World Autism Awareness Day: Ahmedabad Doctors Leading the Way in Research

Newz Daddy Healthcare Updates

Summary of The Story

• World Autism Awareness Day is observed every year on April 2 to spread awareness about autism and its treatment.
• Doctors from Ahmedabad, Gujarat, have made significant contributions to autism research, improving early diagnosis and treatment.
• More than 100 needy children will receive free autism therapy worth ₹10 lakh annually.
• Autism affects 1 in 36 children worldwide, making it more common than diseases like cancer, diabetes, and HIV.
• Early diagnosis before age four increases the chances of recovery by 90%.
• Autism is a neurological disorder that affects speech, social interactions, and behaviour.
• Common symptoms include delayed speech, lack of eye contact, repetitive behaviours, and sensitivity to sounds.
• Autism is diagnosed through observations, parental questionnaires, and evaluations by specialists like pediatric neurologists and child psychiatrists.
• Causes are still not fully known, but research suggests genetic factors, infections during pregnancy, pollution, and metabolic disorders may contribute.
• Homeopathy is widely used to treat autism, while allopathic medicine provides limited options like Risperidone for hyperactivity.
• Treatment includes homoeopathy, speech therapy, behavioural therapy (ABA), a strict diet (GFCF), and physical exercises like running and swimming.
• Famous landmarks worldwide, including Burj Khalifa, Eiffel Tower, and Sydney Opera House, light up in blue to mark Autism Awareness Month.
• The WHO recognizes April as Autism Awareness Month to promote global understanding and support for autistic individuals.

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World Autism Awareness Day: Ahmedabad Doctors Make a Big Impact on Autism Research

Autism is one of the most common neurological disorders affecting children worldwide. With 1 in 36 children diagnosed with autism, it is more prevalent than serious diseases like cancer, diabetes, and HIV. Every year on April 2, the world observes World Autism Awareness Day to spread knowledge about autism, its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Doctors from Ahmedabad, Gujarat, have played an important role in improving the early detection and treatment of autism. Their research has gained global recognition, helping children with autism live better lives.

In a remarkable initiative, Dr. Jayesh Seth from the Institute of Human Genetics and Dr. Ketan Patel, a homeopathy specialist, announced that starting this year, over 100 needy children will receive free autism treatment. The total budget for this initiative is ₹10 lakh per year, covering genetic tests, therapies, and specialized treatments.

Doctors across Gujarat, including allopathic, homeopathic, and ayurvedic specialists, are working together to improve autism treatments. Their combined efforts aim to provide better therapies and early intervention strategies.

Dr. Harsh Patel, a Pediatric Neurologist, emphasizes that early detection before the age of four significantly improves the chances of recovery. He states that 90% of children diagnosed early can recover, while 10% may struggle due to conditions like Metabolic or Mitochondrial Neuropathy.

What is Autism?

Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurological disorder that affects a child’s ability to communicate, interact, and behave in a typical way. It can be identified between 18 to 24 months of age and impacts the brain, nervous system, and digestive health.

Common Symptoms of Autism

• Delayed speech or no speech at all.
• Lack of eye contact with parents or family members.
• Prefers to play alone instead of engaging with other children.
• Unusual reactions like laughing or crying without any reason.
• Repetitive behaviour such as spinning, jumping, or waving fingers.
• Sensitivity to loud noises like vacuum cleaners, mixers, or firecrackers.
• Throws things, screams, or self-harms by biting or hitting the head against walls.

If a child shows two or more of these signs, parents should consult a doctor for early diagnosis and intervention.

Autism cannot be detected using CT scans, MRI scans, PET scans, or EEG tests. Instead, doctors use a two-step process for diagnosis:

1. Developmental Screening:

   • Experts observe a child’s learning ability, speech, and facial expressions over time.

   • Parents answer scientifically designed questionnaires to assess developmental milestones.

2. Specialist Diagnosis:

   • Conducted by Developmental Pediatricians, Child Neurologists, Child Psychiatrists, and DAN (Defeat Autism Now) doctors.

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What Causes Autism?

Scientists are still researching the exact causes of autism, but possible factors include:

• Genetic disorders and family history of neurological conditions.
• Infections during pregnancy, such as Torch Infection.
• Hormonal imbalances, thyroid issues, and metabolic disorders.
• Environmental pollution in air, water, and food.
• Neurological conditions like epilepsy and seizure disorders.

Some researchers suggest that the MMR vaccine may trigger autism, but this remains a highly debated topic among medical professionals.

Treatment Options for Autism

Currently, allopathy does not have a cure for autism. However, several treatments help manage symptoms and improve the child’s quality of life.

1. Homeopathic Treatment

Doctors worldwide prefer homeopathy for their own autistic children. Homeopathy aims to balance the body’s natural processes, and after 9 months of treatment, many children show speech improvements.

2. Behavioral Therapy & Speech Therapy

• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy after 16 months of treatment helps children develop better social and learning skills.

• Speech therapy after 9 months helps improve communication abilities.

3. Diet Changes (GFCF Diet)

Children with autism benefit from a gluten-free, casein-free (GFCF) diet, which excludes:
❌ Milk & dairy products (curd, butter, cheese)
❌ Wheat-based foods (roti, biscuits)
✅ Alternatives: Almond/coconut milk, rice, and millet

4. Physical Activities

Encouraging children to:

• Run, cycle, swim, and skate

• Engage in vigorous physical exercises

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared April as Autism Awareness Month. During this time, famous landmarks across the world are lit up in blue to show solidarity with autistic individuals. These include:

🌍 Burj Khalifa (Dubai)
🌍 Eiffel Tower (France)
🌍 London Bridge (UK)
🌍 Sydney Opera House (Australia)
🌍 Pyramids of Giza (Egypt)

Autism is a growing concern, but with early diagnosis, specialized treatments, and awareness, children can lead healthier and happier lives. Doctors in Ahmedabad are taking a huge step forward in autism research and treatment, ensuring that more children receive the help they need.