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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

  • Image: Roshan Orko Roy sitting on a sofa
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  • Image: Adithya Venkatesh, autistic music prodigy in a red kurta on stage playing Carnatic music on his keyboard
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  • Image: Preksha, autistic woman, in a red dress against a background of pink flamingoes
    Running Is My Passion
    Preksha Rajendra, 27, is on the autism spectrum, lives in Bengaluru, works as a developer, remembers car numbers and loves to run. Read PatientsEngage interview with her #AutismAwarenessWeek Preksha, tell us a bit about yourself.  I am Preksha, 27 years old diagnosed with autism when I was 4.5 years. Where did you study and grow up? I studied in Carmel school till standard 3. Later I studied in ATMASHAKTI Vidyalaya. I’m from Bengaluru and live with my mother and my doggy Buddy. Where do…
  • Image: Pranav, young autistic person on a boat in a river
    I Want To Walk The Ramp (Video Interview)
    Pranav Bakhshi, 17 lives in New Delhi and has a diagnosis of Autism. In a video interview he shares his likes, his experience with photography, golf and his desire to walk the ramp. He talks of using music and his anxiety journal as a therapeutic aid. Don't miss the video interview #AutismAwarenessWeek Anupama Bakhshi shares her perspective on her son Pranav Pranav Bakhshi had a traumatic birth history and at two his speech regressed, leading to a diagnosis of ASD. There was no denial.…
  • Image: Roshnee, an autistic girl in a blue dress with a painting in the background
    I Know and Remember Many Songs
    Roshnee, 17, has autism and with the support of her family, she is learning to explore her potential in singing, painting and baking to lead a positive and productive life. Her grandfather Shishir Kant Misra shares her background and assists her in this interview. #AutismAwarenessWeek   Roshnee’s Background Roshnee is 17 years old. She is my granddaughter from my daughter's side. Her parents are both doctors. I am an Engineer from IIT Kharagpur. After a successful career in the corporate…
  • Image: Bharat in a blue kurta and Viraj in a light shirt together against an outdoor setting. Both are diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome and work in development in SAP Labs
    Autistic and Proud of Living Independently
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  • How To Give Support Or Be Supportive To Someone With Autism
    Don't know how to support a person on the autism spectrum? Melody Rain, an adult living on the autism spectrum shares tips and pointers on how to be supportive to someone with Autism. #AutismAwarenessWeek2018 Get to know what they are interested in. This helps with supporting them in conversations and allows them to talk and converse about their interests.    Find out and respect their comfort zones. Don't be pushy if the person doesn't like to be touched or hugged. Always ask…
  • Movies and Documentaries on Health in 2017
    Shivani Maheshwari brings you a list of 10 movies and documentaries on health released in 2017. It is a random selection, with no preference or bias. They were picked up because they featured prominently on social media. The dominance of American staple probably makes a telling statement that more work needs to be done in the health sector in India, in terms of films, features, docudramas, narratives, and motion pictures. Hopefully, 2018 will be better. Watch them if you can. Many are available…
  • Becoming Better Learners with Dance Movement Therapy
    Tripura Kashyap, founder-director of Apoorva Dance Theatre in Bangalore and one of the pioneers of Creative Movement Therapy in India writes about her weekly dance therapy sessions for a group of 8 to 12 year olds with learning disabilities, Down's Syndrome, Autism and Intellectual Disabilities.  On my return to Bangalore after my training in Dance Therapy in the US, Iwas approached by the Baldwin Opportunity School to hold weekly dance therapy sessions for their children in the age group…
  • What does a mother of a disabled child want?
    As part of International Day of Persons with Disabilty, we spoke to mothers of children with Cerebral Palsy, Down's Syndrome and Asperger's Syndrome in terms of what they wish for their child. This is what they had to say.  Is it too much to ask?