Down The Memory Lane

Volume 7 Issue 4 April, 2017

Autism: Down the memory lane

During my post-graduation I had seen only 1 case of autism. As a faculty I saw the second case, an adult who was severely autistic. I knew nothing about autism. Seeing a friend struggle with her autistic son made me determined to learn more. I started attending training courses, workshops, conferences in autism and learnt more. I started running monthly sessions for parents in a group setting which are continue till date. The knowledge and skills which I have acquired have started helping children with autism. Five years ago, VG a 6 years old boy was brought to Child Guidance Clinic. He could recite ‘Gayatri Mantra’ and other verses but was unable to ask for food! He seemed aloof, no eye contact, no play and had echolalia. He went to a regular school where he had performance difficulties and had
difficulty making friends. Parents had never heard of autism and no therapies were available. They would travel about 100 km to our centre to learn therapy. His mother continued to learn and provide therapy diligently to him. VG being a quick learner started talking in the next 2 years but had difficulty in regulating conversation. He would tell every small detail to the neighbors! About one year ago he came for follow up and initiated conversation with me. It was such a moment of joy! Now he is performing well, understands emotions, empathizes with his mother. He still has some social difficulties; tone of his speech is high. A lot needs to be done in the field of autism, but fortunately many centers are opening up providing services.