Sunday, Jul 19, 2026 19:15 [IST]
Last Update: Sunday, Jul 19, 2026 13:31 [IST]
Parenthood is about raising the child you have, not the child you thought you'd have. Children are not meant to be moulded but understood and helped to unfold their unique potential. This is especially true for a child with autism.
A few weeks ago, my cousin Hema Di suggested, "Anupa, why don't you write something about autism to make parents aware so they can approach a clinician at the earliest? Do share your practical insights on handling an autistic child as well."
Children are often described as closest to God because they are untouched by human politics and family feuds. Around 1.8 to 2 million children between the ages of 2 and 9 years are affected by autism, and the actual number may be much higher due to inadequate awareness and delayed diagnosis.
As I am neither a paediatrician, neurologist nor psychiatrist, I first spent time reading and researching the subject before writing this article. While I do not claim to be an expert, my aim is to familiarise parents with the red flag signs of autism so that early diagnosis and intervention become possible.
Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that requires a multidisciplinary approach involving a paediatrician, neurologist, psychiatrist, speech therapist and behavioural therapist. As Dr David Rowland observed, autism is more of a brain anomaly than merely a developmental disorder.
Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental disability that affects a child's verbal and non-verbal communication, social interaction and behaviour. Symptoms usually appear before the age of three years and are characterised by repetitive or stereotyped patterns of behaviour.
There are five broad types of autism:
1. Classic Autism: The most severe form of autism and one of the leading childhood developmental disorders.
2. Asperger's Syndrome: Children usually have normal intelligence but may be highly sensitive to bright lights, loud sounds and have a low sensitivity to pain.
3. Rett Syndrome: More common in girls, children develop normally until 12 to 18 months of age before gradually losing motor and communication skills. Repetitive hand-wringing is a characteristic feature.
4. Childhood Disintegrative Disorder: Children appear to develop normally initially but begin losing previously acquired language, social and motor skills between 2 and 4 years of age.
5. Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS): Children do not exhibit all the typical features of autism or may develop symptoms after 36 months of age.
Some children with ASD may also have associated hearing, visual or intellectual impairments, along with conditions such as dyslexia (difficulty in reading and writing despite normal intelligence) and dyspraxia (difficulty in coordinating body movements).
A Special Child with Special Strengths
An autistic child is a unique child with remarkable
abilities. Many have excellent long-term memory, exceptional musical or
artistic talent, strong rote memory, or an aptitude for computers, puzzles and
mechanical skills. With patience, compassion and understanding, they can
develop valuable life, communication and social skills.
Research suggests that autism results from a combination
of genetic and environmental factors. The major risk factors include:
Early Diagnosis is the Key
Although diagnostic tools such as CARS, ADI, ADOS
and DISCO are used by specialists, the most important clues are the
child's early developmental milestones.
Parents should seek medical advice if a child below three
years does not respond to their name, avoids eye contact, rarely smiles, has
delayed speech, appears unusually sensitive or insensitive to sound or pain,
does not engage in pretend play, or repeatedly performs actions such as hand
flapping, rocking, head banging or spinning objects. Early diagnosis allows
timely speech therapy, behavioural intervention and better long-term outcomes.
Understanding an Autistic Child
Managing autism begins with understanding the child's behaviour rather than trying to change it abruptly.
Stereotyped behaviour: Repetitive actions such as hand flapping, rocking, tiptoeing, head nodding or making repetitive sounds often result from sensory differences. Some children are hypersensitive to noise, while others seek sensory stimulation. Parents should avoid forcing them to stop these behaviours unless they are harmful. Instead, provide a calm, low-noise environment and identify what triggers discomfort.
Here's the final part, condensed substantially while
preserving the essential nutritional guidance and conclusion.
Nutrition and the Way Forward
Nutrition plays an important role in managing autism, but
there is no universal diet. A child's nutritional needs vary according
to age, growth, activity level, digestive health and sensory preferences. Many
children with autism are sensitive to certain textures, colours, flavours and
smells, making meal planning highly individualised.
Some children may also have lactose or casein
intolerance. While diets such as the ketogenic diet or Fitelo Autism
Diet may benefit selected children, they should only be followed under the
guidance of a paediatrician or nutritionist, as prolonged food restrictions can
lead to nutritional deficiencies.
A balanced diet should emphasise whole grains, lean
proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables, and gut-friendly foods such as homemade
yoghurt where tolerated. Foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin B6 and
magnesium support brain health, while limiting processed foods, artificial
colours, excessive sugar and junk food may help improve behaviour in some
children.
Patience Makes the Difference
Autism is not a limitation but a different way of
experiencing the world. Early diagnosis, timely intervention, structured
therapy and, above all, patience, acceptance and unconditional love can
help an autistic child realise their full potential.
History offers inspiring examples of individuals believed
to have been on the autism spectrum, including Albert Einstein, Sir Anthony
Hopkins, Dan Aykroyd, Tim Burton and Bill Gates. Their achievements
remind us that autism is not an inability but a different ability. Given
understanding and the right support, every autistic child has the potential to
lead a meaningful and successful life.
With these edits, the original article has been reduced
by about 35–40%, making it more concise, readable and suitable for
publication while retaining its core message. One suggestion: since the article
now flows better, I'd recommend changing the title to "Patience: The
Cornerstone of Autism Management" instead of "Patience the
Cornerstone in the Management of Autism"—it's shorter, more natural
and more impactful.
Echolalia: Many autistic children repeat words or phrases immediately or after a delay. Rather than discouraging or scolding them, parents should recognise it as a stage in language development and respond with patience and gentle guidance.
Resistance to change: Children with autism thrive on routine and may become anxious when familiar people, places or objects change. Introduce new experiences gradually, whether it is a new caregiver, school routine, clothing or toy. Small, consistent changes help build adaptability and confidence.
Emotional sensitivity: Although they may express emotions differently, autistic children are highly sensitive. Avoid sarcasm, ridicule or harsh criticism. A calm, reassuring approach builds trust and reduces anxiety.
Associated conditions: Some children may also have Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Treatment should combine medical advice with behavioural therapy and occupational therapy rather than relying on medication alone.
Sensitivity to sound: Many autistic children experience hyperacusis, where everyday sounds seem painfully loud. They may cover their ears or hum to block out overwhelming noise. Keeping the environment quiet and speaking gently can greatly reduce their distress.
