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Consensus statement of the Indian academy of pediatrics on evaluation and management of autism spectrum disorder

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Abstract

Justification

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a clinically heterogenous condition with a wide range of etiological factors and causing significant public health burden. ASD poses a serious developmental disadvantage to the child in the form of poor schooling, social function and adult productivity. Thus, framing evidence-based national guidelines is a pressing need.

Process

The meeting on formulation of national consensus guidelines on neurodevelopmental disorders was organized by Indian Academy of Paediatrics in Mumbai on 18th and 19th December 2015. The invited experts included Pediatricians, Developmental Pediatricians, Psychiatrists, Remedial Educators, Pediatric Neurologists and Clinical Psychologists. The participants framed guidelines after extensive discussions. Thereafter, a committee was established to review the points discussed in the meeting.

Objective

To provide consensus guidelines on evaluation and management of ASD in children in India.

Recommendations

Intervention should begin as early as possible. A definitive diagnosis is not necessary for commencing intervention. Intervention should target core features of autism i.e. deficits in social communication and interaction, and restricted repetitive patterns of behavior, activities and/ or interests. Intervention should be specific, evidence-based, structured and appropriate to the developmental needs of the child. Management of children should be provided through interdisciplinary teams, coordinated by the Pediatrician. Management of co-morbidities is critical to effectiveness of treatment. Pharmacotherapy may be offered to children when there is a specific target symptom or co-morbid condition.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. New Horizons Group, Mumbai, India

    Samir Dalwai

  2. Assam Autism Foundation, Guwahati, India

    Shabina Ahmed

  3. PD Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai, India

    Vrajesh Udani

  4. Centre for Child Development and Disabilities, Bangalore, India

    Nandini Mundkur

  5. Welcare Hospital, Vytilla, India

    S. S. Kamath

  6. Kerala University, Thrissur, India

    M. K. C. Nair

  7. New Horizons Child Development Centre, Mumbai, India

    Samir Dalwai

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  1. Samir Dalwai
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  2. Shabina Ahmed
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  3. Vrajesh Udani
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  4. Nandini Mundkur
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  5. S. S. Kamath
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  6. M. K. C. Nair
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Consortia

National Consultation Meeting for Developing IAP Guidelines on Neuro Developmental Disorders under the aegis of IAP Childhood Disability Group and the Committee on Child Development and Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Samir Dalwai.

Additional information

List of participants provided as Annexure.

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Dalwai, S., Ahmed, S., Udani, V. et al. Consensus statement of the Indian academy of pediatrics on evaluation and management of autism spectrum disorder. Indian Pediatr 54, 385–393 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13312-017-1112-4

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