In India, 1 in 68 children suffers from autism. Learn from a doctor about its genetic causes and early symptoms.

News Topical, Digital Desk : Cases of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have increased in children in recent years. Signs of this condition appear as early as nine months after a baby's birth, but parents often fail to recognize them. 

However, the condition becomes clear by the age of three or four. Studies suggest that one in every 68 children in India is autistic. Statistics show this problem is more prevalent in boys than girls. Let's learn about autism from Dr. Om Sai Ramesh Vallamkonda (Department of Child Psychiatry, Lady Hardinge Medical College, Delhi). 

Genetic factors are responsible

Many reasons are cited for why some children are born autistic, but genetics is considered a key factor. Genetic means that when a child is born with autistic genes, it is considered genetic. If one child is already autistic, the risk of another child also becoming autistic increases.

In most cases, several changes in DNA increase the risk of autism. Most DNA changes do not cause autism on their own, but rather combine with other genes and environmental factors. Parents' daily routines, diet, and lifestyle are also considered equally responsible for this problem. Some children may also develop autism due to monogenetic disorders and fragile X syndrome. However, the exact cause behind this disease has not yet been identified.

Unable to laugh or react

• Symptoms of autism start appearing within a few months of the child's birth, such as laughing less, avoiding eye contact, not talking, etc.
• When the baby does not laugh or make eye contact while sitting in someone's lap.
• If the child listens but does not respond, it may still be autism.
• There may also be reduced speech or difficulty speaking.
• You may get angry very quickly over small things.
• There may be great difficulty falling asleep or maintaining sleep.
• There may be problems in eating and drinking.
• Symptoms like repeating the same thing again and again are seen.

Therapy is the solution, not medicine.

Occupational and behavioral therapy are the most effective treatments for autism in India. These therapies help children learn to communicate, respond, and laugh. These therapies help improve autistic children's ability to participate in daily activities.

The need for professional psychiatrists

It can be said that medication is not a cure for this condition. Only therapy and family support can help a child feel better, but this requires skilled and professional psychiatrists, a skill that is sorely lacking in the country. There are no tests to confirm whether a child is autistic. The condition can only be diagnosed by observing the child's behavior and interacting with the parents.

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