It has been observed that the earlier the intervention is, the more quicker the results are. We have seen cases where the child (age 23 months) was diagnosed Autistic at an Institute of Psychological studies .The Parents were totally unknown about Autism and were taken by a complete shock when the psychologist told them about this. They learnt about our centre and came to meet me.  First step towards therapy of a child is to counsel the parents and help them in their process to absorb the shock and accept the child for he/she is. In this case the father seemed to be reluctant and not was in the state of denial. The Parents were first made to believe that the test administered positive at the Psychological institute might not be wrong, but what matters is that there is a way to bridge the gap of his developments. The parents were told that there are no medicines to Autism, which I agreed to but then I inculcated a trust that the ONLY MEDICINE IS EARLY INTERVENTION. The mother seemed to develop faith and the Therapy started.

Occupational Therapy, Sensory Integration Therapy and Parent Counselling.

I somehow also believe that along with Early intervention the feelings and emotions of Parents have to be equally nurtured in a positive direction so as to motivate the parents .

REMEMBER THE THERAPIST CAN IMPART THERAPY ONLY ONCE A DAY FOR A MAXIMUM OF AN HOUR BUT THE PARENT IS WITH THE CHILD 24 BY 7.

If the parent is shown the right way to work with child and if the parent is self motivated then the child can do wonders.

Case history files: The above child who came to me at 23 months indicated the following

• Lack of Eye contact
• Meaning less play
• Running all over the place
• Hitting self
• Shouting aloud
• No meaning full word
• Asocial
• Does not register or identify parents or any known person
• Would not follow any commands
• Does not eat properly
• Gets irritated with loud sounds

These are just a few to mention

Therapists along with the Parents made an IEP for the child along with a home program. The parent was advised to do the maximum number of activities they could in a day in a play way method, and would tick the number of activities they could do in a day.

“A chart is created with activities like scribbling, colouring,  jumping, cutting, sand play, water play etc… and the parent ticks all activities done by them on that day”.

Such basic playful home based play programs initially motivates the parents to work with the child and also makes the parent child bond stronger because now the child is spending more time with the parent.

After about a month the child gained sitting tolerance. The therapy started becoming intense and the the child started overcoming the hurdles. His age gap with the normal developmental milestone started decreasing. He started giving more eye contact. It has been more than 6 months and now the child attends both speech therapy and occupational therapy. The child is able to recognize personalities like Mr.NarenraModi, Martin Luther etc.Thechild  will go to a normal school after the Diwali session. While his admission the parents discussed with the school about his history and the school was shocked that the child had only a few “SYMPTOMS OF AUTISM”.

Again I would like to draw your attention to the fact that this does mean that the struggle ends here.. Constant therapy to overcome all the hurdles during inclusion in the school or any other environment has to be given. The parents are also firm to continue the sessions as and when required. Though it is too early to say but if this child develops Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia then special education will be needed. But in any case the chances Of Inclusive education are higher and the child will be able to make friends and enjoy life in an Inclusive environment in the future.

The parent is counselled to make life inclusive for the child eg

• Talk to the other parents of the children around same age group and create awareness
• Arrange play dates for the child.
• Discuss with the school about the Childs concerns
• Take schools advices positively and arrange a shadow teacher if required

       {Remember school is ready to help but school has its own constraints.}

Take the child to all the relatives place and public places. Initially the child might throw tantrums due to sensory concerns but gradually the child will learn to adjust. The key is to keep trying and not give up.