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ஓட்டிசமும் தொடர்பாடல் திறன்களும்

ஓட்டிசம் பிள்ளைகளைப் பொறுத்தவரை, அவர்களது பெற்றௌரது முக்கிய கவலையாகக் காணப்படுவது பிள்ளைகளின் தொடர்பாடல், பேச்சு மற்றும் மொழி விருத்தி பற்றிய விடயங்களாகும். “எனது பிள்ளையால் கதைக்க முடியவில்லை”,“அவர் தனக்குத் தேவையானதைக் கேட்கிறாரில்லை”, “நிறையச் சொற்களைச் சொல்லுறார், ஆனால் இரண்டு சொற்களைச் சேர்த்துக் கதைப்பதில்லை” “தன்ரபாட்டில கதைக்கிறார் ஆனால் நாங்கள் ஏதேனும் கேட்டால் பதில் சொல்லுறாரில்லை”, “அர்த்தமில்லாமல் சும்மா ஏதோ கதைக்கிறா” “சொன்னதையே திரும்பத் திரும்பச் சொல்லுறார்” போன்ற பல்வேறுபட்ட முறைப்பாடுகளைப் பெற்றௌர் முன்வைப்பதனை நாம் சாதாரணமாக அவதானிக்கலாம்.
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This article is adapted from the book Monaththuvam.

Therapeutic Approaches Practiced at the Center

There is substantial variability in the presentation of autistic children and the challenges they face. Hence, a wide array of interventions are in place to help these individuals. At Mathavam, interventions are tailored to fit into the needs of each and every child. The therapies employed at Mathavam include behaviour therapy, play-based therapy, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, music therapy, and sensory integration therapy.

When a child arrives at the centre, a thorough assessment is conducted as the first step. At present the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) is used to determine the severity of the condition. Following this, the child undergoes further evaluation by a multidisciplinary team of professionals, who collaboratively assess the child’s strengths and challenges. Based on these comprehensive assessments, specific, individualised goals are set to address the child’s unique needs. Parents are actively involved throughout the process, with their insights incorporated into the goal-setting and therapy sessions, ensuring a holistic and supportive approach to the child’s development.

A Beacon of Hope in Autism Care

Over the past decades, autism has emerged as a growing global challenge. Early estimates suggested a prevalence of 0.62% or 62 per 10,000 individuals, yet recent data from the World Health Organisation indicate that the figure may have climbed to around 1%, with the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention reporting rates that exceed 2% in some areas. This rising trend is not confined to high-income countries; it is also evident in low- and middle-income regions, including South Asia. In Sri Lanka, a 2009 study found that approximately 1.07% of children aged 18 to 24 months, roughly one in every 93 children, were diagnosed with autism. Although comprehensive current data are limited, healthcare professionals widely believe that autism rates in Sri Lanka continue to rise.

Clinical Screening for Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterised by difficulties in social interaction, communication, and restricted or repetitive patterns of behaviour. Early identification and intervention are keys to improving outcomes for individuals with ASD. Clinical screening plays a crucial role in the early detection of autism, often before a formal diagnosis is made.

Enhancing Learning and Education

Learning is defined as the process of acquiring new knowledge, skills, behaviours, values and attitudes through experience and observation. Human learning starts at birth, or even before, when the baby is inside the womb, as a cumulative result of the ongoing interactions between parents, people and their environment. Learning is a dynamic and continuous process that involves the development of cognitive, emotional, social and physical abilities

Mathavam as an Academic Institution

Mathavam, beyond its primary role as a centre for providing early diagnosis and early interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), has also evolved into an academic institution that plays a vital role in teaching, training, and research. This transformation was driven by the growing demand for skilled professionals in the field, the scarcity of specialised training opportunities in the region, and the recognition that sustainable progress in neurodevelopmental care requires capacity building and knowledge dissemination. Through its structured educational programmes, hands-on training sessions, and evidence-based research initiatives, Mathavam has positioned itself as a centre of excellence for learning and professional development in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders.

The Autism Policy for Northern Province

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is known as a neuro-related developmental disorder that has been on the rise, and the northern province is not exceptional. Over the years the need for providing a comprehensive service to the relatively new problem was immensely felt by the policy makers of the Northern Province.