We read with interest the article on Autism(1). Autism is not uncommon in India(1-3). A registry for autistic children has been initiated at AIIMS. We invite health professionals to register patients identified at their respective institutions to be registered at the AIIMS registry for autistic children. E-mail address: [email protected]. The aim of the registry is to enroll all patients of autism at a common center, to circulate new information regarding the etiopathogenesis and treatment, to help parents form self help groups and societies and would eventually help in estimating the national burden of disease.

Rachna Seth,
Veena Kalra,
Department of Pediatrics,
All India Institute of Medical Sciences,
New Delhi 110 029, India.
E-mail: kalra_veena @hotmail.com

1. Juneja M, Mukherjee SB and Sharma S. A descriptive Hospital Based Study of Children with Autism. Indian Pediatr 2005; 42: 453-458.

2. Kalra V, Seth R, Sapra S. Autism- Experiences in a tertiary care hospital. Indian J Pediatr 2005; 72: 227-230.

3. Singhi P, Malhi P. Clinical and Neuro-developmental Profile of Young children with autism. Indian Pediatr 2001; 38: 384- 390.