Children with autism need social acceptance to help reduce impact of disorder: Doctors
MUMBAI: Early signs of autism can often be detected in children as young as 2-3 years and it is advisable that parents start treatment as soon as possible for improved outcomes, according to doctors.
Children with autism need social acceptance to help reduce impact of the disorder, they said.
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, refers to a range of conditions characterised by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviours, speech and non-verbal communication as well as by unique strengths and differences. It is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
April 2 is observed as the World Autism Awareness day.
"The biggest issue with autism still remains at the grassroots level. Patients need social acceptance and intervention at an early stage. If a child is not making eye contact while speaking or not responding while being called by name or to gestures then a doctor should be consulted immediately," said Ketan Patel, a homoeopath doctor based in Ahmedabad. Early signs of autism can be detected at the age of 2-3 years, Patel said.
Snehal Deshpande, consulting therapist and Head of Department (paediatric rehabilitation), Wockhardt Hospitals, says the modern-day lifestyle has taken away the experience of togetherness from families. There is total disconnect from the circle of security which a child wants.
"A child with autism is given a sensory diet comprising various therapeutic activities which can enhance his participation in school and interaction with family and friends. What the child needs most is the time from his mother, father and immediate care-giver to connect and make him feel secure and independent.
Bijal Srivastava, a paediatrician at Dr L H Hiranandani Hospital, said in the present era, a phenomenon called ‘virtual autism’ has been identified where children who are given more exposure to screen time are prone to develop autism-like symptoms which reverse on stopping the use of such devices.