Empowering lives by advocating for autism and disability inclusion
Our Origins
G-Med/CSc was founded nearly 30 years ago by parents concerned about the well-being of their disabled children. These parents aimed to foster collaboration among researchers, medical doctors, neuroscientists, and other professionals working in the autism and disability field. Their collective efforts empowered parents with critical knowledge about the causes, diagnosis, care, management, and education of their children.
Over time, G-Med was inspired by the evolving concept of disability, known as the social model of disability. This model emphasizes the interaction between individuals and their environment rather than focusing solely on medical conditions. Today, G-Med is a pioneering voice in raising autism awareness across Bangladesh.
Our Mission
At G-Med, we strive to enhance the quality of life for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families in Bangladesh. We focus on:
Advocating for the rights and societal inclusion of autistic individuals.
G-Med actively works to ensure that individuals on the autism spectrum are recognized as equal members of society, entitled to the same rights and opportunities as others. We engage in advocacy through public awareness campaigns, policy recommendations, and partnerships with government agencies to promote autism-friendly policies. By emphasizing inclusion, we encourage communities, schools, and workplaces to embrace individuals with autism, fostering understanding and reducing stigma. We also empower autistic individuals and their families to become advocates for themselves, ensuring that their voices are heard in the spaces where decisions are made.
Promoting access to education, healthcare, training, employment, and lifelong community support.
We believe that access to education, healthcare, and employment is a fundamental right for every individual, including those on the autism spectrum. G-Med works with educational institutions to create inclusive learning environments that cater to the unique needs of autistic students. Our healthcare initiatives focus on ensuring that individuals receive comprehensive and personalized medical care. We also provide training programs to enhance skills for both children and adults, helping them develop independence and confidence. Additionally, we collaborate with employers to create job opportunities, advocating for workplace accommodations. Our commitment to lifelong support includes facilitating community-based programs that offer ongoing care and social integration opportunities.
Facilitating collaboration with like-minded organizations.
Collaboration is key to creating a unified approach to autism advocacy. G-Med actively seeks out partnerships with local, national, and international organizations that share our mission to support individuals with autism. Through these collaborations, we are able to pool resources, knowledge, and expertise, amplifying our impact. Our organization works alongside research institutions, disability rights groups, healthcare providers, and other advocacy organizations to develop holistic solutions that address the challenges faced by individuals with autism and their families.
Driving research on autism and sharing best practices and data.
As part of our commitment to advancing the understanding of autism, G-Med is involved in both local and international research initiatives. We fund and support studies that investigate the causes, diagnosis, and treatment options for autism. We also work on gathering data about the experiences of individuals with autism in Bangladesh, providing insights into the local context and challenges. G-Med ensures that research findings and best practices are shared with the broader community through conferences, publications, and online platforms, empowering families, professionals, and other organizations to adopt evidence-based strategies for autism care and support.
Providing tailored support and rehabilitation services for children and adults with autism.
At G-Med, we recognize that every individual on the autism spectrum has unique needs and abilities. Our tailored support and rehabilitation services are designed to meet these needs in a personalized and holistic manner. We offer early intervention programs for children, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and behavioral support to help individuals build skills and improve their quality of life. For adults, we provide vocational training, independent living support, and community engagement programs. Our goal is to empower individuals with autism to live fulfilling lives, regardless of age, by providing them with the resources and opportunities they need.
Our Organization
G-Med is a non-profit organization
established in 2003 under Bangladeshi law. Our network includes neuroscientists, medical professionals, scientists, self-advocates, and families. As a prominent representative for autism advocacy in Bangladesh, we prioritize inclusion and collaboration.
Autism Landmark
g-Med/CSc was started nearly 30 years ago by parents who were concerned about their disabled children.
The purpose was to encourage the exchange of knowledge between researchers, medical doctors, neuroscientists, and other professionals who work in the autism/disability field. This resulted in parents being able to gain more knowledge about causes, diagnosis, care, management, and education, which fuelled their activities.
G-Med was created as a result of a reshaping of public perception of all disabilities. A new concept of disability was emerging, known as the social model of disability (as opposed to the medical model of disability), that aimed to redefine disability by focusing on the relationship between people and their surroundings. G-Med is working to raise awareness about autism across the nation.
Organization Structure
G-Med is an association that brings together autistic parents and regional organizations to advocate for the rights of autistic individuals.
G-Med's Council of Administration (GCA)is a group of parents who serve as advocates for children with severe developmental disorders who cannot represent themselves. In addition, self-advocates have a limited number of seats in the GCA. Participation in the Annual General Meeting (AGM) is available to all members of G-Med.
Every five years, the General Meeting elects the GCA. The GCA renews half of its members every five years. The GCA elects the President among its members. It is necessary for the President to be either an autistic person or a parent.
The president names twenty or more members of the Executive Committee who are proposed for approval by the GCA. The Executive Committee is responsible for all practical issues related to G-Med's management.
We envision a society where individuals on the autism spectrum are fully included and supported.
Through our initiatives, we aim to reshape public perceptions, advocate for rights, and improve access to essential services and opportunities.