Disturbing trend: Autism incidence on the rise

Hyderabad: Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are worryingly on the rise in twin cities. Hundreds are being treated at rehabilitation centers in the city. Experts say that early intervention is the key to the success of the treatment and also reduces the symptoms of autism. But in reality, by the time most children with this developmental disorder are being taken to the right doctor, it is getting too late.

Autistic Pride Day was initiated by Aspires for Freedom (AFF), a group that raises public awareness about autism rights. When a child turns two-years-old, there is 75% brain development and by the age of 5 years, 90% of the brain is developed, says Dr Suvarna, assistance professor, audiology and speech therapist, Sweekaar Academy of Rehabilitation Sciences.

The symptoms of autism spectrum disorders may be present in the early developmental period, but it manifests much later when a child fails to perform normal activities. Autism can be detected as early as in two years of age, says Chinnappa Reddy, the speech therapist at Pavani Autism Special School.

Autism can be both genetic and non-genetic there is no cure for it, but acceptance, awareness and remedial therapy can reduce the disability to a large extent. As Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is the best therapy evidence-based practice which is found to have been most effective in the management of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) says, Afshan Jabeen, Clinical Psychologist and Dyslexia therapist, Ripples Centers for Enhanced Learning.

She further said apart from this therapy, 99.9 % of children with autism need occupation therapy and sensory integration therapy as most of the autistic children suffer from sensory deficiency. Most autistic children have behavior issue and sensory issue and once the issue with the autistic children attains normal level than speech and learning therapy is obtained to the treat the children.

What is Autism?

Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex brain development disability which makes itself visible during the first 3 years of a person's life. It has an effect on normal brain function which affects the development of a person's communication and social interaction skills

Symptoms of ASD

1. Difficulty making eye contact.
2. Difficulty instinctively empathizing with others.
3. Difficulty starting or maintaining a conversation
4. Difficulty expressing emotions or feelings
5. Children with ASD may have an inability to recognize faces
6. Children with ASD typically have an inability to process sensory information
7. People with autism often have obsessions

WHO facts on ASD

1. ASD begins in childhood but tends to persist into adolescence and adulthood.
2. Evidence-based psychosocial interventions, such as behavioral treatment, can reduce difficulties in communication and social behavior, with a positive impact on well being and quality of life.
3. Interventions targeting people with ASD need to be accompanied by broader actions for making physical, social and attitudinal environments more accessible, inclusive and supportive.