#TGLIFE: The number of children with Autism is increasing alarmingly worldwide. What could be the possible reasons for this increase?
DR RAJADHYAKSHA: The reason for the increase remains unknown. Better diagnosis is one factor. Additionally, the umbrella that encompasses autism, a highly heterogeneous disorder with symptoms ranging from mild to severe, has grown. The cause remains unknown. Several factors including genetic, in combination with environmental either pre- or post-birth have been suggested to contribute to ASD.
Which is the most widely affected country?
I believe it is the US. However, this could be due to better diagnosis and medical reporting.
How best can parents be educated in dealing on day-to-day basis with their child with ASD?
It is a great emotional burden for parents to deal with children with ASD on a day-to-day basis. No two children with autism are alike, making it even more difficult for parents. So it is important to get to know one's child. For example, ASD children like routine, thus learning that and trying to stick to it can be helpful. Support groups that include other parents or ASD caregivers can also be greatly helpful at the educational and emotional level.
Can alternative therapies help?
One needs to be extremely cautious about alternative strategies for helping kids. It is not known if any of these can override the brain's mis-wiring. Strategies such as music and diet can dampen some of the symptoms, and could be helpful.
Could you highlight on the type of research work in India and abroad?
I am hoping to learn more about the ongoing research in India during my visit. In the US, major efforts are being poured into research in multiple areas including better diagnosis, particularly at earlier ages, biomarkers for diagnosis, genetic contribution, and development of animal models to better understand ASD. These models can also greatly aid in the development of therapeutic strategies.
Given the stigma that's attached to mental disorders in India, how do we get societal acceptance?
Stigma should be eliminated. Mental illness and childhood developmental disorders such as autism and intellectual disability are brain disorders. They have a biological basis. Without societal acceptance, progress in helping individuals suffering from these conditions will be slow. Children with ASD have many positive attributes. Awareness can aid in providing them with the appropriate help they need to learn in school and social environments. We can change the stigma by increasing awareness and educating the public.
As you point out that there are no effective diagnostic markers or pharmacological treatments. So how is this issue dealt with?
ASD research is key. Working with kids to learn about the heterogeneous nature of the condition and also conducting basic research. We now know that ASD is a result of neurons in the brain not communicating at the level of that seen in typically developing children. Thus, understanding ASD is very important. This can help us at many levels including our knowledge of how ASD kids learn and also to develop diagnostic markers and treatments.
