In a bid to bring persons, particularly kids with autism in the mainstream, the Government has prepared a draft notification envisaging issuance of disability certificate to them which would also help them avail the facilities, benefits or concessions under its available schemes. The move was long-awaited and much-needed.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a little-understood condition, is a lifelong neurological state typically appearing in the first three years of life. It is characterised by communication difficulties, social and behavioural challenges and repetitive behaviours. Since it often carries stigma, families mostly hesitate bringing such persons including child in the mainstream, depriving them from early treatment and normal development
In India, 10 million children have ASD and it affects 1 in every 66 children born today, according to a survey. However, there is no government data in this regard.
Concerned at the rise in number of cases, the Union Social Justice and Empowerment (SJE) Ministry has drafted guidelines for assessment of autism for the purpose of issuance of disability certificate in consultation with Union Health Ministry. "The State Governments too have been taken on board. This will also keep a track on number of persons with autism in the country," said a senior official from the SJE Ministry.
"The notification is under consideration of the Minister," he added.
If given go ahead, which is likely to happen soon, persons with autism can avail benefits similar to those categories of disabilities identified in the Persons with Disabled Act (PwDs).
The diagnostic tool has been prepared by the International Clinical Epidemiologly Network (INClEN) to detect autism at an earlier age while assessment procedure has been developed by the Indian Scale of Assessment of Autism (ISSA). A medical board of training medical professionals will be set up in each state to detect the persons with autism, as per the draft.
The screening tool for ASD offers a quick way to assess a person showing sign of autism or child's mental health. It involves a checklist of 40 test items grouped under six domains that measure signs of autism. Children whose scores show a higher likelihood of autism will be issued disability certificate.
The need for such a tool has been regularly felt as presently there is no cure for the disorder and early detection and treatment during toddler and preschool years will help reduce its effects and improve a child's development. So far, diagnosis has been difficult due to use of different diagnostic criteria.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates disease burden for autism from 10 per cent to 14 per cent over the period 1990 to 2011. It is expected to rise to 15 per cent by 2020.