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Autism - Experiences in a tertiary care hospital
Veena Kalra1, Rachna Seth2, Savita Sapra2
1Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, 110029, New Delhi, India. Kalra_veena@hotmail.com.
Indian Journal of Pediatrics
|April 6, 2017
Summary
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is prevalent in Indian children, often with missed diagnoses and significant co-morbidities like intellectual disability. Early intervention and professional training are crucial for improved outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Developmental Disabilities
- Child Psychology
Background:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a significant cause of social disability, with higher reported incidence in developed nations.
- Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD) encompass various conditions including Autistic Disorder, Asperger's syndrome, and others.
Purpose of the Study:
- To diagnose autism in children with language, communication, and behavioral issues.
- To identify and manage co-morbidities associated with autism.
- To raise awareness among healthcare professionals regarding autism.
Main Methods:
- Utilized DSM-IV criteria for diagnosing autism in 75 referred patients.
- Conducted comprehensive evaluations including IQ, hyperactivity, and Fragile-X screening.
- Established a registry for autistic children in Delhi for ongoing monitoring and intervention.
Main Results:
- Diagnosed autism in 62 of 75 patients (82%), with a male:female ratio of 8:1.
- High prevalence of co-morbidities: intellectual disability (95%), hyperactivity (53%), and seizures (10%).
- Early intervention and behavioral modification showed improvement in core autism symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder is present in Indian children, frequently with delayed or missed diagnoses.
- There is a critical need for enhanced training on developmental disabilities for healthcare professionals.
- Addressing co-morbidities and establishing registries are vital for effective autism management.