CSC Launches South Asia Autism Initiative

Center for Social Change CSC, a pioneer in the field of successfully integrating individuals diagnosed with Developmental Disabilities into mainstream communities in the United States is now launching its’ South Asia Initiative with special emphasis on Autism Spectrum Disorders. Some centers running productively in India like the ones in Kerala, Indore and Andaman’s have had a significant impact not only to people diagnosed with Autism but has been successful in creating an awareness amongst the populous of neighboring states as well. The Center is in the process of opening up more centers in India, Pakistan and other countries.

Comparing United States with India, both reportedly return an alarming statistic which states that out of every 150 children born, one would be autistic in the US and of 1 out of every 200 in India. However, the sheer population of India and taking into account the above statistic figures could and will transform to approximately - a staggering 12 million children with pervasive Developmental Disorders which includes Autism.

CSC which has maintained it’s presence in the US for the past 14 years has had many success stories. One such story is that of Edmond who is benefiting from CSC’s Autism Waiver Program

“I am so pleased with the overall atmosphere and tutelage which the Center for Social Change is imparting to my son,” mentions Elizabeth, Edmond’s mother.

Edmond who has been diagnosed with autism attends the Therapeutic Integration program for children with autism at the Center for Social Change, and he loves coming here. Seeing Edmond slowly adapt to his surroundings at the multi sensory rooms at the Center is a testament to the center’s growing commitment to ensure that children with autism are given the requisite attention, in a therapeutic and supportive environment.

Trained volunteers, special needs instructors and specialists are here during the entire time that children like Edmond partake in the Therapeutic Integration program.

Autism is not a new condition. It didn't suddenly appear in humans in 1943 for the ever first time. A Frenchman named Itard wrote an account of a 12-year-old boy who had been living for in a Forest until he was captured on Thursday 9th January 1800. Itard named the boy Victor, who made no direct communication and was very self-absorbed.

The word 'Autism' was coined by a psychiatrist named Eugen Bleuler in 1911, when he used the Greek word "Autos", which means self. Bleuler also coined the term Schizophrenia, three years previously, in 1908. Despite this, Autism wasn't given any name until 1938, when a major breakthrough occurred. In that year a Psychiatrist named Leo Kanner observed, for the first ever time, the behavior of 11 children at the John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, USA. They had previously, and incorrectly, been described as either emotionally disturbed or intellectually impaired.

Itard assumed that Victor had grown up without any form of human contact as he never spoke, and would gesture if he wanted/needed something. He would pull someone by the arm to gain their attention and wanted items to be in the same place constantly. He was also very unhappy unless the object was moved back to its former place. Itard also described how, when Victor wanted to ride in a wheelbarrow, he would pull someone by the arm, put the wheelbarrow handles in their hands, then climb in and wait to be pushed. All Itard's papers were published in 1801 and were titled the "Wild Boy of Averyon.”

In South Asian countries such as India, Autism is not only a social stigma but is misunderstood by even by a portion of the intelligentsia. The film “Black” which is a story of an autistic child growing under the care of a glorified live-in-nanny/expert is treated with utter disdain to her needs. However, this film did have an impact in creating at least an awareness of the problems of the Developmentally Disabled.

Autism affects many parts of the brain; how this occurs is poorly understood. Parents usually notice signs in the first year or two of their child's life. Early intervention may help children gain self-care and social skills, although few of these interventions are supported by scientific studies. There is no cure. With severe autism, independent living is unlikely; with milder autism, there are some success stories for adults, and an autistic culture has developed, with some seeking a cure and others believing that autism is a condition rather than a disorder.

After the initial screening process to determine a diagnosis of autism the main goals of treatment are to lessen associated deficits and family distress, and to increase quality of life and functional independence. No single treatment is best and treatment is typically tailored to the child's needs. Intensive, sustained special education programs and behavior therapy early in life can help children acquire self-care, social, and job skills.

CSC has successfully launched the above programs to ensure that children like Edmond get the age appropriate skills to become a productive member of the society. By taking this model to South Asia and working with local non-profit organizations, CSC proposes to make a difference in changing the lives of individuals with Developmental Disabilities.