Symptoms of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) if detected before the age of three, are reversible, a neurodevelopmental paediatrician at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, Dr Yvonne Nana Ama Brew, has said. She said early screening and observations to detect the condition early would bring about the needed intervention to help in the reversal of the symptoms and the effective management of the condition to improve the quality of life for ASD warriors.
At the opening of the 3rd Annual GTBank’s Autism Workshop and Consultations in Accra last Tuesday, Dr Brew said autism was a developmental disorder that affected communication and social interaction. “Autism is a developmental disorder that starts right from birth, associated with brain development. Between birth and three years of age, 90 per cent of the brain is formed, making this period crucial for brain development and learning,” she explained.
Dr Brew said while autism could not be cured, early detection and intervention could lead to significant improvements and reversal of symptoms and behaviours associated with the disorder. She said some symptoms that could be effectively managed or mitigated with early intervention included communication skills, social skills, repetitive behaviours and sensory issues.
The five-day workshop and consultations initiated by Guaranty Trust Bank (Ghana) Ltd (GTBank) aim to promote early detection and better management of autism and it was on the theme: “A Spectrum of possibilities.” The event featured lectures, discussions and one-on-one consultations with specialists in various fields, including speech therapy, behaviour analysis, occupational therapy, psychology and special education needs.
The consultations were to provide the opportunity for parents and caregivers to receive expert advice and support. It was also to train, empower and educate caregivers and stakeholders on the effective management of individuals living with autism, followed by four days of one-on-one consultation with specialists and consultations from various countries. The GTBank’s Autism Workshop and Consultations also raise awareness of autism and provide tangible support to those affected.
Dr Brew mentioned the symptoms to include difficulty in communicating verbally and non-verbally; repetitive actions such as rocking, spinning or hand flapping; playing alone, and being unable to say “mama or dada” by age one.
She mentioned others to include reduced eye contact, lack of response to their name or indifference to caregivers, and sensitivity to light, sound or touch, among many others. “Other children may develop normally for the first few months or years of life, but then suddenly become withdrawn or aggressive or lose language skills they’ve already acquired,” she said.
Dr Brew said autism thrived on human isolation and because of its complexity, managing it often required a team of specialists. “Early detection allows for timely intervention, which can significantly improve outcomes for children with autism,” she said.
Dr Brew said early detection was a shared responsibility for parents, caregivers, teachers and healthcare providers as key partners. She, therefore, called on all stakeholders who deal with children, particularly those below age three to look out for the symptoms of ASD in children to facilitate early detection. Dr Brew said the disorder impacted the behavioural, neurological, psychological and educational facets of an individual. “Behavioural therapies can aid children in developing better social
By: Doreen Andoh
