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| Edited By: Somita Pal |Source: DNA |Updated: Feb 22, 2012, 10:17 PM IST
Colour plays an important role in determining the intelligence quotient and intensity of the disorder in an autistic child, says a recent study done by an institution. The study, conducted in Mumbai with autistic children, showed that colour could not only determine intelligence but help in developing their creative abilities.
“The children were placed in a conference room together (three at a time) under observation with several toys of various colours and shapes. Their behaviour and other physical traits were observed within the experimenting time,” said Dr Shreepad Khedekar of Imperial institute. 150 mentally challenged children in the age group of 0-4 years were surveyed, and kept under observation for an hour every day for five days.
It was found out that unique colours and different toys can detect how intense the autism is in a child.
“We saw that in a destructive phase of autism, the child went for red-coloured destructive toys like guns, swords, etc. Physically, their faces looked distorted. In a constructive phase of autism, the more intelligent children went for yellow toys, puzzles, etc., and performed monotonous actions such as coloring on paper, playing with the same toy for long periods, watching cartoons repeatedly. Physically their faces were chubby and rounded,” said Dr Khedekar.
Dr Khedekar further added that those affected by a mild phase of autism preferred to scribble with green crayons without breaking them, obeyed more orders and flipped regularly through books with pictures and stories. Physically they were thin with triangular faces.
Experts associated with autism, however, were at odds with the study. Dr Samir Dalwai, developmental paediatrician, Sion hospital, said, “The study doesn’t hold much ground in reality.”
Dr Alka Subramanyam, who runs an autism clinic and is also associate professor of the psychiatric department, BYL Nair hospital, said, “There is no hardcore evidence of colour playing any role in the intensity of autism in an autistic child. Lots of research is going on across the world, and no one knows what causes autism. The study needs to be cross-checked.”
