A brief about autism spectrum disorders for nurses and other peripheral health workers

Autism spectrum disorder encompasses a wide range of neurodevelopment disabilities which affect children and their families across all sections of the society both in rural and urban settings. The prevalence of autism is rising irrespective of the socioeconomic background of the children. Hence every health worker has to be aware of ways to suspect and diagnose this condition and decide the appropriate treatment. Earliest intervention in autism spectrum disorder gives better results due to neuroplasticity. This article is targeted to help Medical officers, auxiliary nurse midwifes, anganwadi workers and other peripheral health workers by providing information on basics of ASD, normal speech development, simple ways for diagnosis and treatment for the same.
 

Keywords: Autism, Neuroplasticity, Peripheral health workers, RBSK, screening.