Early supportive therapy for autistic persons stressed
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, April 02 2025: JNIMS Psychiatry Department head and Indian Psychiatric Society, Manipur State Branch president Dr K Shantibala has stated that by providing early supportive therapy, individuals with autism could lead normal lives.

Manipur State Branch of Indian Medical Association (IMA), and Indian Psychiatric Society jointly observed World Autism Awareness Day on the theme "Advancing Neuro Diversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)" at the Heritage Hall of IMA, Lamphelpat on Wednesday.

Dr K Shantibala continued that autism is neurological development disorder and could be diagnosed in patients starting from a young age of 18 months.

Early supportive therapy for autistic persons stressed

However, parents/guardians tend to comprehend the health issue when the child is around three years of age due to delay in consulting with the doctor, she noted, adding that signs of autism include difficulty in maintaining eye contact or social communication, delayed or no response, strong preference for specific objects and inability to form or maintain friendships within same age groups.

Explaining that autism could be due to mutated genes or environmental toxins, the doctor said that while the condition caused by genetic problem may be difficult to prevent, the condition caused by environmental toxins can be prevented with pregnant women consuming nutritious organic products and adopting a healthier lifestyle.

Dr Shantibala then said that one out of 68 children is diagnosed with autism in the country.

Thus, parents should take their children to the hospital in timely manner to prevent the same and also avail early supportive treatment to allow them to live normal life in the future, she stressed.

The observance was attended by IMA Manipur president Dr Simpson Sareo as chief guest and RIMS Department of Psychiatry ex-head Dr S Gyaneshwar Sharma as guest of honour.

During the observance, Dr Jina H, Dr Y Sana Devi and Dr W Rebecca spoke on the topics "ASD - An Overview: Management of ASD" and "Role of clinical psychologist in ASD" as resource persons.