Autism cases are on the rise at a rate higher than ever.
Mental health challenge is the matter of prime concern for 21st century, not just in India but across globe. It is almost on the verge of becoming a global crisis. People are worried about their kids who too are no exception. Kids as young as two year olds can develop challenging mental health conditions. Teenagers are going through several types of anxiety disorders, mood fluctuations, depression, GAD (Generalised Anxiety Disorder), panic attacks, Autism, ADHD, various Learning Disability as well ID (Intellectual Deficiency). Too many young people are nowadays experience suicidal thoughts. Mental health is something that is affecting people irrespective of socio economic background, race, religion, ethnicity or geographical locations.
One good aspect of modern times is that people have come out in open and started talking about it, ignoring the stigma that is usually attached to mental health cases. Families are no longer hiding their children affected with autism or adhd or dyslexia or learning disabilities behind the walls of societal pressure. They are now consulting Doctors, Psychologists, Special Educators, Counsellors, and other related therapists. The social acceptance has increased at various levels.
Autism cases are on the rise at a rate higher than ever. Autism is a complex, neurodevelopmental disorder which affects learning, communication and social skills. Exact causes of autism are not well defined as yet experts are of opinion that it may be caused by generic and environmental factors or combination of factors. Individuals affected with autism (children, adolescents and adults) are neurodiverse people. Autism is often accompanied by various co morbidities like anxiety or ODD (Obsessive Defiance Disorder) or adhd or any learning disorder or communication order etc.
As a parent of a teen with autism, I always urge parents help each other to heal the trauma they face, in order to raise such a child by cooperating. Instead of participating in useless blame game, they should practice compassion to ease the journey of autism and be each other’s strength and support.
Apart from healing the minds, we must put mammoth importance on the fact that these children need rigorous therapeutic interventions right from the time of diagnosis. Early Intervention Services (a holistic programme that includes special education, occupational therapy, speech n language therapy, & also physio therapy if required as well as group activities) is extremely beneficial for kids with autism or any other developmental disorder.
We all know that 80% of the brain matures in the first 3 to 4 years of life. Latest study (2026) reveals early intervention can increase up to 17 point IQ on an average which is phenomenal.
Another recent research based study reveals that children who are put into appropriate therapeutic program, are 75 % more likely to be less dependent in their life.
After initial screening and diagnosis, parents must access suitable therapy sessions for their child and continue the support.
Parents would gain immensely by recognizing the importance of attending Regular Therapy Sessions for children who come under the umbrella of (ASD) Autism Spectrum Disorder for a better future.
Mrs Sutapa Bose
special Educator
