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Adequate Management of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children in India
Rajneesh Mahajan1,2, Rajesh Sagar3
1Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA. mahajan@kennedykrieger.org.
Insights
India faces challenges in addressing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) care, from early screening to professional training. A proposed framework emphasizes education, infrastructure, and technology to improve services for children with ASD.
Area of Science:
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Pediatric Neurology
- Public Health
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) presents a significant public health challenge in India.
- Existing healthcare systems exhibit unmet needs in ASD screening, evaluation, and management.
- Gaps in professional training and public awareness impede early recognition and intervention for ASD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and address critical unmet needs in the healthcare system for children with ASD in India.
- To propose a comprehensive framework for improving ASD care across multiple levels.
- To enhance early recognition, diagnosis, and management of ASD.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and analysis of current ASD care infrastructure in India.
- Identification of gaps in medical professional, paraprofessional, and special education teacher training.
- Assessment of public awareness and cultural factors influencing ASD intervention.
Main Results:
- Significant deficiencies exist in screening, diagnostic tools, and management strategies for ASD.
- Inadequate training programs and infrastructure hinder effective service delivery.
- Limited public awareness and cultural barriers contribute to delayed interventions.
Conclusions:
- A multi-level framework is proposed to improve ASD care in India.
- Key components include enhanced education for professionals, robust infrastructure development with funding, and leveraging technology and international collaboration.
- Implementing this framework can significantly improve outcomes for children with ASD.
Abstract:
Despite the significant burden of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in India, there are areas of unmet needs at every level of the health care system. This includes screening and recognition, reliable and valid tools to evaluate, and to adequately manage ASD. There are also gaps in education and training of medical professionals, paraprofessionals, special education teachers and the related services. Lack of public awareness and cultural factors contribute to delays in early recognition and interventions. A framework is suggested to address these unmet needs at various levels to improve the care of these children with ASD. These include a) a focus on education of medical professionals, paraprofessionals, and teachers; b) setting up infrastructure at community, regional, and statewide levels, with adequate funding; and c) use of audiovisual technology and collaboration with international expertise.
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