Autism Spectrum Disorder or simply autism is a developmental disorder where a person's capacity to socialise and communicate with others is affected. The condition may impair the person mildly, but in some cases it can severely disable him/her. The term spectrum is used as the symptoms and signs of the disorder is vastly varied.
In India, due to the lack of awareness on mental health, autism in children is often misdiagnosed as mental retardation or schizophrenia. Globally, reports have said that one in 68 children have autism and the prevalence is said to be increasing. Boys have four times more chances of getting ASD. In India two-six children out of every 1000 have autism, say reports.
The prevalence rate of autism in India is one in 250. The figure could however vary due to lack of available data. In 2013, it was reported that 10 million people are suffering in from the disorder in the country.
Here are a few symptoms of ASD as per National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)-
-Delay in language development
-Repetitive and routine behaviours
-Difficulty making eye contact
-Sensory problems
-Difficulty interpreting nuances in facial expression
-Problems with expressing emotions
-Fixation on parts of objects
-Absence of pretend play
-Difficulty interacting with peers
-Self-harm behaviour
-Sleep problems
Detection of ASD
Since there are no specific tests such as a blood or a urine test that can detect ASD, the experts in the field diagnose the condition by checking the behaviour of children at various development stages.
Treatment for ASD
ASD cannot be cured, but the condition can be treated and managed so that the patient can participate actively in life.The NAMI suggests the following treatment-
Education and development: The child can be given specialised classes and skills training. The child must spend time with therapists and specialists to help improve its development.
Behavioural treatments: Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) can be used for helping the child
Medication for co-occurring symptoms along with therapy
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) with as supplements and dietary modifications
This article has been republished. Original publishing date: 10:10:2015
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