Best Autism Treatment in India – Things to Know
Understanding Autism
Each individual with autism is unique and it is not possible to use a blanket description to identify the disorder, its causes or signs. In this article, we hope to provide you clarity on the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and information around it.
What is Autism?
Autism is a complex developmental condition that typically appears during early childhood and is characterised by difficulties in social interaction, communication, restricted and repetitive interests and behaviours, and sensory sensitivities. It is called a ‘developmental’ condition because symptoms of autism generally appear in the first two years of a child’s life. It is called a ‘spectrum’ disorder because it is most influenced by different combinations of genetic and environmental factors and affects people differently and to varying degrees. Each autistic person has a set of strengths and challenges that are distinct from any other autistic person and the way (s)he/she learns, thinks or solves problems can range from highly skilled to severely challenged. ASD may occur in persons across all ethnic, racial, and economic groups. Research into autism has been unable to confirm a single specific cause for a person to have autism. They have however narrowed down on a few possible risk factors including having a sibling with ASD, having certain genetic conditions such as Down Syndrome, Fragile X Syndrome or Rett Syndrome, babies born to older parents or in babies with very low birth weight.
Signs and Symptoms of Autism?
The difficulties experienced by persons with ASD are broadly divided into Communication and Social Interactions, Restricted and Repetitive Interests, and Behaviours and Sensory Sensitivities. A person with autism may show a few or more of these signs and to varying degrees.
An autistic individual may have trouble communicating / interacting with others. This need not necessarily mean that they do not like people. The individual may:
- Make little or inconsistent eye contact with another person
- Tend not to look at people or listen to what they are saying
- Rarely share awareness or enjoyment of objects or activities by pointing or showing things to others
- Fail to, or being slow to, respond to someone trying to gain his / her attention through verbal attempts
- Have difficulties with the back and forth of conversation
- Often talk at length about a favorite subject without noticing that others are not interested or without allowing others to respond
- Have facial expressions, movements, and gestures that do not have any connection to what is being said at the time
- Have an unusual tone of voice that may sound sing-song or flat and robot-like or have speech difficulties
- Have trouble understanding another person’s point of view or be unable to predict or understand other people’s actions
A person with ASD may have trouble focusing on certain topics but have an increased and focused interest over a long period of time on certain other topics. He/she may:
- Repeat certain behaviors or have unusual behaviors like repeating words or phrases over and over again. Have a lasting, intense interest in certain topics, such as numbers, details, or facts
- Have overly focused interests, such as with moving objects or parts of objects
- Get upset by changes in his / her routine, however slight the changes may be ok.
Sensory sensitivities shown by autistic people can involve both hyper-sensitivities (over-responsiveness) and hypo-sensitivities (under-responsiveness) to a wide range of stimuli. Sensitivities could be towards Sights, Sounds, Smells, Tastes, Touch, Balance, and Body Awareness replica rolex.
ASD is also linked with certain physical, developmental or mental health issues such as intellectual disability, epilepsy, gastro-intestinal issues, ADHD, dyspraxia, anxiety or depression. Some autistic persons may experience irritability and sleep issues.
Therapy Treatment for Autism
Early diagnosis of autism and appropriate interventional measures can help an autistic person receive the support and services that they need and enable them to lead a quality life and have better access to opportunities. Depending on the type and extent of the disorder that has been diagnosed, the therapist will devise a customised program for the individual with a mix of therapy interventions.
Occupational therapists provide interventions for children after evaluating their motor skills (gross and fine), sensory sensitivities, social skills, play skills, cognitive-perceptual skills, pre-writing skills, activities of daily living.
Speech therapists help the child to communicate better by integrating all aspects of speech and language development which includes receptive and expressive language, articulation respiration and fluency.
The behavioural therapist will identify objectionable, maladaptive behaviours exhibited by the child and replace them with socially desirable, healthier and adaptive type of behaviour.
In this program, the professional educator helps the child develop appropriate activities to meet the demands of individual lessons and help them progress in school.
Social skills training (SST) is a type of behavioral therapy used to help people improve social skills so that they can have better communication and social interactions with others.
The therapist / parent works with the child on child-led play sessions – non-directive (unstructured) or directive (guided) – and are based on the individual needs of the child.
The therapist / parent works with the child on child-led play sessions – non-directive (unstructured) or directive (guided) – and are based on the individual needs of the child.
All the skills they have acquired during their individual sessions are put into practise in group therapy. It will be a group of children with similar abilities. Children will do tasks as demanded by the therapist. There will be various sessions for group therapy such as food time, waiting time, play time, toilet time etc. This therapy will help them to be easily acclimatized to the mainstream school environment.
A physical therapist develops activities and exercises that build motor skills and improve strength, posture, and balance to improve functioning and social skills.
The Success Rate of Therapy Treatment in Autism
Success of therapeutic treatment in autism is subjective and will vary from person to person. However, research has shown that treatment for children who have had an early diagnosis (by ages 2 or 3) are more likely to be successful than those who receive the treatment later and has a 99% scope of mainstreaming them. In the immediate context of a child, therapy is successful if the child is able to fulfill the goals (within the specified time frame) that have been set by the therapist after thorough diagnosis. In a much broader outlook, success may be measured in terms of the improvement in the child’s functioning over a defined period of time in the areas that had been diagnosed to be a growth or development concern.
Post Autism Treatment Care
After the child undergoes therapy and shows improvement in the concern areas, the therapists would also help them learn basic life skills like personal care and hygiene, cooking, managing their finances / money, shopping, room organization and transportation and executive function skills or thinking skills such as organizing, planning, prioritizing and decision making related to each life skill being taught. This will help the child to grow up to a life that brings more happiness and fulfillment. In post treatment care, follow ups are done on a monthly basis for the discharge cases, and is ensured that they are performing well on mainstream schools. If they need any form of support, the centre extends the specific solution for their problems. All tips for Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and instructions to make them independent is given to parents and caretaker.
Early intervention of autism
Early intervention for autism refers to a range of specialized programs and services aimed at supporting children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at a young age. The primary goal is to address developmental delays and improve overall outcomes for these children.
Early intervention typically involves a multidisciplinary approach, integrating various professionals such as pediatricians, psychologists, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, and special education teachers. These experts work together to provide individualized support based on the unique needs of each child.
Here are some key aspects of early intervention for autism:
Recognizing the signs of autism at a young age is crucial. Parents, caregivers, and healthcare providers play a significant role in identifying potential red flags related to communication, social interaction, and repetitive behaviors.
When concerns are raised, a comprehensive evaluation is conducted to diagnose autism. Assessments may include developmental screenings, observations, interviews, and standardized tests to understand the child’s strengths and weaknesses.
Once diagnosed, a tailored treatment plan is developed for each child. This plan typically includes specific goals and objectives to address communication skills, social interaction, behavior management, sensory integration, and academic progress.
Therapy and interventions vary depending on the child’s needs and may include Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), speech therapy, occupational therapy, social skills training, and sensory integration therapy. These services are designed to enhance communication skills, improve social interactions, reduce challenging behaviors, and promote overall development.
Early intervention programs engage parents and caregivers as active partners in their child’s intervention. They receive guidance, education, and training on strategies to support their child’s progress at home, which helps promote consistent learning and development across different environments.
Transition support: As children with autism grow and develop, transitioning from early intervention programs to preschool or school settings can be challenging. Support and collaboration with teachers, therapists, and school personnel are essential to ensure a smooth transition and ongoing success.
Research suggests that early intervention can lead to significant improvements in communication, social skills, behavior management, and overall development for children with autism. Early support and intervention can lay a solid foundation for their future educational, social, and emotional well-being.
It’s important to note that while early intervention is crucial, it’s never too late to start interventions for individuals with autism. Services and support can be beneficial at any age, and it’s never too late to make positive changes and promote growth in individuals on the autism spectrum.
Types of Autism
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects social interaction, communication, and behavior. ASD is characterized by a wide range of symptoms and can vary in severity from person to person. While there are no distinct types of autism, experts often refer to the autism spectrum due to the diverse ways in which the disorder can manifest. However, it’s important to note that these categories are not mutually exclusive and individuals may exhibit symptoms that overlap across different areas. Here are some general categories often used to understand the different aspects of autism:
- Classic Autism (Autistic Disorder): This refers to individuals who exhibit significant impairments in both social interaction and communication skills, along with repetitive and restricted behaviors. People with classic autism may have delayed language development and struggle with nonverbal communication.
- Asperger’s Syndrome: Asperger’s syndrome used to be considered a separate diagnosis but was later included within the ASD spectrum. Individuals with Asperger’s typically have average or above-average intelligence but may struggle with social interaction. They may have difficulty understanding social cues, displaying repetitive behaviors, and having intense interests in specific subjects.
- Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS): PDD-NOS is often used to describe individuals who exhibit some characteristics of autism but do not fit within the specific criteria for other types. It is used when there are autism-related symptoms, but they may not be severe enough to fully meet the criteria of classic autism or meet the criteria in all areas.
It’s important to remember that these categories are not definitive and that autism exists on a spectrum, meaning that individuals can display a wide range of symptoms and abilities. Each person with autism is unique, and their experiences and challenges will vary.
Effects of Autism on Children
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can have a significant impact on children in various aspects of their lives. While the effects can vary from child to child, there are common areas where autism can influence their development, behavior, and overall functioning. Here are some key effects of autism on children:
Children with autism often struggle with social interaction and communication skills. They may find it challenging to initiate or maintain conversations, interpret social cues, and understand the perspectives of others. This can lead to difficulties in building friendships, feeling isolated, and experiencing social rejection.
Many children with autism have difficulties with both verbal and nonverbal communication. It can manifest as delayed language acquisition, repetitive and limited speech patterns, difficulty understanding gestures or expressions, and challenges in using language for effective communication.
Sensory sensitivities are common in children with autism. They can be hypersensitive (overreacting to sensory stimuli like loud noises, bright lights, or certain textures) or hyposensitive (underreacting to sensory input, seeking intense sensations, or exhibiting self-stimulating behaviors like hand-flapping or rocking). Sensory issues can affect their ability to focus, participate in activities, and feel comfortable in their environment.
Many children with autism engage in repetitive behaviors, rituals, or routines. They might have intense, narrow interests in specific topics, objects, or activities. These restricted interests can become obsessions and interfere with their engagement in everyday activities. Some children may also display repetitive movements or verbalizations.
Autism can impact a child’s cognitive abilities and learning style. While some children with autism may exhibit exceptional skills in certain areas, such as memorization or attention to detail, they may face challenges with flexible thinking, abstract concepts, problem-solving, and academic achievement.
Children with autism may struggle with regulating their emotions effectively. They may experience difficulties in understanding and expressing their feelings, have intense emotional responses, and find it hard to adapt to changes. This can lead to meltdowns, tantrums, anxiety, or difficulties managing frustration and anger.
Certain daily living skills, such as self-care, organization, time management, and adaptive functioning, can pose challenges for children with autism. They might require support or specialized interventions to acquire and develop these skills independently.
While autism presents challenges, it is important to remember that each child with autism is unique, and their abilities and needs may vary. With proper support, interventions, early diagnosis, and understanding from the community, children with autism can thrive and lead fulfilling lives.
Autism treatment: Our approach and methods
When it comes to autism treatment, it is important to understand that each individual with autism is unique, and the treatment approach should be tailored to meet their specific needs. Our approach to autism treatment emphasizes a multi-disciplinary and person-centered approach, focusing on enhancing the individual’s strengths, reducing challenges, and optimizing their overall quality of life.
Here are some of the methods and strategies we employ in our autism treatment approach:
ABA is a widely used intervention that focuses on teaching adaptive skills and reducing challenging behaviors. It involves breaking down skills into smaller steps and using positive reinforcement to motivate and reinforce desired behaviors. ABA can be used to improve communication, social skills, self-help skills, and academic abilities.
Many individuals with autism struggle with communication skills. Speech and language therapy aims to improve communication abilities by targeting speech production, language comprehension, social communication, and pragmatics. It may involve the use of visual supports, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems, and social skill development.
Occupational therapy focuses on improving the individual’s ability to participate in their everyday activities, such as self-care, school, and leisure. It addresses sensory processing difficulties, fine and gross motor skills, adaptive behavior, and enhances independence.
Social skills training helps individuals with autism develop appropriate social behaviors and interactions. This may involve teaching turn-taking, conversation skills, understanding non-verbal cues, perspective-taking, and building friendships.
CBT is a therapeutic approach that helps individuals identify and modify negative thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It can be useful in managing anxiety, depression, and challenging behaviors associated with autism. CBT also helps individuals develop coping strategies and problem-solving skills.
Many individuals with autism experience sensory processing difficulties. Sensory integration therapy involves exposing individuals to different sensory stimuli in a controlled environment to help them better process and respond to sensory input. This therapy aims to reduce sensory sensitivities, improve self-regulation, and enhance overall functioning.
It is essential to involve parents and family members in the treatment process. Providing them with knowledge, resources, and training empowers them to support their loved ones with autism effectively. Parent and family training may include education about autism, behavior management techniques, and strategies for improving communication and social skills at home.
Assistive technology such as communication devices, visual supports, or apps can be helpful in enhancing communication, organization, and daily living skills for individuals with autism.
Remember, this is just an overview of some commonly used methods. The specific treatment plan will depend on the individual’s needs, goals, and preferences, as well as ongoing assessment and collaboration between the individual, their family, and the treatment team.