Autism

Is Autism impairing your child’s ability to communicate and interact with his surrounding and people. Our Child Psychologist can help you manage your childs autism at our Vashi Clinic.

Signs of Autism

Children with Autism may display the signs during infancy or even toddlerhood, but parents may often miss these. There are three important areas where these children may display some abnormality.

• Firstly, there is difficulty in socialisation. These children are unable to use non-verbal behaviours like eye-to-eye gaze, facial expressions, body postures and gestures to interact socially. They are unable to develop relationships with other children their age. They are not good at reciprocating emotions. They also do not seek to share enjoyment or interests with others. They may not show affectionate behaviour even towards parents.
• Secondly, their communication skills do not develop well. They may show either delay or complete lack of speech development. Even with a developed speech, they may not be able to sustain a conversation. Their language may be odd, with repetitive words and syllables.
• Thirdly, they may have restricted and repetitive behaviour patterns, interests and activities. They maybe inflexible in their routine and very much dislike any change thereof. Some routines are followed like rituals and cause great distress to the child if not performed in the exact manner. They may get pre-occupied with parts of objects, e.g.: wheels. Some children may also display odd repetitive mannerisms like, hand flapping, finger flapping, twisting etc.

When & How can Autism be identified?

Some signs may be spotted in infancy itself or even early toddlerhood. However, often parents may notice the aforementioned signs by the time the child is about 3 years of age. The disorder is more of a spectrum and the above signs may be seen with varying levels of intensity. Some children may have good language development and are deficient in the other two areas. Some children may also have Intellectual Disability as a co-morbidity. Often, children may have behavioural disturbances in the form of temper tantrums, anger outbursts or other displays of stubborn behaviours. Some children may show a “genius level” of intellect in a selective area of intelligence like Math or Music. These are like “islands” of intelligence, but are quite rare.

Autism Treatment/ Therapy at Manovikas Clinic, Vashi

Just like any other illness our child psychologist in Vashi, Navi Mumbai wil take a detailed history bright from conception to the current development is sought from parents. A mental state examination is essential. Sometimes, other caregivers like grandparents, may need to be interviewed.

After diagnosing, treatment prescribed is usually symptomatic. Medication is advised for behavioural disturbances. For academic and intellectual difficulties, behavioural interventions are employed. Many a times, parents are distraught and often need counselling. Psycho-education of parents is done so as to help them deal better with the special needs of their children.

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