Bengaluru: From dismissing early signs as "late blooming" to hiding conditions due to stigma, children with autism are still not diagnosed early, doctors say ahead of World Autism Awareness Day observed on April 2.
The high cost of therapies and limited access to trained specialists have significantly contributed to delays in diagnosis, they said.
Common early signs of autism include poor eye contact, lack of response to name, and delays in speech and motor development.
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders' Fifth Edition, published by the American Psychiatric Association, the ideal age for screening is between 18 and 24 months.
"Delayed diagnosis usually leads to poorer outcomes as the brain's neuroplasticity reduces with age," said Dr Sharath Babu M D, Associate Consultant in Paediatric Neurology.
"Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to reorganise its structure, function and connections in response to learning and experience."
Highlighting systemic gaps, Prof Dr N Karthik Nagesh, programme director of a paediatric centre of excellence at a private hospital, said: "High assessment costs, limited access to trained specialists and long waiting periods contribute to delayed diagnosis. Many families cannot afford private care, while public systems are often overburdened, making timely support difficult."
Supreme Court notice to Centre on plea for panel to formulate guidelines for protection of persons with autismBesides gaps in healthcare and low public awareness, support groups point out that social stigma further delays diagnosis as many parents struggle to accept the condition.
"There are multiple misconceptions," said Ruby Singh, president of the Autism Society of India. "Some parents fear social stigma and believe their family's status will be affected, wrongly thinking that autism is a hopeless condition. Others believe it can be cured."
According to her, while most schools in large cities are better equipped than before and public awareness has also improved over time, significant gaps remain. There is a need for stronger, multi-level support systems in both society and education institutions, she added.
Dr Kajol Roy, an IT professional-turned-Director of Samaavesah Foundation - Early Intervention Autism Center, said: "Many people believe children will be okay once they are admitted to school and mimic other children. While the number of centres in the city has increased, therapy costs remain very high."
"While lack of awareness continues to be a challenge in rural areas, limited parental involvement and failure to recognise early signs in urban settings also contribute to delayed detection," she
added.