Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A Quick Guide for Parents

• What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
  • ASD is a condition that affects how a child communicates, behaves, and interacts with others. The term “spectrum” means that symptoms can vary from mild to more severe, and each child with autism is unique.
  • ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, which means it starts in early childhood and affects brain development.
  • This condition is diagnosed based on the criteria described in medical guidelines like the DSM-5 or ICD-11 (diagnostic manual used by professionals to diagnose different neurodevelopmental and mental health disorders).
  • Core symptoms of ASD usually affect the following areas of child development or behaviour: Social communication and interaction difficulties; Repetitive behaviours and limited interests; and Language delay or abnormalities

• How Common is ASD?
  • In India, about 1 in every 68 children might have autism (2021 data).
  • Boys are about three times more likely to be diagnosed than girls.
  • However, girls with autism often show more severe symptoms, which may be harder to notice early on.

• What Causes ASD?
  The exact cause is still not fully known, but research suggests a combination of factors:

• • Genes (genetics) play an important role.
  • Vaccines and Parenting style do NOT cause autism—This is a Myth.

Some scientific theories likely to explain the origin of ASD symptoms include:

• • Weak Central Coherence – difficulty seeing the “big picture”; focusing too much on small details
  • Theory of Mind Deficit – trouble understanding what others are thinking or feeling
  • Executive Dysfunction – challenges with planning, staying organized, or controlling impulses

• Common Signs or Symptoms: What Parents Should Watch For?
  Parents may notice these signs, especially in the first 2–3 years of life:
  • Social and Communication Difficulties
    • Little or no eye contact
    • Not responding when their name is called
    • Trouble understanding facial expressions or emotions
    • Difficulty making friends or showing interest in others
    • Delay in speaking or using language, or using very few words
    • Prefers playing alone
  • Repetitive Behaviours and Limited Interests
    • Repeating the same action (like hand-flapping, spinning, or rocking)
    • Insisting on routines or sameness
    • Deep interest in specific topics or objects (e.g., lining up toys)
    • Getting upset by changes in routine
  • Sensory Differences
    • May be overly sensitive to sounds, lights, textures, or smells
    • May ignore loud noises or not react to pain as expected

• Other Conditions That May Occur Alongside ASD:
  Some children with ASD may also have:

• • ADHD (difficulty paying attention or being overly active)
  • Intellectual Disability (low learning ability)
  • Seizures or epilepsy
  • Anxiety, OCD, or mood problems

• How is ASD Diagnosed?
  There’s no blood test or scan to diagnose autism. Professionals use special tools and observe the child’s behaviour. Common assessment tools include:

• • M-CHAT – a screening checklist for toddlers
  • CARS (Childhood Autism Rating Scale)
  • INCLEN Diagnostic Tool for Autism Spectrum Disorder (INDT-ASD) – scientifically developed and validated tool for diagnosing autism in Indian children aged 2-9 years.
  • ISAA (Indian Scale for Assessment of Autism) – recommended for disability certification in India

• Legal Benefits and Support in India:
  Children with autism are eligible for disability certification under the RPWD Act (2012). This allows access to:

• • Financial assistance
  • Special education support and accommodations
  • Travel and exam concessions
  • Government schemes and job reservations (in future)

• How is ASD Managed?
  ASD cannot be “cured,” but the right support can make a big difference. Early help improves learning, social skills, and quality of life.

1. 1. Psychological or Behavioural Therapies (Non-Medication Options)

• • • Speech therapy – helps with communication
    • Occupational therapy – improves daily skills like dressing or writing
    • Social skills training – teaches how to interact with others
    • Parent-child interaction therapies, Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), Denver Model, etc.

1. 2. Medicines (If, needed)
      Sometimes, psychiatrist may suggest medicines to help with specific issues like:

• • • Irritability or aggression (e.g., risperidone, aripiprazole)
    • Anxiety, mood issues, or sleep problems (e.g., selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, mood stabilizers)
    • Hyperactivity (if ADHD is also present)

1. 2. Acceptance and Inclusion:

• • • Many people now talk about ASD or Autism using the term “neurodivergent”, which means thinking and learning differently— NOT wrongly. The focus is on understanding, support, and inclusion, rather than trying to “fix” the child.

• Final Message to Parents:
  • If your child seems different in how they play, talk, or connect with others— you are not alone. ASD is a condition that can be managed with love, understanding, and the right support.
  • Talk to a child psychologist, psychiatrist, or paediatrician if you have concerns. Early intervention leads to the best outcomes.