Centre for Autism Surpasses 1000 Enrolments

Centre of Excellence for Persons with Autism

• Establishment: Launched on December 5, 2024, located at the Government Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, K.K. Nagar.
• Current Enrollment: Over 1,050 children have enrolled in the center within 18 months, serving nearly 100 persons daily with 8-10 new patients registering each day.
• Initial Support: Funded by the National Health Mission, Tamil Nadu.

Services and Facilities:

• Plans to introduce additional services including:
  • Physical education
  • Pre-vocational training for children under 18
  • Vocational training for adults
  • Infrastructure enhancements, such as a swimming pool for hydrotherapy and a sensory park.

Therapeutic Approach:

• Screening Process: Utilizes the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers for initial screening (standard practice in Western countries).
• Diagnosis: Confirmed by psychiatrists and psychologists using the Indian Scale for Assessment of Autism and Childhood Autism Rating Scale-2.
• Therapeutists Involved: Includes pediatricians, psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, special educators, and physiotherapists.

Skills Development:

• Daycare Services: Operated in collaboration with the Madhuram Narayanan Centre for Exceptional Children, enrolling 25 children aged 1.5 to 8 years.
• Skill Training:
  • 200 skills for children under three
  • 600 skills for children aged three to eight, covering tasks like independent eating, fastening clothes, and writing.

Comorbidities in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD):

• Studies indicate that about 30% to 70% of ASD cases accompany ADHD. Other common comorbid conditions include depression, anxiety, and sleeping issues.

Technology and Development:

• The center is developing a mobile application to help track therapy sessions and goals for therapists and parents.
• Upcoming vocational training includes courses in block printing, fireless cooking for youths, and computer skills and tailoring for adults.

Outreach:

• The center attracts individuals not only from across the State but also from international locations such as Canada and the Middle East.

This initiative emphasizes enhancing healthcare and training services for persons with autism, promoting awareness, and integrating technology for better management and support of Autism Spectrum Disorder.