Rati Kapoor
Asian Heart Institute, India
Title: Characteristics of children with autism spectrum disorder and perceived risk factors associated with ASD in Mumbai, India
Biography
Biography: Rati Kapoor
Abstract
Background: Autism Spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disability which is fast growing in nature across the globe. There is limited empirical evidence on autism in India. The actual number of children with autism is unclear as many of the characteristics are similar to other neurological and mental disorder and not counted as ASD in India. This study aimed to describe the erceivedharacteristics of children with ASD and its risk factors in Mumbai, India.
Materials and Methods: A qualitative approach using grounded theory has been adopted to explore the perceived characteristics and risk factors associated with ASD. Twenty in-depth interviews were carried out with parents and teachers of children with ASD. Qualitative content analysis has been carried out through N.ViVo software.
Results and Conclusion: We found the major features which have been observing in kids with ASD are of social interaction and speech problem, i.e., they lack in social interaction such as eye contact, late response, and repeating words. Both teachers and parents have observed these characteristics. Anxiety and phobia are two characteristics which have been found in our study. The perceived risk factors associated with ASD are mainly genetic, and stress during pregnancy.