Exploring Health Situation of Indian Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Using Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) in an Urban Area of Odisha: A Case Study.

Abstract

Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex behavioural disorder in children with uncertain aetiology. Gastrointestinal metabolites have direct impact on brain function with possible role in its causation. Data on burden of Autism in India is sparse. The aim of the study was to determine the extent of social, communication and behavioural impairment among children suffering from ASD patientsin Odisha. A cross-sectional study design was used to assess 20 children with ASD in Odisha using an autism treatment evaluation checklist to understand the extent of social, communication and behavioural impairment in them. Of these, 72% children were diagnosed with ASD within 2 to 2.5 years of age and 38.9% patients suffered from diarrhoea together with constipation at the time of the study. There was moderate impairment in, subclasses I (Speech/language/ communication), II (sociability), III (sensory/ cognitive awareness) and overall score but mild impairment in subclass IV (i.e., health/ physical/behaviour). Possibly, the training programme of the school had positive impact on the behaviour and the health component. Severity of scores in subclasses was less in older children. There is need for training in order to improve the communication and social interaction domain of these children. This study has provided valuable insight into the health situation of children with ASD. The study has been carried out using ATEC checklist. It points towards the need for training in order to improve the communication and social interaction domain of these children. It also reinforces the necessity to carry out further studies to explore possible link of gastrointestinal metabolites in causing ASD and age related changes in ATEC score of these children.