Millions of children around the world suffer from the neurodevelopmental disorder known as Autism, which is more officially termed Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Being able to recognize the signs of Autism at an early stage can help ensure that adequate measures are taken to lessen the condition suffered by the child. As a general rule, the earlier the diagnosis, the better it is, as effective therapies can be provided to the child, enabling them to develop their social or communicative skills. In India, Dr. RK Jain, a well-known pediatric neurologist as well as the managing director of the Child Neurology Center, is also one of the experts who has been aiding children suffering from various forms of neurological disorders, including Autism.
In this Blog, we will look at the early signs of Autism, as well as its early treatment, and the role of pediatric neurologists for children with ASD. Additionally, this Blog helps answer questions on the working methodology of the Child Neurology Center headed by Dr. RK Jain and how they, in particular, can meet every bit of the family’s need to manage the child’s Autism.
What is ASD?
ASD includes persistent impairment in reciprocal social interaction and communication skills or restricted, repetitive, and stereotypic behavior patterns. Even though its characteristics can be divided into two dimensions:
1) Social impairment
2) Restricted behavior patterns, the symptoms of ASD do not present in the same manner for everyone. Most children with high capability of cognition and mild social deficits suffer from Autism; at the same time, some children display both communication and behavioral deficits.
While the specific reason for the condition remains unknown, research has shown that some genetic and environmental factors may contribute to its development. Generally, it is said to appear in one’s early childhood, that is, before three years of age. And this occurs across all ethnicities, nationalities and social classes but at a higher rate among males.
Significance of Early Intervention and Diagnosis
It has been proven that with early detection of the condition, early intervention can take place, giving affected children an opportunity to recover. Children diagnosed with ASD at a tender age are easily intervened, and with this, substantial improvements are observed with regard to their development. Early intervention tends to lead to enhanced communication, social skills, and adaptive behavior, which all aid in making the child develop social, psychological, and cognitive skills that will be essential in achieving more independence in the future.
The parents and guardians must keep a tab on the child’s signs since it is an important step in the child’s life. If these signs are not treated or identified correctly, they can further develop and trouble the child later in life. Child neurologists are instrumental in observing and diagnosing the child’s Autism at an early age and advising the family on the treatment.
Signs of Autism that Require Attention
Especially during early age, each child is different; hence, the normal parameters are set by distinct milestones, which can help in assessing the child. Children portray certain symptoms and behaviors that act as indicators that could lead them toward seeking professional help. These symptoms are usually observed around the child’s age of 1-2 years.
1. Look for children around you with Delayed Speech and Language Development.
Children who have Autism find it hard to communicate, and this is one of the signs that can help identify a child with Autism. If a child is unable to speak or communicate but requires help, then that child will likely have a learning disability. It is common for our children who suffer from ASD to be mute. This, in turn, also impacts their communication skills.
Children with Autism might show speech abnormalities like repeating phrases known as echolalia, inability to switch tone while speaking, or trouble with conversation.
2. Poor Socialization Skills
Most of the children who are diagnosed with Autism have problems recognizing and creating memories with amazing five senses. Children with Autism can be seen avoiding eye contact ha, using different facial expressions, or not responding to their names at all. They also have difficulty interpreting social cues, making it impossible to participate in play and interact with the other children.
Sometimes, children suffering from Autism may want to play by themselves and have no desire to participate in play with others.
3. Tendency To Repeat Actions
Repetitive behaviors, in addition to impairing communication, are a common indication of Autism. These movements can involve hand movements, rolling, spinning, or even looking at items, synchronizing their daily cycle, or arranging objects in a specific manner.
As a result, children might engage in a narrower array of interests except for highly specific topics or activities.
4. Sensory Sensitivities
Sensory sensitivities are more common in children having Autism, which entails the child at times reacting or overreacting to sensory stimuli, which may include particular sounds, textures, lights, or smells. This is the reason why some may feel discomfort or even get distressed while others seek to self-stimulate and touch objects repetitively.
5. Transitions and Changes are Hard for Them
Changing their habitual patterns or even their environment tends to be difficult for children diagnosed with Autism, further adding to their problems. The minor alterations, for instance, the introduction of a new action figure or toy, can throw them majorly off balance. Most of the time, the children have strong episodes of tantrums or engage in violent behavior when they anticipate change.
The Role of Pediatric Neurologists in the Diagnosis of Autism
Autism Spectrum Disorder can be diagnosed and managed by pediatric neurologists, which is part of their crucial task. These doctors are trained to look at a child’s behavior by evaluating the neurological and developmental features, which aid them in understanding what could be the causes of developmental delays and behavior issues.
Known to reside in India, Dr. RK Jain is popular as the leading pediatric neurologist sure to have perfected the diagnosis and treatment of Autism. In this case, he is the managing director of the Child Neurology Center, helping a number of children and families with an appropriate diagnosis and treatment of Autism. Under his direction, the center has become prominent in being able to give suitable and appropriate care for children suffering from neurologic diseases, one of which is Autism.
How Pediatric Neurologists Consider Autism
Usually, diagnosing Autism involves evaluating the patient under the care of a pediatric neurologist. The process usually goes as follows:
1. Developmental History
First, a Ukrainian pediatric neurologist will have to obtain a detailed maternal history, including the child’s upbringing, crawling, walking, and even speech by the parents.
2. Behavioral Observations:
As the child plays or engages in other activities, the neurologist will observe the child, focusing on effective social interaction and whether the child can communicate or engage in repetitive play. The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), for instance, is one of the tools or methods used to diagnose the disease.
3. Screening and Assessment Tools
Apart from routine behavioral observations, screening and assessment tools can be used by pediatric neurologists to assess the expected developmental growth of a child. This set of tools assists in the emergence of language, motor skills, and social delays that are a part of the autistic spectrum.
4. Neurological Evaluation
As Autism is deemed to be a manifestation of several known and unknown neurological differences, it is necessary to conduct a complete neurological evaluation. This may include clinical examination and some tests to exclude other conditions that may influence the child’s behavior.
5. Collaboration with Other Specialists
At times, pediatric neurologists must work with other specialists, including psychologists, speech-language, and occupational therapists, so that the child’s development is not missed in all aspects.
Early Intervention for Autism
Early intervention comes after a child is diagnosed with the Autism Spectrum Disorder. Early intervention is critical with the emphasis on improving the child’s life through the development of required skills from an early age due to the difference it can have on the life of a child with Autism.
Different strategies are implemented for children with Autism depending on the requirements of each child. The most usual methods are:
1. Behavioral Therapy: Auspices the most common Autism therapy, Applied Behavioral Analysis is the one which teaches the child to learn skills through positive reinforcement while at the same time working on altering problem behaviors.
2. Speech Therapy: Speech-language therapists work with children on language and improve communication skills in children like social communication and non-verbal communication.
3. Occupational Therapy: Occupational Therapist assists kids in developing fine motor skills and aids them in daily living skills such as dressing and independently feeding themselves.
4. Social Skills Training: Those children having Autism can be trained in certain skills that will help them build relationships. Furthermore, Mencap Research found that 94% of parents surveyed think their child would benefit from training that involves acting in social situations, interpreting body language, and befriending people.
5. Parent Training and Support: Parents are a critical component in the success of early intervention. Numerous programs offer parent training which assists families in comprehending the requirements of their kid and acquiring effective skills that help in their child’s development.
Why would you want to work with the Child Neurology Center?
The Child Neurology Center, led by DR. R.K Jain, is one of India’s few best pediatric neurologist hospitals. The autism center is famous among its patients for the holistic approach it takes while diagnosing and treating every child having neurological disorders possible, including inclusive children having Autism.
Every child of Dr. R.K Jain and his associates is provided with specialized care. The families are made to understand how difficult it is to handle Autism and thus offer a supporting, family-centered setting to care for the children effectively.
Conclusion
It is very important to identify autism spectrum disorder in children to ensure that they are not left out age-wise while providing intervention and support. According to Dr. R.K Jain, the Child Neurology Center is one of the Indian centers for child neurologists that has made great contributions in performing more and more effective diagnosis and management of Autism. Starting with a diagnosis that is precise for all undergoing treatment, autistic children receive a specific therapy, which in most cases leads to rapid success in the child’s development. If you think that your child has the symptoms of Autism or if you wish to get in touch with professionals and lead with appropriate guidance, then you should drop by the Child Neurology Center. Dr. R. K Jain, along with other professionals, helps children suffering from Autism to overcome it and support them throughout.