Factors such as the lack of awareness and adequate resources in Odisha lead to a delay in the detection of autism. It also makes treatment difficult.
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Reeta Jena, Secretary of Catch, said, “The disease is spreading at an alarming rate in the state, as most of the people have no idea about autism. By the time they realize their children are suffering from autism, it is too late. Delay in detection makes the treatment process complicated. An autistic patient can be cured, if it is detected between before three years of age.”
Early detection of the disorder can make a big difference. The best person to spot the earliest warning signs of autism is the parent.
Symptoms like repetitive behavior, fear to make eye contact, lack of attention, tendency to not engage in too many activities, common repetitive behaviors such as hand-flapping, rocking, jumping and twirling, arranging and rearranging objects, and repeating sounds, words or phrases help parents identify the disorder in their children.
“Parents should contact the behavior therapists if the symptoms are detected. Doctors should refer the child to a specialist in developmental evaluation and early intervention. Evaluation techniques include hearing and lead exposure tests as well as an autism-specific screening tool such as M-Chat, are required to be used for proper diagnosis,” said, Dr Durga Prasad Mishra.
Early intervention before three years of age helps to cure autism by 90 to 95 percent.
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