Anxiety around having a child with special needs can be extremely daunting. Each child is unique and each child has a different way of showing the traits that might not be “normal”. Parents or primary caregivers have a hard time accepting any sort of deviation from this so-called “normal”.
Observing the traits, identifying them, finding the right medical care facility, proper testing and finally getting the right diagnosis. All of this causes a lot of anxiety and emotional turmoil amongst parents and if not dealt with properly, can be more harmful than the diagnosis itself.
April is Autism Awareness Month and we at MHT India thought about talking to a professional about this anxiety that parents face and how early diagnosis of ASD can actually help manage this anxiety better.
Autism Spectrum Disorder was identified over 70 years ago and since then it has undergone many revisions since the time of it’s inception. The word “Autism” came into use for the first time in 1908 when it was used to describe a subset of schizophrenic patients who were especially withdrawn and self-absorbed. On May 18, 2013, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) mentioned the umbrella diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Today, Autism Spectrum Disorder is defined by two categories: 1) Impaired social communication and/or interaction. 2) Restricted and/or repetitive behaviors.
Want to know more about what Autism is? Click here to read a blog explaining the same.
Watch the full video – Managing Anxiety of Family Members by Early Diagnosis of Children with ASD | Ms. Chandralata Sharma
About Ms. Chandralata Sharma
Dr. Chandralata Sharma is a private Clinician dedicated to treating children and adults with speech and language and or swallowing problems and optimizing their potential. She is a Speech Therapist, involved with Aakaar as a practitioner. At Aakaar, we look at every child holistically, every child has its unique strengths and weakness in regard to his thoughts, perceptions, behaviors, emotions, likes, and abilities. Hence we provide individualized speech therapy to children and adults.
Mrs. Sharma works closely with infants, children, and adults who have various levels of communication and or swallowing difficulties. Various specialized approaches like PECS, ABA as well as traditional forms of speech therapy along with oro motor therapy are incorporated in treatment protocol to facilitate speech–language skills. Also well organized developmentally and materially apt home programs are provided to facilitate and monitor the progress of each patient.
Some of commonly associated medical conditions with speech language or swallowing difficulties are ADHD, Apraxia, Autism, Auditory Processing Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Cleft lip palate, Down’s syndrome , HI, Stroke and Traumatic brain injury.
At Aakaar we believe in early identification and treatment which can cure or prevent further progression of the Disorder. She has rendered her services to different sectors like schools, hospitals, child guidance centers(Mumbai, Navi Mumbai ) also held various seminars and talks with parents and teachers in the identification assessment and intervention of childhood disorders. She has also been awarded the best speech therapy clinic and child development center being run in Navi Mumbai for 2015.
Eka Meditation
Relieve anxiety and improve sleep with guided programs comprising movement, relaxation, concentration, and meditation.
Eka is a yoga and meditation app from India, and it has guided lessons on Asanas in the Hatha Yoga style, Yoga Nidra deep relaxation practice, Pranayama or breathing exercises, Chanting, and Meditations. The app focuses on mental and emotional wellbeing and seeks to help its users build a personal yoga practice at home. One can also book a therapist through the app.
Want to know in depth how Eka Meditation can help with Anxiety? Click here.
