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Reducing Stigma around Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Afghanistan

A national initiative to raise awareness, reduce stigma and strengthen everyday support for children and adults living with autism, intellectual disability, ADHD and other neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs).

The Challenge

Children and adults with NDDs—including autism, intellectual disabilities, and ADHD—remain largely invisible within Afghanistan’s health, education, and social support systems. Nearly one in six Afghan children lives with a disability, yet no nationally representative data specific to NDDs exists. Misconceptions and stigma often prevent families from seeking help, leaving many isolated and unsupported.

These barriers extend into the classroom: schools and teachers often lack the training and tools to identify developmental needs, adapt classrooms, and support learners with different communication, behavioral, or cognitive needs. Many children are therefore never enrolled, leave school early, or attend without adequate support. Inclusive education and early intervention are critical to helping children with NDDs participate in their communities and build more independent futures.

Addressing this challenge requires changing harmful beliefs, equipping trusted community figures to guide families, and making inclusion a shared responsibility in schools and beyond.

<10

clinicians nationwide trained in conditions like autism or intellectual disability.

<20%

of developmental delays are identified by age three.

Our Approach

A two-pronged, evidence-based intervention: shifting social norms across the country while building real support on the ground. It is designed to be cost-effective, scalable and culturally grounded, meeting families and community members where they already are: at home, in the mosque, at the clinic, and in the classroom.

By reaching families through radio and strengthening the people they already turn to, the program aims to reduce stigma, improve early identification and referral, and help children and adults with NDDs participate more fully in education, family, and community life.

Nationwide Radio Programming

Shifting attitudes and reducing stigma

Radio remains one of the most relevant and widely accessible media channels for Afghan households, particularly in rural and remote areas. Our multi-format campaign, produced in Dari and Pashto for national and community stations, reaches these families through short awareness spots, a real-life radio diary series, and an interactive talk show.

To sustain support beyond the broadcasts, the talk show invites listeners into moderated WhatsApp groups where parents share experiences and encouragement with peers and facilitators.

Community Capacity Building

Building grassroots support

We support the community figures families rely on most. By working with religious leaders, community health workers, and schoolteachers, we help them build the knowledge, skills and referral guidance to recognize NDDs early and support families with compassion.

This support is delivered through a blended model. It combines Lapis’s signature Senf platform, an interactive system accessible on basic mobile phones and radio, with targeted in-person sessions.

Expected Outcomes

Greater awareness of NDDs, reduced stigma, and more families seeking information and support.

Expected Outcomes

Earlier identification, stronger referral pathways, and more inclusive schools and communities.

What Change Will This Create?

Broader Reach

Nationwide audiences, caregivers, and community influencers reached with practical information.

Changing Attitudes

Greater understanding, empathy, and acceptance of people with NDDs

Identification and Referral

More families seeking support and trusted figures identifying and referring needs

Greater Inclusion

Less caregiver isolation; more inclusion for people with NDDs in education and community life.

Project Outputs & Resources

Coming Soon.

This page is the home for the project’s public outputs. Reports, learning briefs, and resources will be shared in coming months. Additional materials may be available upon request.

[email protected]