‘ My grandson gets cranky’

QMy five- year- old grandson was diagnosed with moderate to high autism by a psychologist, about eight months ago in Australia. Before that he was in India and appeared to be normal and intelligent. He used to show interest in music, rhymes and vehicles etc. But after moving to Australia, he started speaking less, started fearing loud sounds and would become cranky while travelling. He is even unable to communicate his needs such as hunger or thirst. He responds well during speech therapy sessions, but not at home. What are his chances of becoming normal? What should his parents do?

— Kumkum Labha

This five- year- old boy does seem to have autistic features. His behaviour is partly explained by this condition. However, he would need a proper assessment by a child psychologist, an audiologist and also a speech therapist to ascertain the extent of autism as this condition can have overlapping features with other psychological conditions. Only after a proper assessment, can a clear and accurate assessment be given.

— Dr V. S. V. Prasad, Chief consultant neonatologist and pediatric intensivist,

Lotus Children’s Hospital

QSince March, I have been suffering from pain in my abdominal region after passing urine. My urine is sometimes viscous and cloudy, and during bowel movements my urine is cloudy and sticky. My doctor says it is urine infection. I underwent a course of treatment and was fine, but it has started yet again. My scan reports are normal. What is wrong with me?

— Fahad Deshmukh

You need to go in for a complete urine examination and get your urine tested for culture sensitivity. Further evaluation is required for recurrent urinary tract infection. Consult a urologist. — Dr K. Ravi Koti Reddy, Consultant Urologist,

Mediciti Hospital