A study has found every one in 68 children has Autism Spectrum Disorder. Dr Manish Samnani tells you symptoms to look out for
Verbal behaviour is popularly known as VB, is a method of teaching language that focuses on the idea that a meaning of a word is found in their functions. Children with autism frequently present with a spectrum of verbal behaviour abilities. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) occurs in every racial and ethnic group, and across all socioeconomic levels. However, autism is more common in boys and a common myth in general population and or also in general medical practitioners is that generally, boys speak late.
People with ASD usually continue to need services and supports as they get older, but depending on severity of the disorder, people with ASD may be able to work successfully and live independently or within a supportive environment. According to a latest research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that one in 68 children has ASD. Even, children with ASD may seem different, especially when compared to other children their own age.
They could become overly focused on certain objects, barely make eye contact, and more often fail to engage in typical babbling with their parents. In few cases, children may develop normally until the second or third year of life, but then start withdrawing and become indifferent to social engagement.
Children with autism may speak with huge inconsistency or without relating to the person or context. Continuous self-talking or intrapersonal conversation is common in autism and is frequently thought of as verbal behaviour or speech.
On the other hand, children with autism repeats the question asked rather than giving an answer which means they don’t understand the question.
However, the difficulties need to be started as soon as it is screened and or present as part of the diagnosis. There are various approaches to treat verbal behaviour but the most recommended are the ones that work on overall social communication, rather than articulation or learning of sounds.
Teaching verbal behaviour may include treating the underlying issues of oral muscles not knowing how to act to create a sound, sensory systems receiving and giving appropriate inputs, receptive and expressive language and above all intended to communicate.
A team approach to working for verbal behaviour is recommended with professionals working from the fields of early interventionists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and remedial educators. Children who do not achieve verbal behaviour use augmentative alternative communication.
Augmentative and alternative communication methods can be unaided or aided, using objects or devices.
While medication can’t cure ASD or even treat its main symptoms, there are some that can help with related symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Antipsychotic medications are used to treat severe behavioral problems. Seizures can be treated with one or more anticonvulsant drugs. Medication used to treat people with attention deficit disorder can be used effectively to help decrease impulsivity and hyperactivity in people with ASD. Parents, caregivers, and people with autism should use caution before adopting any unproven treatments.
The writer is Centre Head, Moms Belief Soch, Gurugram