Knowing autism, making resource!
The term autism or Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD) is a chronic developmental disability with combination of sensory-motor and behavioural characteristics along with cognitive disabilities. It is a severely handicapped group of disorders characterised by delays in the development of basic functions including socialisation and communication. It begins at birth or within the first 2 ½ years of life. It is 2 to 4 times more common in boys than girls. There are five main feature that make sure the diagnosis of autism. These include disturbance in relation of person and object, disturbance in communication, disturbance in sensory processing, disturbance in functional motility, and disturbance in normal development of a child. No drug or other treatment can "cure" autism, but early and intensive treatment of abnormal sensation, behavioural and communication difficulties have been shown to lead to significant improvement. Here occupational therapists can play significant role in autism management. Occupational therapist uses various treatment approaches like Sensory Integration, neuro-developmental, occupational role and functioning, sensory diet (variety of activity and adaptations) and behavioural modification. Although it is not curable but appropriate early educational intervention, sensory integration, family support and in some cases medication help the children with PDD to live more normal life by improving sensory processing skills, social development and reduce undesirable behaviors. The writer is a child development & child disability management specialist and occupational therapist. Email: zuakanda@gmail.com
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments