On World Autism Awareness Day, caregivers for children with autism expressed concern over increasing incidence of autism spectrum disorders, misdiagnosis and questionable treatment options being offered.
The caregivers for children with autism say while causes for autism remain unknown, several factors were driving the rising incidence, including environmental ones.
They also speak about questionable medical practices in connection with diagnosis and treatment.
ADVERTISEMENT
“There have been claims of stem cell therapy treating autism. We have not seen it work. Despite the costs, parents give it a shot and travel to other cities for treatment,” said Sharadda Ram, founder director of Arambh, an organisation that cares for children with autism spectral disorders.
Madhavi Adimulam of Hyderabad Autism Society feels parents should be making informed decisions about therapies and treatment given to their children, especially vaccines.
“Instead of taking all vaccines being suggested by a doctor, parents should look at the list of required vaccines and then enquire about the ingredients of the vaccine to determine if anything toxic is included. A choice should be made by parents after this exercise,” she added. Both Ms. Adimulam and Ms. Ram are parents of children with autism.
ADVERTISEMENT
A grey area
While caregivers say the issue of vaccine is a grey area for them, for public health specialists, vaccines are extremely safe.
“Vaccines sometimes cause minor side-effects like fever, but not autism. We have not encountered such concerns either from parents,” said Telangana’s Immunisation Officer G. Sudheera.
On World Autism Day observed on April 2, caregivers stressed that early intervention can improve therapy outcomes. The classical signs are childlren unwilling to make eye-contact, repetitive behaviour and no response to calls. An assessment can be made as early as 18 months, they added.