Autism Disorder Treatment | Autism Therapy and Intervention

What it is

Autism is a condition that affects children in India, and boys are more often affected. It is diagnosed based on a child’s behaviour, as there is no medical test to diagnose autism as yet. Autism is not a disease. It is a different kind of brain development in which children have extra attention to music and visual details but are unable to learn to communicate naturally.

How it benefits

Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) has the most evidence and is the gold standard in autism treatment
First line of treatment is ABA, then speech therapy and occupational therapy
Unique integrated ABA and speech therapy, as the director holds a master’s in both speech pathology and ABA
Recommendations follow international guidelines for the sequence of therapy in ASD

Who It Is For

Early signs can be noticed in a child’s behaviour. Diagnosis is made by trained professionals using established protocols.

Early signs

Inconsistent response to name call
Not pointing for needs; instead pulls parents toward objects of interest
Lack of social interaction
Poor joint attention and sharing of things of interest
Poor imitation
Repetitive play
Inadequate ability to follow instructions and identify objects
May also have poor attention and hyperactivity

Diagnosis

Diagnosed from behaviour; there is no medical test as yet
Psychologist, developmental paediatrician, or child psychiatrist
Trained to diagnose using protocols such as MCHAT, ISSA, and CARS
Boys are more often affected than girls

Frequently Asked Questions

What is autism?

Autism is not a disease. It is a different kind of brain development in which children have extra attention to music and visual details but are unable to learn to communicate naturally. They are intelligent, but in a different way. Boys are more often affected than girls.

How is autism diagnosed?

Autism is diagnosed based on a child’s behaviour, as there is no medical test to diagnose autism as yet. Psychologists, developmental paediatricians, or child psychiatrists are trained to diagnose using protocols such as MCHAT, ISSA, and CARS.

What are the early signs of autism?

Early signs include an inconsistent response to name call; not pointing for needs, and instead pulling parents toward objects of interest; lack of social interaction; poor joint attention and sharing of things of interest; poor imitation; repetitive play; and inadequate ability to follow instructions and identify objects. Children may also have poor attention and hyperactivity.

What therapy is recommended for autism?

There are several therapy approaches. Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) has the maximum evidence and is considered the gold standard in the treatment of autism. Other therapies that help are speech therapy, occupational therapy, and diet modification to improve gut health. Each child may or may not need diet modification or OT, but all children have challenges in learning to communicate and pay attention to instructions. ABA is the best option to lay the foundation of learning.

What is the sequence of therapy?

Samvaad’s recommendations are in line with international guidelines for the sequence of therapy required for children with ASD. The first line of treatment is ABA. Next are speech therapy and occupational therapy. Each child may or may not need diet modification or OT, but all children have challenges in learning to communicate and pay attention to instructions.

What does Samvaad offer for autism?