Autism or autism spectrum disorder is characterized by a degree of difficulty with social interaction and communication and showing unusual patterns of activities and behaviours, such as difficulty with transitioning from one activity to another, focusing on details and unusual for sensations reactions.
While some of them can live independently, many others require lifelong support and care. In addition, being autistic has an impact on education and employment opportunities and also on a person’s social standing.
This behavioral condition makes it okay for parents to diagnose, treat and deal with it. With limited information and few people knowing about it, it becomes a difficult journey for the parents as they get confused as to how to start it.
We at eTimes, spoke to Pramod Mishra, founder of Autism Parents Forum, to discuss what autism is, how parents should diagnose it, and many other questions related to autism in a child.
E-Times: When should parents really get their kids diagnosed with autism? At what age does autism appear?
Parents should go for regular check-up. At 18 months if you notice warning signs or red flags such as speech delay, poor eye contact, hyperactivity, repetitive single play, no fingers, aversion to texture, avoidance of food, toe-walking and ignoring danger , then immediately consult a developmental pediatrician.
Most often, symptoms don’t become detailed enough until around 18 months of age, but remember that as a parent your gut feeling is never wrong.
E-Times:
What are the typical behavior patterns seen in autism?
Lack of own name or no response, poor eye contact, solitary and repetitive play, late speaking, eating problems, no finger pointing are some of the typical behavior patterns seen in autistic children. These patterns become more pronounced by 1.5 years.
E-Times: To whom should parents go when in doubt?
Parents need to be very particular about who they turn to in the early stages. There is not much awareness about autism, which is why parents go to many places and take innumerable counseling, which comes to nothing. Parents should visit a developmental pediatrician or child psychiatrist to get the best treatment and tips on autism.
E-Times:
What should be the immediate reaction of a parent after a child is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder?
Gear up against the shock and pave the way to be an empowered parent. Read and learn management strategies. Connect with like-minded parents on our Autism Parents Forum and make a plan to start appropriate early intervention therapy ASAP. Time is precious!
etimesWhat is the current scenario of the education system for autism. Is it inclusive?
There are special schools, both inclusive and exclusive. Inclusive education will take place for ordinary children as well as with additional support from regular schools as mandated by law.
But the brutal ground truth lies in the fact that despite mandatory laws parents do not get much support from schools as most of the schools choose to ignore inclusive infrastructure, proper special teachers etc. Also, regular school staff are not trained/aware. Children with special needs. These are huge barriers that limit good educational opportunities for autistic children. The social stigma of mental health also appears to play a part in this viciously unjust view.
etimesWhat else should an autistic child be taught apart from regular education?
Focus on learning daily living skills – make the child as independent as possible. Teach the child every daily task in a simple way. Most importantly, be your child’s best friend as he or she struggles to communicate with the world.
etimesHow does your organization work in this?
We are a platform created by parents of autistic children to co-parent other in the same boat. We regularly organize free webinars by experienced therapists and professionals to empower our clan. We share our knowledge with each other and provide the necessary information base and support to other parents.
We collaborate with experienced and experienced therapists and arrange online consultations for parents who live in remote areas where no therapist or specialist is available. Through various social platforms (WhatsApp/Facebook Groups) we connect parents with each other where they discuss their daily issues without any apprehension.
etimes: How has been the response of the parents?
It has been tremendous since we started and we have over 15,000 parents across India and abroad who have joined hands to be a part of the Forum family. We all share intellectual content that can help us better manage children, we organize free webinars and work in unison to bring autism awareness through our website www.autismparentsforum.com. We all have also resolved to engage with academicians and pediatricians to enable the best future for our children.
etimesWhat would be your message to parents?
If you have doubts about your child’s developmental delay, please don’t ‘wait and see’….your child’s life is really very precious and the sooner the diagnosis, the sooner you accept and therapy Let’s start- the better the chances of your child’s long-term recovery. Don’t give up dear parents – just join us and we promise that we will do everything together to help you find your way in this difficult journey. Together we can overcome these challenges and create a better future for our autistic children.
(Byline: Maitri Baral)
,