Bengaluru will host the 3rd Global Autism Convention (GAC 2026) from January 21 to 25. The meeting is organized by the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and CareADD (Center for Advanced Autism and Developmental Disorders) at St. John’s Medical College Hospital in collaboration with several partner organizations.
The four and a half day event is expected to attract over 600 participants from India and more than 10 countries. Clinicians, educators, therapists, politicians, parents and self-advocates will participate. About 150 resources are likely to attend.
According to the organizers, the aim of the convention is to create a platform for sharing knowledge and practices between professionals, families and autistic people. The aim is to strengthen networks, develop practical solutions and promote inclusive care and education across the lifespan, organizers said. The meeting hopes to inform policy and strengthen communities, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
The program will include keynote lectures, plenary sessions, workshops and panel discussions on early identification, inclusive education, mental health, family support and policy frameworks. A key feature of the event is its multidisciplinary approach, which combines research, clinical experience, education, policy and lived experience.
The conference is organized in collaboration with the Severe Handicap and Autism Association (ASHA), Spastics Society of Karnataka, Shristi Special Academy, Autism Society of India, ALFAA – Assisted Living for Autistic Adults, and Bubbles Center for Autism, along with other national and international collaborators.
Organizers said the outcome they expect is stronger collaboration within the autism community to improve early identification, management strategies and support for caregivers, and to create policy that expands education, training and employment opportunities for individuals on the autism spectrum.
Published – 18 Jan 2026 20:33 IST
