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  • Autism
    Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) is a complex neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain and, in particular, the processing of social information.  Autism Spectrum Disorder, Autistic Disorder, Asperger's Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)
Submitted by PatientsEngage on 21 January 2016

Diagnosing autism 
At present, there is no definitive medical test to identify individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Professionals diagnose autism spectrum disorders through the presence or absence of certain behaviours, characteristic symptoms and developmental delays. ASD is diagnosed through an assessment which includes observing and meeting with the individual, their family and other people who interact with the child. Information is gathered regarding the individual’s strengths and difficulties, particularly in the areas of social interaction and social communication as well as restricted and repetitive interests, activities and behaviours.

There is no single behaviour that indicates ASD. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and can change as the child grows. No two children with ASD are alike. This makes understanding the condition and finding the best therapies difficult.

There are no blood tests that can detect ASD. Developmental pediatricians, psychiatrists and psychologists with experience in assessing individuals with ASD are qualified to make a diagnosis.

Condition

Stories

  • People with Autism can be employed in mainstream technology roles
    International Autism Awareness Day 2016 #autismawareness Kavita Sharma talks about Prayas, a unit or a project of Autism Society of India that focuses on iPad, computer and technology-based training for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Could you give us a little background on Project Prayas and its goals and objectives? Project Prayas embraces a mission that unfolds and reinforces the potentials of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder towards quality education and independent…
  • Kids with Autism will grow into Adults with Autism
    One of India’s first assisted living centres for adults with autism, Arunima, located on the foothills of Himalayas in Dehradun, was started by Aparna Das. In the following interview she stresses the need to be more conscious about differently abled people.    Could you tell us a little about Arunima?  “Arunima” is an organization set up to meet the needs of persons with Autism who have outgrown the “school system” and now have the rest of their lives to look forward to - a life…
  • Autism Prevention
    There is no way to prevent autism spectrum disorder, but ASD can be treated, and children can improve their language and social skills. Children with ASD typically continue to learn and find solutions for problems, but most will continue to require some ongoing support. If your child is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, intervene early and work out treatment options. Although the cause of autism is not known, many researchers believe genetics is responsible for 90% of the risk of a child…
  • Autism Management
    Early intervention – what does it achieve? The earlier you start the better, so intervention can start with a toddler or preschooler.  Intensive behavioural therapy during the toddler or preschool years can significantly improve cognitive and language skills in young children with ASD.These should be started as soon as a child has been diagnosed with ASD. Providing focused and challenging learning activities at the proper developmental level for the child for at least 25 hours per week and…
  • Autism Treatment
    While there’s no proven cure for autism yet, treating ASD early using school-based programmes, and getting proper medical care can greatly reduce ASD symptoms and increase your child’s ability to grow and learn new skills. Many children with autism can develop significantly with early, well-planned and individually tailored educational efforts in specially adapted settings.  A diagnosis of ASD is nerve-wracking for parents as they struggle to understand the challenge they are facing and…
  • Diagnosis and Tests for Autism
    Diagnosing autism  At present, there is no definitive medical test to identify individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Professionals diagnose autism spectrum disorders through the presence or absence of certain behaviours, characteristic symptoms and developmental delays. ASD is diagnosed through an assessment which includes observing and meeting with the individual, their family and other people who interact with the child. Information is gathered regarding the individual’s strengths…
  • Types of Autism
    The main types of Autism are 1. Autistic Disorder: These have problems in socialisation, communication, and restricted patterns of behaviours and interests.  2. Asperger’s Disorder: These have problems in two areas: socialisation and restricted patterns of interests.   3, Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS): Children have problems in socialisation and one of the two other areas: communication or restricted patterns of behaviors and interests.…
  • Signs and symptoms of Autism
    The degree to which different characteristics affect a child depends on the level of severity of impairments: Children with autism have problems in three core areas: socialisation, communication, and restricted patterns of behaviours and interests. Children with Asperger’s Syndrome have problems in two areas: socialisation and restricted patterns of interests. They do not have clinically significant delays in early language development or significant delays in cognitive development. …
  • Causes of Autism and risk factors
    Autism Spectrum Disorder is a behaviourally defined condition and the cause of autism or the combination of causes of autism spectrum disorders is not fully known. Autism is likely to have multiple aetiologies (causation) including genetic factors.   Early life events, for example complications during pregnancy, and environmental factors are believed to interact with genetic susceptibility causing brain dysfunctions that affect the developing brain’s ability to handle information. …
  • When therapy harms instead of healing
    In India, child therapy takes place behind closed doors without any parental supervision or social regulation. Are we wating for something untoward to happen to these vulnerable kids, asks outraged mother Preetha Anoop and psychologist and special educator Seema Lal.  A mother Preetha Anoop shares March 23, 2015 - a day I cannot forget! After being up all night attending to my two-year-old who was down with a bad cold, I took my little one to the hospital. My…