University Grant Commission (UGC) has approved "Establishment of Institute of Paediatric Neurodisorder and Autism (IPNA)" as full-fledged, first ever and only institute in the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Bangladesh.

With the tireless effort of Saima Wazed Hossain - the daughter of the Honourable Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina and support from the Government, IPNA started its journey in 2014 as a project under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare at BSMMU premises. Before that it was working since 2010 in the name of Centre for Neurodevelopment and Autism in Children (CNAC) led by Prof Dr Shaheen Akhter, a noted paediatric neurologist in Bangladesh.

IPNA is performing the role as a pioneer institution operating on a national level that provides comprehensive services for autism and other neurodevelopmental disabilities. IPNA ensures a 'safe environment for children with autism' where they can learn to develop to their full potentials. Additionally, this institute helps in disseminating disability/autism related knowledge and other essential skills for doctors, teachers, and parents.