gap, offering Morocco its first structured, evidence-based understanding of autism and laying the groundwork for more inclusive and informed public policies.
