BAGUIO CITY (PIA) – Early detection of autism in children is crucial in the delivery of timely and effective medical, behavioral, educational and social services. Early intervention affords the best opportunity to support healthy development and deliver lifetime benefits for children with autism.
Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) Neurodevelopmental Pediatrician Dr. Eleanith Haya pointed out during the Department of Health Cordillera-led Kapihan media forum in the city on Jan. 9.
Haya said that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social and communication difficulties and restrictive and repetitive behavior, interest, or activities. It is common to children.
According to the World Health Organization, one in every 100 children have autism, and per the Center for Disease Control, one in every 36 children have autism.
Also, she said that children with ASD manifest persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction such as they do not respond to names, or show facial expressions, or play simple interactive games. They have few or no gestures, and do not share interest with others or keep eye contact.
Moreover, they do not notice when others are hurt or sad, they have trouble understanding other people’s feelings or talking about their own feelings, and show little interest in peers.
For restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interest or activities, children with ASD line up toys or other objects and get upset when order is changed, repeat words or phrases over and over, play with toys the same way every time, get upset by minor changes, and have obsessive interest.
They follow certain routines: flap hands, rock body or spin self in circles, and have unusual reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste, look or feel, she added.
Haya advised parents or guardians on the importance of screening and surveillance, as it will lead to early identification of children at risk. Earlier evaluation and initiation of intervention will lead to improved outcomes.
Diagnosis of ASD is made on the basis of clinical symptoms, so when signs of autism manifest, it is important for the children to undergo developmental surveillance, screening, evaluation and interventions.
Dr. Haya shared that for behavioral interventions, there is the Applied Behavioral Analysis and for developmental interventions are occupational therapy, speech therapy, sensory and processing intervention.
There are also educational, social-relational, pharmacological and psychological interventions that can help children with autism in their growing life, she added.
Autism Consciousness Week is being observed every third week of January. **JDP/CCD-PIA CAR