Autism spectrum disorder: An Indian perspective.

Area of Science:

• Neurodevelopmental disorders
• Global child health
• Developmental psychology

Background:

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) prevalence is rising globally, presenting unique challenges in low- and middle-income countries like India.
• Cultural, geographic, and resource disparities hinder early diagnosis and evidence-based interventions for ASD in India.
• Western-adapted models often fail to address the socio-cultural realities of Indian families affected by ASD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the New Horizons Developmental Program (NHDP) as a culturally responsive, caregiver-mediated model for autism care in India.
• To propose a paradigm shift from traditional therapies to a developmental, family-centered approach for ASD.
• To advocate for a dual-focus strategy redefining therapeutic priorities and expanding access to autism services in India.

Main Methods:

• The NHDP model is grounded in developmental principles, emphasizing a family- and community-centered approach.
• It focuses on empowering caregivers through culturally relevant interventions.
• The model integrates multiple disciplines for holistic ASD care.

Main Results:

• The NHDP offers a scalable solution for transforming autism care across diverse Indian contexts.
• This approach addresses core developmental deficits often missed by traditional therapies.
• Empowering caregivers and integrating disciplines leads to improved outcomes.

Conclusions:

• India's autism care requires culturally grounded, developmental models like NHDP.
• Scaling the NHDP via digital platforms and public health systems can create a sustainable ecosystem for early childhood development.
• Prioritizing early childhood development is crucial for addressing the needs of children with ASD in India.