Support and therapy can help individuals manage the challenges ASD presents

(MainsGS2: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources)

Context:

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental condition that affects social communication, interactions, and behavior.
ASD affects people in different ways, and DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) has new descriptions to help understand these differences.

Identifying autism:

Getting an autism diagnosis for a child is a two-step process in which first the child receives developmental check-ups during routine healthcare visits at around 18 and 24 months old.
During these check-ups, a doctor talks to the parent or caregiver about the child’s behaviour, development, and family history, and looks for signs of autism.
If the doctor suspects autism, the child will move on to the second stage of evaluation, involving a team of healthcare professionals that will conduct further assessments to determine if the child has autism and what kind of support they may need.
It is important to seek an evaluation if you have concerns about your child’s development or behaviour, as an early diagnosis can help the child reach their full potential.

The road to a diagnosis will include various professionals, including child psychiatrists, psychologists, speech-language pathologists, and occupational therapists.
These experts will evaluate a child’s cognitive and language skills, sensory issues, and other concerns.
For older individuals, symptoms of autism may be noticed by caregivers, parents, teachers, or other people who interact with them, leading to a medical evaluation.
Diagnosis can be particularly challenging in these instances, as the symptoms can be similar to other mental health conditions, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Methods to screen for autism:

Doctors have many methods to screen for autism, including informal observations and formal assessments.
One common screening tool is the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) Revised which is a 20-question test for children aged 16-30 months.
However, recent evidence suggests that M-CHAT may not be as effective at identifying autism in female children and those from minority, urban, and low-income backgrounds.
The Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) is a general developmental screen that assesses developmental challenges at specific ages.
STAT has 12 activities to assess play, communication, and imitation among toddlers and young children.
The Parents’ Evaluation of Developmental Status is a parent interview designed to identify developmental delays in areas such as motor skills, language, and self-help.
The Indian Scale for Assessment of Autism is designed to assess the severity of autism.
Similarly, the Childhood Autism Rating Scale rates individuals on a scale from ‘normal’ to ‘severe’ and yields a composite score indicating a level of autism.

Level of support required:

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), ASD is considered to be a single disorder.
The severity of ASD is determined by assigning a level of support based on the individual’s need for assistance and the impact of their symptoms on their daily lives.
The level that the doctor assigns will reflect how much external assistance a person is likely to need for their day-to-day activities.

Consult qualified healthcare professionals:

Signs of ASD can vary, but difficulty with social interactions, communication challenges, repetitive behaviours, and restricted interests are common.
Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for better outcomes and support for families.
To ensure a culturally sensitive approach to assessment and treatment, it is important to consult qualified healthcare professionals experienced in diagnosing and treating ASD in India.

Conclusion:

ASD is a complex and multifaceted disorder that requires a multidisciplinary approach to treatment. Early diagnosis and intervention are critical to improving outcomes for children with ASD and their families.