Autism spectrum disorder in Bangladesh is a rare condition that generally results in severe social and academic limitations to the affected child’s ability to communicate and interact with others. The condition typically starts before the age of three.
In Bangladesh, the prevalence of ASD is low among the general population. However, the prevalence of ASD among school-age children is much higher. This is because the younger population is less likely to have access to special education services.
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The Background of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Bangladesh
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a disorder of neurodevelopmental growth, including social behavior, speech, language, and communication.
Nowadays, it’s becoming a serious concerning issue worldwide. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5, published in 2013) includes some disorders related to natural development, disorders not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), as a part of ASD instead of as separate disorders.
An ASD child or adult can perform and manage their daily activities through proper treatment and support. In the Southeast Asia region, it’s estimated that 1 in 160 children has ASD. Recently, the Bangabandhu Sheik Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) in Bangladesh confirmed that nearly 2 in 1000 children are affected by ASD in Bangladesh. Wherein urban prevalence exceeds that in agricultural areas.
Usually, all symptoms of ASD appear between 18 and 36 months aged. In this case, the knowledge and skills of primary healthcare service providers play an essential role in ensuring appropriate referral systems for targeted interventions within the healthcare service delivery system for children with autism.
A toddler with ASD first visits a health care center with their parents to assess developmental milestones. Supported by the developmental milestone checklist, the responsible primary health care provider screens a child’s development and refers the child to a pediatrician at the district level when an abnormality is detected.
A pediatrician specializing in pediatric neurology screens the child and refers them to the specialized tertiary-level hospital for combined screening and therapeutic services. The tertiary level medical building has health care professionals specialized in several fields, which is important for diagnosing and treating ASD.
Responsibilities and Guidelines for the Parents
As a parent, you’ve probably spent much of your life brooding about your child’s future. Even more, they need an autism spectrum disorder or ASD diagnosis. Apart from the medical aid and therapies, you may line up to assist your child; simple responsibilities and everyday things make a difference.
1. Specialize in the positive.
Like anyone else, children with autism spectrum disorder often respond well to positive reinforcement. Meaning once you praise them for the behaviors they’re doing well, it’ll make them (and you) feel good. Be specific so that they know what you see about their behavior. Find effective ways to reward them with extra playtime or a little prize, such as a sticker. Also, as you would with anyone on the spectrum or not, praise your child for who they are.
2. Stay consistent and on schedule.
People on the spectrum like routines. Confirm they get consistent guidance and interaction to practice what they learn from therapy. Ask their teachers and therapists and check out to align on a uniform set of techniques and interaction methods, so you’ll bring what they’re learning home.
3. Put play on the schedule.
Finding activities that appear like pure fun and less education or therapy may help your child open up and connect with you.
4. Provides it time.
You’ll likely try various techniques, treatments, and approaches as you work out what’s best for your child. Stay positive and try not to get discouraged if they don’t respond well to a specific method.
5. Take your child engaged in everyday activities.
If your child’s behavior is weird, you’ll want it to be easier not to expose them to specific situations. But once you take them on everyday errands like grocery shopping or a post office run, it will help them get to the planet around them.
6. Get support.
Try to get support from close people. Individual, marital, or family counseling is often helpful, too. Believe what might make your life a touch easier, and invite help.
7. Check out respite care.
This is often when another caregiver takes care of your child for a while to give you a brief break. Give thanks to ASD. This will give you a great chance to try things that restore your health, and you’ll enjoy coming home able to help.
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Autism Specialist Doctor in Dhaka
The following are some lists for the treatment of ASD,
- Autism BD, Address: Institute of Neuro Development & Research, Dhaka 1000., Phone: 01931-405986
- Institute for Pediatric Neurodisorder and Autism in BSMMU, Address: 1st, 2nd, and 6th Floor, Block E, BSMMU, Sh, Dhaka 1000, Phone: 02-9663485
- Bongo Bondhu Community Clinic- Autism Center, Address: 283, Block-Kha, Korail, 1, Ward No-19, Bonani, Dhaka 1213, Phone: 01942-807251
- Society for the Welfare of Autistic Children, Address: House- 279, Road-1, Dhaka 1207, Phone: 01711-632861
- Dream Angels Center for Autistic Children (DACAC), Address: House No 18-199, Siddique Bhaban, Road-4, Mirpur, Dhaka 1216, Phone: 02-9027891
- Therapy Station: Autism RehaCenter, Address: 117 Shantinagar, Gate No. 1, Dhaka 1217, Phone: 01854-784445
- Medical Directory Bangladesh | Doctors Directory Bangladesh | Address: RM Center, (2nd Floor), 101 Gulshan Ave, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh, Dhaka 1212, Phone: 01611-336825
- Nusrat Farooq, Address: L 2, Plot: 8,1 Block:, Dhaka, 1229, Phone: 01704-166899
- Bangladesh Specialized Hospital, Address: 21 Mirpur Rd, Dhaka 1207, Phone: 09666-700100
- Evercare Hospital Dhaka, Address: Plot: 81 Block: E, Dhaka 1229, Phone: 09666-710678
Autism School in Bangladesh
Following is a list of Autism schools in Bangladesh,
- Autistic School, Address: House 29, Rd -13, Dhaka
- Society for the Welfare of Autistic Children, Address: Dhaka
- Bangladesh ABA Centre for Autism, Address: House-76, Road-17, Sector-11, Uttara, Dhaka
- Autistic Children’s Welfare Foundation, Address: 12 Rd No. 5, Dhaka
- Autistic Children’s Welfare Foundation, Address: 12 Rd No. 5, Dhaka
- International Specialized School, Address: House-15, Road 10 A, Dhaka
- Autism BD, Address: Institute of Neuro Development & Research, New Eskaton Road, Dhaka
- Beautiful Mind School, Address: Dhaka
- ACWF School, Address: ACWF Road, Bonorupa
- Rainbow Autism Care Foundation, Address: GA 3/1C, Shahjadpur, Gulshan, Dhaka