‘Autism still mistaken for mental retardation’

Manish (name changed) is a 19-year-old, who was good in studies and extremely energetic. When he was in Class 2, his hyperactivity and boisterousness became too much for his teachers to handle. Diagnosed with mild autism, he was soon shifted to a special school and he just sat for his Class 10 exams this year. His mother Salini says that Manish is just like any other boy till he tries to express himself. “He invites stares from the public when he shows his excitement. It is very unsettling for a mother to go through the experience. I stay away from crowded places,” she adds.

Anita Mahesh has similar experiences, each time she and her 22-year-old son Mithun (name changed) venture out. “Some even ask me why I don’t leave him at home? It is extremely disheartening when people think he has a mental disability,” she says. 

Experts say that Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in India is more common than we know. It is said that among children aged five and below, the incidence is one in a 100. However, late diagnosis continues largely due to missing the early signs. Lack of awareness also results in late initiation of therapy or rehabilitation, points out Dr K Lakshminarayanan, paediatric neurologist, Fortis Malar Hospital, who says that while autism is a fairly known term, many still mistake it for a mental disability. He adds, “There is not one test or scan to confirm autism. You need clinical diagnosis supported by psychological scales,” he says.

Nandini Santhanam, co-founder, The Lotus Foundation, that works with children with autism, says there is awareness, but the meaning and definition of it are evolving. 

For many mothers, the lack of understanding has prompted them to take up the task of learning about the disorder themselves. Like Girija Sriram, a special educator, who took to training after her daughter was diagnosed with the condition in the mid-80s. So, has Rekha Supriya, to help her son cope with autism. 

Nandini says, “Educational institutions are changing to fit in our kids but a lot still needs to be done to be able to fulfil their needs.”