Volume 2 Issue 5 May, 2012
❌ Autism is classified under Mental Retardation (MR).
✅ Autism spectrum disorders are distinct group of disorders classified separately under pervasive developmental disorders and MR is usually a comorbid condition in most of the cases.
❌ Medications are mainstay in the management of Autism.
✅ Parental education and training is mainstay in management of children with Autism and medications are used only
for comorbid conditions.
❌ Autism can be diagnosed by investigations like CT and MRI.
✅ Autism is diagnosed clinically in a child with abnormal functioning in all 3 areas of social interaction, communication and language and restricted repetitive behaviors.
❌ Only boys are affected with autism and child can be diagnosed at birth.
✅ Though boys are 3‐4 times more affected, autism is also seen in girls. Diagnosis can be made clearly before the age of 3 years according to WHO. But parents appear to be concerned and seek help when the child is 18‐24 months.
By Dr Nischith B K, Intern, AIMS
