HYDERABAD: As the world observes Autism Day on Saturday, parents of children affected with the disorder are seeking better medical care and more specialised schools for their wards.
Meanwhile, paediatricians in the city warn that the number of autism affected children is silently growing in India.
According to a medical study conducted in 2018, one out of 100 children is affected with the disorder. In countries like India, when a child is affected, the family goes through a lot of trauma which can only be managed with different therapies.
Dr Pratima Giri, child development specialist at Rainbow Children’s Hospital, said, “As per the recommendations by the Indian Association of Paediatrics, the screening of all children should be done at 18 months for autism. It is very important for experienced physicians to assess a child with autism carefully as they often show symptoms like hyperactivity, anxiety and attention problems.”
Dr Ashish Chauhan, consultant internal medicine and immunisation specialist, said, “Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder, which is a genetic disorder. In our society there has to be campaigns to educate people on such myths. Moreover, it must be ensured that families of affected children should not be stigmatised by the society.”
Seema Shet, mother of an autism affected child said, “My son is now 8-year-old. Five years ago, he was diagnosed with autism. As per the feedback given by his teachers, we are taking him to a specialist. Until he was 15 months old, he was a normal kid.”
“In Hyderabad we need more centres and specialists for such children. Many centres are just to make money. Also, there are no good schools for these children. A lot of parents are suffering. so, these children should be given admission in all schools,” Seema Shet added.
