Autism Spectrum Condition
Early Signs and Recognition
Autism Spectrum Condition affects 1 in 100 people in India. Early signs in children include:
- Not responding to their name or when spoken to
- Avoiding eye contact or not turning to look at you
- Getting upset at loud sounds
- Having very specific likes/dislikes for toys, foods, or activities
- Showing repetitive behaviors (hand flapping, finger flicking, spinning)
- Preference for repetitive activities (lining up objects, spinning toys)
Understanding Autism
Key principle: Autism is not a disease requiring a cure, but a neurodevelopmental condition requiring support. The focus should be on supporting the child’s development, not fixing them.
Diversity in presentation: No two autistic children are the same. Autism can manifest as:
- Non-speaking children who avoid eye contact and show no interest in play
- Children who know alphabets, solve puzzles, but cannot hold conversations or play appropriately with peers
- Varying intelligence levels – from very smart to having learning challenges
Strengths and Abilities
Many autistic children demonstrate remarkable strengths:
- Exceptional memory for places and experiences
- Strong sense of order and organization
- Excellent recall of visual or auditory information
- Early reading abilities
- Superior memory for numbers, colors, concepts, and complex names
Co-occurring Conditions
Autistic children may also have:
- Epilepsy or seizures
- Hearing difficulties
- Learning challenges
- Attention difficulties or hyperactivity
- Anxiety issues
Support and Intervention
Parent involvement is crucial – caregivers must learn strategies to support their child’s development in communication, interaction, and play during everyday home routines.
Professional team may include:
- Developmental pediatrician: Creates individualized plans and monitors progress
- Autism intervention specialist: Supports communication, social interaction, and behaviors
- Speech therapist: Works on speech, language, chewing, and swallowing
- Occupational therapist: Helps with attention, sitting, alertness to environment
- Psychologist: Addresses behaviors, social skills, anxiety, and bullying
- Special educator: Teaches academic concepts and reading skills
- Psychiatrist: Manages medications for anxiety or sleep issues
- Child neurologist: Treats associated neurological conditions
- Counselor/Mental health specialist: Supports the entire family
Core Message
The emphasis is on celebrating neurodiversity – recognizing that people think and act differently, and that our differences are our strengths. We shouldn’t aim to make everyone uniform. With the right support, every autistic person can have a fulfilling and meaningful life. Parents know their children best and play a vital role in their development journey.
Source Ummeed.org
