Free autism screening camp to be held next week

KHARGHAR: To mark the Autism Awareness Month, Niramay Guidance Clinic in Kharghar will conduct a free screening camp for the disorder on April 8 from 3pm to 6pm.

At the camp, there will be a basic screening test for Autism with tests such as an IQ test and consultation by experts. Parents who feel that their children have any kind of a speech delay, hyperactivity or poor vision could bring them along for a check-up.

“Through these screening camps, we hope to create more awareness to detect the disease at the earliest. Early detection of this condition with proper treatment can go a long way in normalising a person’s behaviour,” said Dr Anjana Thadani, consulting developmental paediatrician of Nirmay Guidence Clinic in Kharghar.

Thadani added that there was an alarming increase in the number of cases of autism that were seen in the past few years. “Children with autism have difficulty at an early stage but come for treatment much later. It is important for parents to know the signs and not ignore any symptoms that they may see in their child,” said Thadani.