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Ought to know Autism

What is Autism ?

Autism is a brain development disorder characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behavior. These signs all begin before a child is three years old. The autism spectrum disorders (ASD) also include related conditions such as Asperger syndrome that have milder signs and symptoms

Autism has a strong genetic basis, although the genetics of autism are complex and it is unclear whether ASD is explained more by multigene interactions or by rare mutations. In rare cases, autism is strongly associated with agents that cause birth defects. Other proposed causes, such as childhood vaccines, are controversial, and the vaccine hypotheses lack any convincing scientific evidenceThe prevalence of ASD is about 6 per 1,000 people, with about four times as many boys as girls. The number of people known to have autism has increased dramatically since the 1980s, partly due to changes in diagnostic practice; the question of whether actual prevalence has increased is unresolved.

Autism affects many parts of the brain; how this occurs is not understood. Parents usually notice signs in the first two years of their child's life. Although early behavioral or cognitive intervention can help children gain self-care, social, and communication skills, there is no known cure. Few children with autism live independently after reaching adulthood, but some become successful, and an autistic culture has developed, with some seeking a cure and others believing that autism is a condition rather than a disorder.

Library

Forum For Autism(FFA)-
Tel. - 022-232949595

Support groups

Action for Autism (AFA)
Tel. - 011-2925469

Forum for Autism (FFA)
Tel. - 022-232949595

KPAMRC
www.kpamrc.org

Schools

Schools for Children with Autism
Autism schools in Mumbai

Sports / Arts

Santosh Sports Club - Datta Sir
Mobile. - 9820687976

Prof.Parasuram Ramamoorthi
www.autismtheatre.org

Stories

Anuradha & Sahil - Everyday is a challenge

The Chat Section :

A] ASK PARENT

1.	Does your child enjoy swung, bounced on your knee, etc.?	YES/NO
2.	Does your child take an interest in other children?	YES/NO
3.	Does your child like climbing on things, such as stairs?	YES/NO
4.	Your child enjoy playing peek-a-boo/hide and seek?	YES/NO
5.	Does your child ever PRETEND, for example, to make a cup of tea using a toy cup and teapot, or pretend other things?	YES/NO
6.	Does your child ever use his/her index finger to point to ASK for Something?	YES/NO
7.	Does your child ever use his/her index finger to point to indicate INTEREST something?	YES/NO
8.	Can your child play properly with small toys(e.g. Cars or bricks) without Just mouthing, finding, or dropping them?	YES/NO
9.	Does your child ever bring objects over to you (parent) to SHOW you Something?	YES/NO

[If the answer to two or more of items 2,4,5,7 and 9 above is 'NO' then autism is suspected except in the presence of severe generalized developmental delays].

B] INTERVIEWER'S OBSERVATION

1.	During the appointment, has the child made eye contact with you?	YES/NO
2.	Get child's attention, then point across the room at an interesting object and say Oh, look There's a(name a toy)!'Watch child's face. Does the child look across to see what you are pointing at?	YES/NO
3.	Get the child's attention, then hive child a miniature toy cup and teapot and say, 'can you make a cup of tea?' Does the child pretend to pour out tea, drink it, etc.?	YES/NO
4.	Say to child, 'Where's the light?' or 'Show me the light. Does the child POINT with his/her index finger at the light?	YES/NO

[If the answer to two or more of the above is 'no,' autism is suspected]

1) (To record YES on this item, ensure the child has simply looked at your hand, but has actually looked at the object you are pointing at.)

2) (if you can elicit an example of pretending in some other game, [such as take care of doll] score a YES on this item.)

3) (Repeat this with "where's the teddy?" or some other unreachable object if child does not understand the word 'light.' To record YES on this item, the child must have looked up at your face around the time of pointing.)

Note: the "red flag" items from Section A are numbers 2,4,5,7 & 9

MODIFIED CHECKLIST KNOWN AS M-CHAT (AUTISM)

INSTRUCTION:

Please fill out the following about how your child usually is. Please try to answer every question. If the behavior is rare (e.g.. you've seen it once or twice), please answer as if the child does not do it.

1.	Does your child enjoy being swung bounced on your knee, etc?	YES/NO
2.	Does your child take an interest in other children?	YES/NO
3.	Does your child like climbing on things, such as up stairs?	YES/NO
4.	Your child enjoy playing peek-a-boo/hide and seek?	YES/NO
5.	Does your child ever pretend, for example to talk on the phone or take care of a Doll or pretend other things?	YES/NO
6.	Does your child ever use his or her index finger to point, to ask for something?	YES/NO
7.	Does your child ever use his or her index finger to point, to indicate interest in Something?	YES/NO
8.	Can your child play properly with toys (e.g. cars or bricks) without just mouthing, Finding or drooping them?	YES/NO
9.	Does your child ever bring objects over to you (parent) to show you something?	YES/NO
10.	Does your child look you in the eye for more than a second or two?	YES/NO
11.	Does your child ever seem oversensitive to noise (e.g. plugging ears)	YES/NO
12.	Does your child smile in response to your face or your smile?	YES/NO
13.	Does your child imitate you? (e.g. you make a face will your child imitate it?)	YES/NO
14.	Does your child respond to his/her name when you call?	YES/NO
15.	If you point at a toy across the room, does your child look at it?	YES/NO
16.	Does your child walk?	YES/NO
17.	Does your child look at things you are looking at?	YES/NO
18.	Does your child make unusual finger movements near his/her face?	YES/NO
19.	Does your child try to attract your attention to his/her own activity?	YES/NO
20.	Have you ever wondered if your child is deaf?	YES/NO
21.	Does your child something's stare at nothing or wander with no purpose?	YES/NO
22.	Does your child sometimes stare at nothing or wander with no purpose?	YES/NO
23.	Does your child look at your face to check your reaction when faced with Something unfamiliar?	YES/NO

Useful links

www.autism-india.org
www.ashaforautism.com
www.sangath.com
www.kpamrc.com
www.worldautism.org
www.teacch.com
www.nas.uk.org

Quick Links

Ought to know Autism

What is Autism ?

Ought to know Autism

Red Flags

Treatment Options

Institutions

Courses

Library

Support groups

Schools

Sports / Arts

Stories

The Chat Section :

A] ASK PARENT

B] INTERVIEWER'S OBSERVATION

MODIFIED CHECKLIST KNOWN AS M-CHAT (AUTISM)

INSTRUCTION:

Useful links