Dr Isha Soni, Co-Founder and Head, Lexicon Rainbow Therapy and Child Development Centre, Lexicon Group of Institutes, Pune highlights that the early identification, evaluation and a structured intervention program can pave the path for an autistic child’s future progress
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition of childhood and runs into adulthood for life. It is characterised by challenges in speech and language development, repetitive mannerisms, restricted interests, behaviour issues, sensory issues and social interaction difficulties. The prevalence rate of autism is consistently seeing an upward trend since the researchers started tracking it from the year 2000. The latest statistics mention a prevalence rate of 1 in 44 in the United States to have autism as per Centre of Disease Control (CDC). Boys are more often diagnosed with autism than girls, maybe because it is more difficult to diagnose this condition in them due to different manifestation.
It is recommended that the parents must be aware of early symptoms of this condition in order to get help early. Lack of eye contact, poor response to name, speech delay and absence of using non verbal gestures like waving a “bye” are the early red flags. Early Intervention Programs for autism show faster and good response in autistic children. It helps in rewiring their brains as the different therapies for autism are based on the principle of neuroplasticity. It is the ability of the brain to make new neural connections in response to stimulation received from occupational, speech and behaviour therapy.
This condition is usually diagnosed by developmental paediatricians, child psychiatrists, neurologists, and psychologists. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM -5) criteria is used by an expert child psychiatrist to diagnose autism.The therapy team includes occupational and speech therapists, ABA therapists and special educators. Parents should stick to these evidence based practices and stray away from other alternative practices as it poses the risk of causing more harm than good, at times fatal. Parents should be aware about their right to information about the degrees and qualifications of their respective doctors and therapists. They should also be a part of therapy program, be included in the therapy sessions and encouraged to implement these techniques at home. It is not a onetime effort but a long journey for parents of autistic children. They should take each day as it comes and appreciate even miniscule changes in their child. Parents can also reach out to various parent support groups as they can get reviews and guidance for this arduous journey.
There are many Autism organisations in India and abroad that provide advocacy, information and support for new parents, information for vocational courses and training, and residential homes. Autism Speaks is a non-governmental organisation that has its network worldwide. It provides comprehensive resource guide for families regarding latest treatments, resource person,education and advocacy. Action for Autism (AFA) is the national, non profit organisation, pioneering awareness movement in India and South Asia. Apart from early intervention, they are also involved in providing employment opportunities, independent living, awareness, advocacy and research. Their motto is creating awareness, inclusion, acceptance, empowerment of persons with autism and their families.Sesame Street and Autism is a project that fosters an affirming narrative around autism for all families.
The government schemes and programs vary nation to nation regarding income tax concessions, sponsorships for therapies, disability rights and social responsibility of autistic persons across the lifespan. Rehabilitation Council of India is a regulating body for human resource development in the field of rehabilitation and special education. Niramaya is an unique health insurance scheme for persons with Autism, mental retardation, cerebral palsy and multiple disabilities.
Early identification, evaluation and a structured intervention program can pave the path for an autistic child’s future progress. Many view it as a different way of being, and not as a disease. Acceptance, Inclusion and support is all they expect!!
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