The Siddha wing of the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital will, henceforth, treat children with autism for four days a week, in keeping with the thrust accorded by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for involving AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy) systems in public health.
Launching the facility on the premises of the hospital on Thursday in the presence of Dean in-charge Anitha and District Siddha Medical Officer Kamaraj, Collector K. Rajamani said outpatient treatment will be provided on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, from 8 a.m. to noon and from 3 to 5 p.m.
Any of the AYUSH therapies that would benefit the patient would be extended, the Collector said.
According to Central Government statistics, one out of 89 children live with autism displaying symptoms that include poor eye contact, decreased social response, repetitive behaviours, lack of expected language and social development, and decreased non-verbal communication and gestures. While there is no cure for autism, known as a lifelong disorder, early intervention can improve the quality of life in these children, say medical experts.
