Nandini and Mahesh’s journey into this world of autism began with the birth of their son, Chinmay. Since the start, he struggled immensely. The primary thing they noticed was that he appeared to be very restless. He was constantly agitated. He showed a lack of recognition in his eye. He didn’t eat. He didn’t sleep. With each passing day, they recognized more ‘warning’ characteristics of autism with repetitive behaviors, speech delays and much more. They then fixed an appointment with the doctors at Stepping Stones Paediatric Therapy Centre. The doctors there finally confirmed what they already knew: Chinmay has autism. Stepping Stones Paediatric Therapy Centre has been a pillar of strength in this journey for Nandini and Mahesh.

What is Autism?

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a wide scope of conditions described by difficulties with social abilities, repetitive behaviours, speech, and nonverbal communication. Autism is a spectrum disorder.  Every individual with autism has a distinct set of strengths and difficulties. Autism is a spectrum disorder and can manifest differently in different children. The manners in which individuals with autism learn, think and solve problems can range from profoundly gifted to severely challenged. Some individuals with ASD may require huge support in their everyday lives, while others may require less help and support and, in some cases, live completely independently.

Facts about autism:

  • Autism spectrum disorder affects nearly 1 in 68 children. Boys are 5 times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls.
  • Individuals with autism spectrum disorder may be exceptionally imaginative, creative and discover a passion and talent for music, theater, art, dance and singing quite effectively.

Symptoms of autism:

Symptoms of autism vary from individual to individual. The symptoms can include intense concentration on one item, poor engagement, lack of understanding gestures like communication or body language, repetitive movements, or self-injurious behavior like head-banging. The seriousness of the symptoms varies widely among individuals. Other possible symptoms may include learning to talk relatively late, not playing interactively with other children, and social withdrawal.

Children with ASD who have not developed adequate language abilities may act out like screaming or crying, to express their needs. It is important to note that individuals with ASD may vary in their degree of functioning. Not all people with ASD will encounter all of the symptoms listed.

Symptoms and signs to detect autism in children:

  • Poor eye contact
  • Inconsistent response to name
  • Sensory issues
  • Behavioral disturbances
  • Deficits in language comprehension
  • Delay in learning to speak
  • Monotonous speech; repetitive speech
  • Inappropriate social interaction
  • Lack of understanding social signs
  • Learning disability or difficulty
  • Not engaging in playing with others
  • Repeating words or phrasesor even echolalia
  • Poor repertoire of play skills and limited interests
  • Repetitive movements
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Social withdrawal

The kind of treatment a child receives for autism spectrum disorder relies upon his individual needs. They can incorporate various types of therapies to improve speech and conduct and more specifically sensory integration to deal with sensory issues.

We at Stepping Stones Paediatric Therapy Centre know and understand our duties. We are a private multidisciplinary pediatric practice, and a passionate group of occupational therapists, speech and language pathologists, physiotherapists, remedial educators, counsellors, clinical psychologists, and educational kinesiologists committed to providing holistic care as educational, therapeutic, and family-driven services for children who suffer from autism, have delays in development, disabilities and are in danger of both. Stepping Stones Paediatric Therapy Centre specializes inAutism intervention and Occupational therapy for kids on the Autism Spectrum

Occupational therapists at Stepping Stones Paediatric Therapy Centre work as part of a team that includes parents, teachers, and other professionals. They are experts in the social, emotional, and physiological impacts of autism and help parents understand and set specific goals for the child with autism. These goals include social interaction and communication, behaviour, and classroom performance. They help in the overall development of the child through daily interactions and activities. Occupational therapy may include a variety of strategies. These can help the child react and respond better to the environment.

These Occupational Therapy strategies include:

  • Strategies to enhance engagement and communication
  • Developmental approaches like Floor time, Pivotal Response Therapy and Discrete Trial Training to enhance engagement and reciprocity.
  • Sensory integration intervention to enhance the sensory modulation and praxis
  • Play activities to help with communication and interaction.
  • ADL training to enhance self-care like dressing, self-feeding, toilet activities etc
  • Adaptive strategies, incorporating adapting to changes.

Enrich your child’s life today with Stepping Stones Paediatric Therapy Center.

To know more visit us at www.steppingstonesptc.in