Early detection of autism important

Vijayawada: World Autism Awareness Day was observed at Indlas Child Guidance Clinic (ICGC) here on Sunday. Psychiatrist Vishal Indla spoke about the symptoms, prevention and treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) among children.

Addressing a gathering of parents and teachers, Dr Vishal said that Autism Spectrum Disorder was a developmental disorder present from early childhood, characterised by great difficulty in communicating and forming relationships with other people and in using language and abstract concepts.

It was important for teachers and parents to look out for their behavioral problems at the earliest, for better treatment, he said. He said Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) typically manifest before the age of three years, but identifying the earliest signs of ASD has been challenging.

He insisted that detection of ASD at an early age was important, which helps to start treatment sooner, which can improve their later development and learning, and may also reduce a child’s need for specialised services or treatments later in life. Dr Manjiri Deshpande, chief consultant at ICGC also threw light on Autism Spectrum Disorders.

She spoke about how parents and school teachers could identify autism at an early stage. She highlighted success stories of few special kids who were treated by their team.