Join us in bridging the autism data gap and ensuring no child is left behind!
AWARE
AWARE: Transforming Autism Screening & Care in the Developing World
An Open-Source Digital Solution for Early Autism Detection & Management
THE AWARE SOLUTION
AWARE (Autism Worldwide Analytics & Reporting Ecosystem) is an open-source digital platform built on DHIS2. It is designed to empower community health workers, psychology technicians, and NGOs to screen, diagnose, and manage autism cases efficiently.
The Challenge
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects 1 in 100 children globally (WHO, 2023), yet early detection and intervention remain a challenge in low- and middle-income countries due to:
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No screening tools or limited screening tools are accessible to frontline health workers.
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Stigma and Lack of awareness in the healthcare workers
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Lack of reliable data to inform policies and service planning.
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Delays in diagnosis lead to missed opportunities for early intervention.
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Minimal parental awareness, resulting in lower rates of care-seeking behavior.
How AWARE Works:
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Digital Screening Tool: Easy-to-use, validated autism screening integrated into mobile health systems.
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Case Management Module: Tracks interventions, referrals, and follow-ups.
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Real-Time Data Analytics: Generates national-level autism prevalence insights for policymakers.
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Parental Education & Support: Increases awareness and engagement in early intervention.
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Scalable & Free: Governments and NGOs can integrate it into their healthcare systems.
Pilot Implementation in Key Countries
With plans to scale globally, AWARE is currently being piloted in Mozambique, Sierra Leone, Nepal, India, and Cameroon
These pilots will:
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Train frontline health workers on digital screening.
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Generate much-needed autism data for health planning.
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Provide early interventions for thousands of children.
Why Early Screening Matters
Research shows that children diagnosed with autism before age 3 have significantly better developmental, social, and cognitive outcomes compared to those diagnosed later (Dawson et al., 2020). Early intervention can:
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Improve language and social skills.
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Reduce long-term care costs.
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Increase educational and employment opportunities in adulthood.
How You Can Help
Your support will help us:
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Expand AWARE to more underserved regions.
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Train healthcare workers and caregivers.
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Advocate for national autism policies using actual data.
For more information or to contribute, contact:
Dr. Nagesh N. Borse Executive Director,
A Global Voice for Autism nborse@aglobalvoice.org