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How Is Autism Diagnosed? Understanding the Process

Hope you are at best of health and faith. Getting an autism diagnosis can be overwhelming, but understanding the process helps parents take confident, informed steps. Autism cannot be confirmed through a blood test or scan—it requires observational assessments, developmental history, and professional evaluation. Who Can Diagnose Autism? Developmental Pediatricians Child Psychologists or Psychiatrists Pediatric Neurologists In some cases, Speech and Occupational Therapists may contribute to evaluations Steps in the Diagnosis Process: 1. Initial Concern Parents, teachers, or caregivers notice developmental delays or unusual behaviors (e.g., not speaking, lack of social interaction). 2. Developmental Screening At routine checkups or if concerns arise, pediatricians may use tools like the M-CHAT-R/F (Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers) to assess risk. 3. Comprehensive Evaluation If screening indicates risk, a team of specialists will conduct a detailed assessment: Observation of beh...
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Early Signs of Autism in Infants and Toddlers

 Hope you are at best of health and faith. The earlier autism is identified, the better the chances of improvement through early intervention. Many parents miss the early signs, believing their child will “catch up later.” While some delays can be temporary, others may indicate a deeper issue—especially when multiple signs appear together. Key Early Signs to Watch For (6 months – 3 years): 1. Limited or no eye contact 2. Not smiling back or showing few facial expressions 3. Not responding to name by 9–12 months 4. No pointing, waving, or gestures by 12 months 5. Delayed speech or no single words by 16 months 6. Repetitive behaviors, such as rocking or hand flapping 7. Overreaction or no reaction to sounds, lights, or textures 8. No interest in pretend play or playing with peers 9. Loss of previously gained speech or social skills A case to consider: Ayesha, a 2.5-year-old in Lahore, had spoken a few words by age 1, but then suddenly stopped talking and became less responsive. Her f...
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Causes and Risk Factors of Autism: What We Know and What We Don't

Hope you are at best of health and faith. One of the most common questions parents ask after an autism diagnosis is: “Why did this happen to my child?” The truth is, autism is not caused by a single factor, and researchers are still learning more every day. What We Know So Far Autism is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors that affect brain development early in life. Some key risk factors include: Genetics: If a sibling has autism, the chances are higher for another child in the family. Advanced parental age (especially fathers over 40) Premature birth or low birth weight Complications during pregnancy or birth Certain genetic conditions like Fragile X syndrome Autism is not caused by vaccines, cold parenting, or watching too much screen time—these are myths that have been widely debunked. What Are the Myths? 1. "Vaccines cause autism." This myth originated from a fraudulent study in the 1990s and has been proven false by numerous large-...
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What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

Hope you are at best of health and faith. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that affects how a child communicates, behaves, and interacts with others. It’s called a “spectrum” because its symptoms and severity can vary greatly from one child to another. Some children may not speak at all, while others might speak fluently but struggle with social interaction or understanding emotions. ASD is not caused by bad parenting, nor is it a disease that can be “cured.” However, with timely therapy and support, children with autism can lead fulfilling lives. Common Signs of Autism in Children Lack of eye contact or social smile Delayed speech or no speech Repetitive behaviors (hand-flapping, spinning, lining up toys) Preference for routine, distress at small changes Difficulty understanding social cues or playing with peers Let’s consider a real example: Ahmed, a 4-year-old from Islamabad, used to spend hours spinning the wheels of his toy car. He wouldn’t respond when ...
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Types of Developmental and Psychological Issues in Children

Hope you are at best of health and faith. Children may face a wide range of developmental and psychological challenges, and each child’s experience is unique. Today, we’ll outline the most common types of issues, setting the stage for deeper discussions in upcoming posts. These challenges are generally categorized into the following areas: 1. Developmental Disorders These affect how a child grows in terms of communication, learning, and motor skills. Examples include: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Global Developmental Delay (GDD) Speech and Language Delays Intellectual Disabilities 2. Behavioral Disorders These involve persistent patterns of disruptive or aggressive behavior, such as: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) Conduct Disorder 3. Emotional and Social Difficulties These affect how children manage feelings and interact with others. They may include: Anxiety disorders Depression Selective mutism 4. Learning Disorders These are spe...
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Understanding Childhood Developmental and Psychological Issues

Hope you are at best of health and faith. Every child grows and learns at their own pace, but sometimes, delays or difficulties in development signal deeper concerns. These can include issues like autism, ADHD, speech delays, and various behavioral challenges. Recognizing these early and addressing them with the right support is key to a child’s future success and well-being. Over the coming weeks, we will explore these topics one by one—what they are, how they appear, why they occur, and how families and schools can best support the affected children. These are not just medical terms; they represent real struggles for real children. For example, a 3-year-old named Hamza in Karachi wasn’t speaking at all. His parents thought he was just a “late talker,” but later found out he had a speech delay related to a broader developmental disorder. Such conditions can be emotionally and socially challenging—for the child and their family. Often, society labels these children as “naughty,” “slow,...
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