Ludhiana: “The role of parents and guardians is very important in the treatment of children affected with autism. In fact, parents are the real therapists for children affected by autism,” said Dr. Atul Madaan, Managing Director and Clinical Psychologist of Care for Autism Ludhiana Center while addressing the parents of autism affected children and the general public in the parent training program organized at the Care for Autism Centre.
Dr. Atul Madaan in his address said that autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder, which affects the communication, social interaction and behavior of the child. This problem usually becomes apparent in the first three years of a child’s life.
He said that it is very important for the parents to be trained to deal with this situation, because the child spends most of his time with his parents or guardians. Therefore, it is essential that parents are informed about the symptoms of autism, its treatment and the techniques required caring the child.
Dr. Madaan further explained that the role of parents in the treatment of autism is not limited to just taking care of the physical and mental health of the child, but they also play an important role in enhancing the social development and self-reliance of the child. He said that parents should be taught how they can incorporate the child’s daily activities as part of therapy. For example, communicating with the child, teaching through play, and recognizing his or her small achievements promote self-confidence and a tendency to learn.
Dr. Atul Madaan said that no matter how skilled and expert the professionals are in the treatment of autism, good results cannot be achieved if there is no support from the parents. He also said that care of parents alone or treatment by professionals alone is not enough. Instead, only the combined efforts of parents and professionals can bring about positive changes in a child’s development.
During the program, a large number of parents and others participated and gained information about autism. Parents believed that this is the first time that they have seen that parents are being trained before the treatment of children affected with autism. Describing this effort as extremely commendable, he said that this type of initiative can bring revolutionary changes in the treatment of autism. It is worth noting that autism is a condition that occurs in children and if treated timely and properly, the chances of improving the quality of life of children are quite high.
The important thing is that the symptoms of autism start becoming evident around the age of one and a half years of the child. Therefore, it is mandatory to start its treatment before the age of 5 years. If treatment is delayed at this stage, the condition can become more complicated, which can have a negative impact on the child’s development.
The event featured special guest Dr. Gurpreet Singh Kochar, a renowned pediatric neurologist who specializes in the treatment of neurological disorders in children. While answering the questions of the parents present, he said that if medicines are given properly and under the supervision of a doctor, then they are very helpful in controlling hyperactivity and anger of children. Along with this, he said that the effect of therapy is also more positive, which increases the chances of improvement of children.