TEHRAN — Two screening schemes for autism and Alzheimer’s diseases will be initiated in Iran over the current calendar year, which ends in March 2017, deputy for rehabilitation affairs of Iran’s Welfare Organization said.

Alzheimer's disease as an emerging affliction of the aging population [is now a matter of concern for the country], Hossein Nahvinejad noted, adding, according to the global estimates there are some 10,000 cases of autism in the country which are mostly undiagnosed.

So far some 3,000 patients are diagnosed with autism in Iran and are receiving treatments, but the disease is turning into a concern for the society, Nahvinejad warned.

“We have to establish a scientific screening scheme in no time,” he told ISNA news agency.

As autism is on the rise in Iran there have also been other ongoing programs to take the control of this disorder.

Not long ago it was announced that in association with Indian research center COM-DEALL, Iran’s first international autism rehabilitation center will be opened in Tehran.

The Communication DEALL (Developmental Eclectic Approach to Language Learning) is an early intervention program for children with autism and other communication disorders.

MQ/MG