In India, you don't hear the word 'autism' that often. Hence it is one of the most misunderstood and panic inducing term for new parents.
A few years ago, the ratio of autism in kids was 1:110, now it is 1:60. In India 1 to 3 percent of autistic children are in the age group of two and nine.
So what exactly is autism?
What are the symptoms that parents can watch out for?
Is autism reversible?
What are the things parents can do to promote the behavioral development in autistic kids?
Today I am giving the insights into the webinar on Autistic Spectrum Disorder conducted by Mrs. Anupama Maruvada, child behavior therapist (Founder & Clinical Director of CBT 2) associated with Himalaya Babycare.
We, that is the whole team of parenting bloggers, had a lot of questions that were answered very patiently by Mrs Anupama. Through this post, I would like to share everything we learnt from this informative webinar. I have included the excerpts in the form of question answers so that it is easy to follow and understand.
#1. What is meant by autism?In simple words, autism refers to a neurological condition where in the child faces social, communicational and behavioral difficulties.
#2. What is the reason for autism in kids?According to science, the main reason for autism is unknown. Still research is happening extensively to figure out the main cause.
#3. How can a parent or a mother look for the symptoms of autism in the early years of her baby?The first signals of autism can be seen as early as 6-9months of age.
Some initial signs are:
- Unusual ways of communication with people around
- Socially non interactive
- May/may not like to play with toys or play in a specific manner.
- Limited /No eye contact
- Repetitive body movements
- Limited / no response to name call
As a mother, you are with the child from the time of conception and throughout the growing years of a child.
If you find any signs or symptoms in terms of communication/behavioral delays- a professional help and guidance should be sought at the earliest.
#5. Can autism in kids be reversed?Definitely yes! Autism is not curable but treatable through early diagnosis and intervention.
Early intervention is addressing Autism symptoms from early in the child's life. This is done among kids using an integrated holistic cognitive behavior therapy approach at CBT 2. Autism can be reversed functionally, with early intervention.
#6. Until which age can autism be reversed?Autism can be reversed if the early intervention and detection is being done within a golden period of first 5 years.
#7. Is being dull a sign of autism in kids?No. Autistic children could be dull or hyperactive.
#8. How can I look out for the symptoms of autism in toddlers and kids?- Playing with the same toy for quite a long time
- Repeating the same phrase
- Repeating the same sound
- Singing the same song again and again
- Pulling down books, toys and screaming when left with a group of kids
- Sit in isolation at times when they feel like
- Limited / no eye contact
- Limited / no interaction
- Poor sitting tolerance
- Poor compliance
Behavioral therapy consists of two parts.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) - which helps in functionally reversing Autism through early intervention
- Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) - which helps in training the child with daily living skills in cases of severe autism
Autism is not a disease; it's a behavioral disorder which can be completely reversed. First 5 years is the golden period for early detection and intervention.
The lack of awareness of autism has led to fear and not to mention the stigma associated with it. Parents should always be aware about what autism is along with the early symptoms.
If the right professional guidance along with the behavioral therapy is provided, autism in kids can be reversed.
Mrs. Anupama Maruvada has developed Infant Brain Stimulation and BMSI Program as part early intervention programs at CBT2 which has given 99% success rate in reversing autism functionally.