Question : What is Autism ?

Answer   : Autism affects the way the brain processes information and prevents individuals from properly understanding what they see, hear and otherwise sense. Symptoms range from a mild learning and social disability to a sever impairment. That is why autism is known as a ‘spectrum’ disorder. It’s a lifelong developmental disability, which typically appears during the first three years of life.

Question : What causes autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) ?

Answer   : No single specific causes of autism is known though current research links autism to biological or neurological differences in the brain. We know with certainly that autism is not a result of poor parenting family income, life style or educationaly levels.

Question : How can we recognize someone with Autism?

Answer   : An autistic child looks like any other normal child but has distinctive and unusual behavior and speech pattern. He or She may; 01. Repeat or echo words and questions, reverse ‘ You” and “I” , express needs rather than emotions. 02. Not interacts with peer. Prefers to be alone. 03. Repeat the same activity for a long period of time. 04. Enjoy rocking, spinning and hand flapping. 05. Appear to be hyperactive. 06. Be sensitive to sound or touch. 07. Become upset for no apparent reason. 08. Prefer routine and structure, dislike change. 09. Avoid eye contact.

Question : What are the steps to be taken for their improvement?

Answer   : 01. Early Diagnosis. 02. Early Intervention. 03. Occupational Therapy (as required). 04. Special Schooling. 05. Rehabilitation.

Question : What is Cerebral Palsy (CP)?

Answer   : Cerebral Palsy is the name given to a group of conditions in which there are disorder of movement or posture caused by damage to areas of the brain which control mussels.

Question : What are the causes of CP?

Answer   : In many cases the causes of CP can’t be identified with certainty. It is known, however, that the developing brain may be damaged by exposure to certain infections during pregnancy (such as Rubella or German measles) or during infancy (such as Meningitis). Other causes including, bleeding in the brain, lack of oxygen to the brain, low blood sugar levels, sever jaundice or an injury during or short after birth.

Question : What are the types of CP?

Answer   : a. Spastic. b. B. Athtoid. c. C. Ataxie.

Question : What are the sign of CP?

Answer   : Each child with CP is affected differently and the difficulties in controlling posture and movement may vary from being hardly noticeable to very obvious. Some children may have little more than a slight limp while others have difficulties crawling, walking, talking or using their hands and some may not be able to sit up unaided. Children with severe CP may require life long care and support.

Question : What types of treatment required?

Answer   : There is no cure for CP. However , with a detailed assessment of the child’s problems and a combination of skilful , patient rehabilitation in partnership with all cares , a great deal can be achieved to minimize the secondary problems, which develop a the child gets older. This allows the child to achieve their maximal potential. Appropriate active management from an early age enables many children to lead a full and reasonably independent life. The combined efforts of relevant doctors, therapist, parents, special educator is required to fully achieve the set goals. The parents should be closely involved in the process and the decision made about the child.