Every parent visualizes a healthy growing, chirpy, playful kid and then they realize or someone in the school or family observes that this child is behaving in an odd manner and we often hear the grandmas say “We’ve never had any of our kids doing this or behaving this way” and then one fine the child is labeled “autistic” or having an “autism spectrum disorder”
ETV Bharat Sukhibhava spoke to Mrs. Samruddhi Patkar, a Clinical Psychologist and has worked extensively in offer therapy to kids with Autism. Samrudhi is in private practice at Borivali Mumbai for over a decade.
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurological condition that affects the ability to communicate and make meaningful social interactions. Individuals on the Autism spectrum are seen to display difficulties in joint attention, repetitive behaviors, lack typical imaginative play, have challenges inflexible thinking, and have a different sensory experience,
As The word Spectrum denotes, every individual experience these challenges differently and has a different need as well as ability. Though some children are gifted with special abilities or skills in a particular area like Numbers, literature, painting, music, etc, not all individuals with Autism have special abilities and yet each one of them possesses the potential to learn and achieve their own individuality given the right kind of early intervention.
Hence not the label but an early diagnosis is important to help them to realize their full potential and make the best services accessible.
Also Read: Constipation, Bloating Linked To Behavioral Issues In Autistic Kids
The red flags in Autism can be screened as early as 18 months and sometimes even younger by either a developmental pediatrician or an experienced clinical Psychologist.
Based on the detailed screening /diagnosis, the child is referred for early intervention /therapies mainly Sensory Integration, Speech and language therapy, Picture Exchange Information system (PECS), Treatment and education of autistic and Communication-related Handicapped Children (TEACCH), and Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). The positive impact of visuals in teaching skills and routines has been evident by research as most individuals with autism mainly think in pictures and have a great visual memory.
Autism is a lifelong condition and individuals can live fulfilling lives with the right intervention plans. It is not a condition that one can be cured of. Though a significant number of children with autism have minimal verbal communication skills, it does not indicate that they lack in thinking or ideas. Hence many picture-based applications for alternate communication have been devised like the Avaz AAC app
In the early years after diagnosis, it is important to choose the above-mentioned research-based interventions which will help the child to progress in the areas of impairment or challenges. Very often parents get overwhelmed with a lot of therapies available and in the bargain, it confuses the parents and the child is at the receiving end of all the experimentation. Hence, a well experienced developmental pediatrician in the locality should be approached for the right guidance and plan
A successful Autism intervention needs a good partnership between the parent, the child, and the professional where there is transparency, trust, and respect.
For your queries, contact samrudhi.bambolkar@gmail.com
