Author name: kambleabhijeet74@gmail.com

Could one evaluation unleash a child’s potential and open doors to a world of endless possibilities? Guided by this motto, our RCI-certified rehabilitation psychologist, Mrs Sarmishtha Bhattacharya, along with her team members Shaireen Ali and Trisha Chakraborty, embarked on a mission at Riddhi Society for Remedial and Integrated Education and Sanchar in Kolkata.  The aim was to continue IAC’s strong commitment to helping individuals with different neurodevelopmental issues through neurodevelopmental assessments and intervention, regardless of their financial situation. At Riddhi Society, the psychologists created detailed diagnostic reports using assessments like Conners-3, Raven’s Progressive Matrices, MISIC, the Vineland Social Maturity Scale, etc. Such assessments generate reports that provide concise and vetted information about their behaviour, development, and cognitive functioning.  Therefore, we can reflect on the individual’s description of abilities and challenges and formulate suitable interventions. But, unlike Riddhi, the visit to Sanchar had a different objective: to establish a library of educational and therapeutic resources for their students. These students come from families living below the poverty line and are unable to afford a standard lifestyle, adequate nutrition, neuro-developmental therapy or any assistive technology to help with their neurodiverse challenges.  Thus, creating a comprehensive repository of data on the student’s capabilities and difficulties can support the creation of the library. So, the diagnostic assessments were mainly for mental age detection including DST, VSMS, and Cattel’s “g” test: scale1. The reports served as a tool for planning and procuring the required materials.  The collected data and the educational plans drawn out of these visits bridge the gap between the “haves” and “have nots” among the neurodiverse children in Bengal. 

Introduction A study conducted in the US, between 2006-2016, with 4000+ autistic children showed that – only 47% of them had received early autism spectrum treatment. But, early detection and early intervention are important for individuals with autistic spectrum disorder. It has long-term positive effects on them and improves their quality of life. Early interventions also help them lead an independent life in many cases. In this blog, we will discuss what early intervention is. We will also go over why timing is so crucial for autism treatments. Understanding autism spectrum disorder Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects how a person understands and interacts with the world. It’s said to be a spectrum because it has a wide range of symptoms and levels of severity.  Some children with ASD face challenges with communicating and expressing themselves. At the same time, others struggle with how to behave in social setups. The diversity within the spectrum makes early diagnosis and personalised autism spectrum treatment even more essential. More than 18 million people in India have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. With such a high prevalence, understanding the importance of early intervention is critical. It will benefit parents, caregivers, educators, and society as a whole. We can build a more inclusive and accepting environment the more we understand different aspects of ASD.

Autism is a complex neurological condition that affects millions of children worldwide. As parents, caregivers, and educators, understanding and effectively managing autistic behaviour is crucial in ensuring a child’s growth, development, and overall well-being.  In this blog, we’ll explore 10 valuable tips for managing autistic child behaviour, using strategies derived from applied behaviour analysis for autism and other evidence-based approaches.  By following these guidelines, you can promote a supportive and nurturing environment for children on the autism spectrum. Educate Yourself About Autistic Behavior The first step in effectively managing autistic behaviour is to educate yourself about autism. Understanding the condition, its symptoms, and how it affects behaviour is crucial. An essential tool in this process is the autism behaviour checklist, a comprehensive resource that helps identify specific behaviours associated with autism. Armed with this knowledge on autistic children behaviour, you can tailor your strategies to address your child’s unique needs. Seek Professional Guidance Autism is a complex disorder, and seeking professional guidance from a behavioural therapist or an expert in applied behaviour analysis for autism (ABA) is invaluable. ABA therapy is one of the most widely used interventions for managing autistic behaviour. It focuses on identifying target behaviours and using positive reinforcement to encourage desired actions while minimising undesirable behaviours. Consulting with a trained therapist can provide you with valuable insights and create a personalised plan for controlling behaviour in autism. Create a Structured Environment Autistic children often thrive in structured environments. Implement a daily routine that includes specific times for activities such as meals, autism therapy sessions, and play. Clear schedules can help autistic children understand what to expect, reducing anxiety and behavioural challenges. These are some of the crucial autistic child behaviour management methodologies that can help the parents and caregivers offer a constructive environment for their autistic children while letting the latter thrive at all times.  Use Visual Supports Visual supports, such as visual schedules, social stories, and visual cues, can be powerful tools for managing autistic behaviour. These aids help children understand and process information more effectively. For example, using visual schedules can provide a clear visual representation of daily routines, reducing stress and confusion.