Autism Treatment in India

Anika Nair is a 28-month-old girl,...

Anika Nair is a 28-month-old girl, the only child of first-time parents who are both software engineers. Her parents, Priya and Raj, began noticing subtle differences when Anika was around 18 months old. She had met all her physical milestones early but was not responding to her name, made little eye contact, and had not developed any spoken words beyond babbling. She became intensely focused on lining up her toy cars in perfect rows and would have prolonged, inconsolable meltdowns if the routine of her day was disrupted. Her pediatrician, after a series of screenings, referred the family to a pediatric neurologist, Dr. Evans. Dr. Evans conducted a comprehensive evaluation over several appointments, observing Anika's play, social engagement, and communication. He formally diagnosed Anika with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). He recommended a multi-faceted treatment plan centered on early intensive behavioral intervention (EIBI), specifically Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, for 25 hours a week. He also suggested speech and occupational therapy, and provided resources for parental training. The initial weeks of therapy were emotionally draining for the family; Anika resisted the new structure and her parents grappled with guilt and anxiety. However, after four months, small breakthroughs began. Anika started using a few picture cards to communicate her needs, her eye contact improved, and her meltdowns decreased in frequency and intensity. While her journey is ongoing, the diagnosis and structured plan provided a roadmap. Priya and Raj moved from a place of fear and confusion to one of empowered advocacy, focusing on their daughter's strengths and celebrating each new skill she acquires.