Routine immunizations can help detect autism early: Expert explains how

A pediatric neurologist at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, said healthcare workers could enable early detection of autism by identifying specific red flags for autism during routine immunizations. Taking to social media platform X, Dr Shefali Gulati, Professor and Faculty In-charge of Child Neurology Division, Department of Paediatrics, AIIMS Delhi explained what autism is and how it can be identified early. “Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social deficits and standard impairments in communication, as well as certain fixed interests and behaviors,” Gulati said. He noted that the condition “comes with some fixed patterns of interest, and these may have sensory problems”.

He explained how to identify autism in a child within 2 years. “If a 6-month-old is not responding to his name or has not started babbling by one year; if he is not saying words by 16 months; is not saying two words by 24 months. or few words. forgetfulness, then autism may be suspected,” Gulati said. “It’s important for us to look for autism-specific red flags as well as all developmental milestones whenever children come in for immunizations.” Gulati said, stressing the importance of early intervention in this disorder.

She added that much of the early intervention in behavioral therapy involves some medication “that can help them.
Development will improve in the future.” He urged people to embrace the diversity brought by children with autism and start acceptance at home. “We have to keep in mind that these children with autism remain Different from children. Everyone has a different diversity that has to be embraced.

When we talk about social inclusion, it should start at home, then school and society. Gulati said children with autism “have as much right to a dignified life as anyone else” and urged people to “move forward with humanity.”

Also Read: World Autism Awareness Day: 7 Tips to Reduce Risk of Autism in Children

A recent study published in The Lancet Psychiatry journal shows that autism is a significant health burden in India. The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors (GBD) 2021 study, shows that there were 708.1 cases of ASD per 100,000 people in India in 2021. Of these, 483.7 were female, while 921.4 were male. About 140 per 100,000 people suffer from ill health and disability due to ASD in India in 2021. Globally, an estimated 61.8 million people, or one in every 127 people in 2021, were autistic.