Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Mar 23: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) presents unique challenges for children, parents and educators alike, with its impact on brain development leading to communication difficulties, according to psychologists.
Dr Nisar Ahmad Wani, Associate Professor at Degree College Bhallesa, Jammu, said that in the past, autism was misunderstood and rarely discussed in public. “However, a lot has changed, and we now have a better understanding of what autism truly is.”
He said ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting brain development, resulting in communication problems, social interaction difficulties, sensory processing differences and repetitive behaviour patterns.
Dr Wani clarified, “While challenging behaviours are common in autism, it is crucial to recognize that it is not a behavioural disorder; rather, it stems from lagging skills requiring additional support for adaptive responses in various environments.”
He explained the term “spectrum”, saying it is the wide range of challenges and abilities people with autism face. “Since the effects are so broad, no two individuals have the same challenges. The effects of ASD are lifelong impacting all areas of a person’s life. Additionally, no two individuals with autism are alike and may have significant differences in skills across multiple domains. However, autistic individuals can and do often live very fulfilling lives,” he said.
Regarding assessment and diagnosis, Dr Nisar stressed the importance of gathering information from multiple sources, including educators, parents, ASD specialists, and medical professionals, to develop a comprehensive profile of the individual.
Symptoms of autism include a lack of response to one’s name, difficulty following gestures, and abnormal speech patterns, among others, Dr Wani said, adding that ASD affects various brain functions, including sensory processing, motor skills and communication.
Dr Chand Trehan, another psychologist, mentioned the challenges faced by children with ASD, including restlessness, sleep and eating difficulties, and meltdowns due to frustration or overstimulation. She said counselling is essential to address challenging behaviours, which can negatively impact autistic children and those around them.
“Children with ASD may encounter difficulties in social communication, adherence to routines, and may exhibit repetitive behaviours and self-injurious actions,” Dr Trehan explained. “Parents may face stress, communication barriers, and social isolation, necessitating support and understanding from the community.”
Both psychologists highlighted the importance of early intervention and tailored therapies to support individuals with autism and their families in navigating the challenges associated with the disorder.
