‘Autism affects speech, movement and behaviour’

Challenges posed by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) highlighted on occasion of World Day of Children’s Nervous Diseases

ABBOTTABAD:

Head of Psychiatry Department Ayub Medical Complex (AMC) Abbottabad Professor Dr Aftab Alam Khan has highlighted the challenges posed by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) on the occasion of the World Day of Children’s Nervous Diseases.

He expressed these views while addressing an awareness seminar at AMC. Dr Khan said ASD, a mental developmental disorder affecting speech, movements, and behaviours, has seen a significant rise in prevalence over the past two decades.

Citing data from the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr Khan noted that one in every 100 children globally is diagnosed with ASD, with a particularly rapid increase observed in some regions such as the United States, where one in 35 children is affected.

While the exact causes of ASD remain unidentified, the medic pointed to several factors including genetic predisposition, advanced parental age, prenatal exposure to certain medications, and environmental influences.

He highlighted the profound impact of ASD, noting that 40% of affected children struggle with speech, with many exhibiting delayed speech development until around 18 to 25 months of age.

Emphasising the importance of early diagnosis, the head of the Psychiatry department stated that most cases are identified by the age of three, underscoring the need for timely intervention and support.

Despite the absence of specific medications and treatments, Dr Khan stressed the potential for positive outcomes through early diagnosis and tailored therapies, which can help alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life for affected individuals.

In light of these challenges, he urged governmental efforts to establish specialised autism centres, ensuring equitable access to treatment facilities for all residents of Pakistan.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 9^th, 2024.