Skip to main content
  • Accessibility
  • Headlines
  • Coronavirus-News
  • Get-Hooked
  • Technology
  • Education
  • Employment
  • Parasports
  • Ask Bhavna
  • NHBrandView
  • Independent Living
  • Lifestyle
  • NH Videos
×
Newz Hook – Changing Attitudes towards Disability Logo
  • Stories
  • Videos
  • Inclusive
  • NH Voice
  • Login
COVID-19 Notification by Government in Accessible Format

Accessibility Tools

Text Size:

Contrast Scheme:

  • C
  • C

Reset

  • Home
  • Get-hooked
  • New study highlights that autism goes undiagnosed among one-fourth of kids

New study highlights that autism goes undiagnosed among one-fourth of kids

autism in india study
Get-hooked January 19, 2020
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)

Recently, a group of American researchers conducted a study and pointed out that one-fourth of the children less than eight years of age with autism are not diagnosed. The numbers are at a rise in India where people are still unaware of what autism is. Doctors and experts point out that we have a long way to go when it comes to diagnoses and early intervention of autism.

A recent study by a group of American researchers have thrown light on the importance of early diagnosis and intervention for autism. The study points out that one-fourth of the children who are less than eight years of age with autism are not diagnosed with the developmental disability. The situation is not any different in India. Chances are that the numbers are on a rise here. Over the past many years, many awareness programs have been held across the country. The society has recently started to know about what autism are its symptoms are. But doctors and experts say that we still have a long way to go when it comes to identifying and diagnosing autism.

The American study

Researchers at the Rutgers University analyzed the medical and education records of over 2,66,000 children below the age of eight years across the United States before arriving at the results. This study was published in the journal Autism Research.

There may be various reasons for the disparity, from communication or cultural barriers between minority parents and physicians to anxiety about the complicated diagnostic process and fear of stigma – Walter Zahorodny, co-author of the study.

In spite of children showing symptoms of autism, parents even today, fail to get expert advice for diagnoses or start early intervention. Autism goes unnoticed.

Symptoms that the child showed are often considered to be a behavioral or medical issue.

The Indian context

In India, even today, autism is considered to be a mental disability in many parts of the country. The government has included autism as one of the disabilities in the RPWD Act, 2016. But authorities have failed in introducing programs and welfare activities for children with autism or their parents.

Dr U Vivek, Consultant Psychiatrist from Kerala says that though the situation is getting better, we still a long way to go.

“We have been sensitizing parents, teachers and doctors. So awareness programs are happening. But sometimes, people misdiagnose an Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) for autism or speech issues. What our children need are proper and correct diagnoses. Many people are still in denial. A child with autism needs to start therapy before they are two years of age. That is why early diagnoses is important – Dr U Vivek, Consultant Psychiatrist.

Sruthi More who is an occupational therapist, is the Founder of Samphia Foundation. Sruthi, based out of Himachal Pradesh says, “There is a general lack of awareness about disabilities in this part of India. While physical disabilities are noticed easily, autism is often ignored. That is one of the reasons why children are not diagnosed at a young age. But I have noticed that things are getting better now. Recently, we celebrated world autism day in Kulu”.

Also Read:

  • Families of kids with autism undergo higher emotional stress, says study

Support us to make NewzHook Sustainable – Make a Contribution Today

We need your continued support to enable us work towards Changing Attitudes towards Disability. Help us in our attempt to share the voices of people with disabilities that enable them to participate in the society on an equal footing!

Contribute to Newz Hook

NH Videos

Healing pain through art - Dr. Anubha Mahajan, Founder Chronic Pain India

Contribue to Newz Hook |Disability news. Support us to make NewzHook Sustainable – Make a Contribution Today.

Newsletter

 Subscribe to our Newsletter

Want to feature disability stories or share disability news with the disabled community? Write to:

editor@newzhook.com

Newz Hook - Accessible News

Download App Now!

Videos

View More

Employment

'Thank U Foods' products made by visually impaired people goes online after lockdown

Get-hooked

#LovePossible - How Anitha knew Immanuel really loved her

Education

Neuroscientist Joey Ramp is breaking down barriers for disabled STEM students with service dogs

Get-hooked

Understanding Socializing Benefits for Children with Autism

Newz Hook Logo

About Newz Hook

Newz Hook | Disability News - media site focusing on Disability Stories and Changing Attitudes towards Disability globally. We highlight disability news, offer inclusive solutions and create accessible collaborations. Our focus is to have Inclusion Champions from across the globe who will share disability stories and news.
Lets come together to change attitudes towards disability!

Newz Hook is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Follow us on:

Related Links

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Partner with Newz Hook
  • Embed Newz Hook Timeline
  • Affiliate disclosure
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Contribute to Newz Hook

Our Awards

Zero Project Award Winner 2018
Back To Top
© 2019 All Right Reserved. Inclusive News India Private Limited.

Ask Bhavna

All fields are mandatory unless specified as optional.