Is there an increase in autism in India? – Parents, physicians, educators, and other caregivers are increasingly asking this question.
It is evident that more children in India and throughout the world are now being diagnosed with autism than in the past. The number is rising, according to clinics, therapeutic facilities, and special schools.
However, the crucial question still stands: Is autism actually rising in India, or are we just more aware of it now?
The argument stems from the fact that the solution is not straightforward.
What the data indicates in India: It is challenging to determine precise prevalence figures because there is currently no national autism registry in India. But:
- Research and data from hospitals indicate that the prevalence of autism in India varies by region and method, ranging from 1 in 100 to 1 in 150 children.
- Higher numbers are reported in urban regions than in rural ones, not necessarily because autism is more prevalent there, but rather because:
- Awareness is higher
- Diagnostic services are accessible
- Parents ask for assistance sooner
On the other hand, a large number of children in rural and semi-urban India are still either misdiagnosed or untreated. This indicates that autism has always existed, but we are becoming more aware of it.
What Indian Experts have to Say?
The majority of Indian developmental specialists, doctors, and child psychologists concur: Improved awareness, screening, and diagnosis are the main causes of the increase.
Among the main causes are:
- Raising parents’ awareness through social media and medical professionals
- Development of: Occupational therapy, speech and behaviour services, early intervention centres, and developmental paediatricians
- Preschool screening and school readiness
- The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act of 2016 includes autism.
In the past, a lot of kids were called: • “Late bolne wala,” “Ziddi,” “Kam Dimag yaa Mand Buddhi Baccha,” “Mobile addiction,” and “Boys speak late.”
These kids are more likely to receive better evaluations now.
The issue remains: Is autism genuinely on the rise?
Experts believe awareness might not be sufficient to explain everything, even after accounting for improved diagnosis.
This presents a legitimate worry: Are factors associated with pregnancy, modern living, or environmental exposure raising the risk?
Although genes do not alter quickly, autism is largely inherited. Researchers are increasingly focusing on gene-environment interactions, which are particularly important in rapidly evolving cultures like India’s.
Virtual autism: An increasing issue in Indian homes
Mobile phones and displays are widely used in India – To soothe infants, during feeding, in nuclear households or when parents are preoccupied.
Indian clinicians are talking about “virtual autism” more and more.
It describes symptoms of autism in very young infants that are caused by:
- Overexposure to screens
- Fewer conversations or human interaction, games, and emotional exchanges with caregivers
Children may exhibit: Delayed Speech, Inadequate eye contact, low or no reaction to the name, and less or no social engagement.
There is no medical diagnosis for virtual autism. And Autism is not caused by screen time.
However, it can impede growth and imitate characteristics of autism.
The good news is that symptoms often improve when screen usage is reduced and human interaction is increased.
Autism Causes: What we know and what we don't!
- Heredity- The most significant contributor
- Autism frequently runs in families.
- Not brought on by parenting style
- Using paracetamol during pregnancy
- A recent US study points to a potential link with ADHD or autism.
- The evidence is conflicting and unclear. Women who are pregnant shouldn’t feel anxious or guilty about themselves.
- Only take medications as directed by a physician.
- Exposure to heavy metals – Pollution of the air, Water that has been contaminated, Paints based on lead, Exposure to industrial waste
- According to some research, autism is linked to exposure to heavy metals like lead, Mercury , and Arsenic, but there is no proof of direct cause-and-effect. Nevertheless, lowering exposure is crucial for children’s general health.
- Additional variables (such as):
- High levels of PM2.5 air pollution \
- Exposure to pesticides
- Infections and inflammation in mothers
- Low birth weight and premature birth
- Birth-related issues
These elements may make children more vulnerable, particularly those who are genetically predisposed.
- Pregnancy-related factors and Parental Lifestyle (Indian context)
- late marriages and advanced parental age
- Diabetes, PCOS, Thyroid and obesity
- Nutritional deficiencies- Inadequate intake of iron, vitamin D, and folate
- Smoking or being around smoke
- Stress
- Pollution and Infection exposure
- After-birth and environmental factors:
- Because of nuclear families, there is less caregiver interaction.
- Excessive screen time
Developmental screening that is delayed – “Wait and watch” strategy in spite of warning signs.
Recent Posts
- How Occupational Therapy Helps Special and Neurodiverse Children Lead Self-Dependent Lives
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- Early Signs of Autism – What Parents Need to Know
While none of them causes autism on its own, they may raise the risk. What, therefore, should Indian parents learn? In India, the number of autism diagnoses is increasing.
A large part of it can be explained by increased understanding and awareness. Environmental and lifestyle variables may be involved. Vaccines, poor parenting, and cell phones are not the only causes of autism. Above all, early detection and management can have a significant impact.
Rather than merely posing the question, “Why is autism increasing?”
We should also consider whether we are providing our kids with adequate socialisation, early screening, hygienic surroundings, and supporting care. There is no tragedy associated with autism.
It is Late Identification and Ignorance.
Your Next Steps...
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Please book a consultation today and let us help your child build the skills they need to thrive in school, at home, and in life.
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This hit home. It’s a bit overwhelming to see the numbers, but it’s more heartening to see the awareness growing in India.