Early autism screening is very important for helping children with autism grow and learn. In India, more parents, teachers, and doctors are beginning to understand the importance of early screening and support. This article will help you learn about how autism is diagnosed in India, what kind of support is available, and how therapies can be done at home.

What Is Autism?

Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a developmental condition. It affects how a child communicates, behaves, and interacts with others. Some children with autism may not speak much. Others may repeat the same actions or have trouble understanding social situations.

The signs of autism can appear as early as 12–18 months. But in many cases in India, autism is not diagnosed until the child is 3–5 years old or even later. This delay can make it harder for the child to get the help they need.

Why Is Early Autism Screening in India Important?

Early autism screening in India helps in finding signs of autism in young children. This allows parents to start therapy early, which can make a big difference in the child’s development.

In the past, there was less awareness about autism screening India-wide. Many people thought children would “grow out of it.” But now, more doctors and parents know that early screening is the best way to support children with autism.

There are many tools used for early autism screening in India, such as:

• M-CHAT (Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers)

• INCLEN Diagnostic Tool for Autism Spectrum Disorder

• Clinical observations by child psychologists or developmental pediatricians

Parents are encouraged to watch for signs like:

• Lack of eye contact

• No response when called by name

• Delayed speech or no speech

• Repetitive actions like hand-flapping or rocking

Autism Support in India

After screening, if a child is diagnosed with autism, the next step is to start support services. Autism support in India is improving. In big cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai, there are many autism centers. These centers offer therapy, assessments, counseling, and special education.

But families in small towns or rural areas may find it hard to get the same support. Thankfully, online programs, mobile apps, and teletherapy are now helping reach more families.

Types of autism support in India include:

• Speech Therapy: Helps children learn to talk and express themselves.

• Occupational Therapy: Teaches daily living skills and helps with sensory problems.

• Behavioral Therapy: Helps reduce unwanted behaviors and teaches social skills.

• Parent Training Programs: Helps parents learn how to support their child at home.

Some well-known autism support organizations in India include:

• Action for Autism (AFA)

• National Trust (under Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment)

• Ummeed Child Development Center

• Tamahar Trust

• PlayStreet

These groups also help parents get government benefits like disability certificates and financial aid.

Autism Therapy at Home

Getting therapy in a center is good, but many parents can also do autism therapy at home. This is very helpful when access to trained professionals is limited.

Therapists often teach parents how to continue exercises and routines at home. These can include:

• Making eye contact during play

• Using picture cards to teach words

• Encouraging simple communication like pointing or using gestures

• Following routines to build understanding

• Using rewards to teach new behavior

Online programs and mobile apps offer step-by-step therapy plans that parents can follow. Teletherapy sessions also allow therapists to guide families through video calls. This makes autism therapy at home easier than ever before.

Some platforms offering home-based therapy guidance in India are:

• 1SpecialPlace

• THERAPY.in

• Mom's Belief

• Early Autism Services India

Home therapy works best when it is consistent. Parents should try to spend 1–2 hours daily doing activities that help the child learn and grow.

Behavioral Therapy in India

One of the most effective methods for children with autism is behavioral therapy. This therapy helps children learn good behaviors and reduce behaviors that may get in the way of learning or socializing.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a common type of behavioral therapy in India. It breaks down tasks into small steps and rewards the child for success. For example, if a child says "water," the therapist gives them water right away as a reward. Over time, the child learns to use words to ask for things.

In India, more clinics are now offering ABA and other behavioral therapies. Some of them are:

• CAPAAR (Bangalore)

• CommDeALL

• Orkids (Delhi)

• Butterfly Learnings (Mumbai)

Behavioral therapy in India is growing fast, and many centers also offer training for parents and caregivers so they can help at home too.

Challenges Faced in India

Even though autism support in India is improving, there are still challenges:

• Lack of trained therapists in rural areas

• High cost of private therapy

• Social stigma about autism

• Delayed diagnosis

• Lack of awareness in schools

But the situation is slowly changing. More schools are now including children with autism. Parents’ groups and NGOs are spreading awareness. The government is also offering more support and schemes for children with disabilities.

Final Thoughts

Early autism screening in India is the first step toward helping a child with autism live a better life. Once diagnosed, children can receive autism support in India through therapies, schools, and home programs. Autism therapy at home is a great way for parents to take part in their child’s growth. Behavioral therapy in India is becoming more common and is very effective in helping children build skills and reduce unwanted behaviors.