Autism isn't a trend or a buzzword, it's a reality millions live with daily

Around the world, autism is far more common than most people realise. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 36 children is diagnosed with autism. Globally, an estimated 61.8 million people, or around 1 in 127 individuals, were autistic in 2021.

Now place that number in the Indian context and things get murkier. There is no single nationwide dataset. Many children are diagnosed late, and many are never diagnosed at all.

Some are labelled “late talkers”. Others are called “shy” or “stubborn”. The result is the same: crucial early years slip by.

WHAT AUTISM REALLY IS AND WHY PEOPLE GET IT WRONG

Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder, is often misunderstood as one fixed condition. It is not.

“The term spectrum is used because it is different in each child, with a wide variety of symptoms and skills,” says Sahana S, Consultant Child Psychologist at Maarga Mind Care.

That means two autistic children can be completely different.

One child may be non-verbal and sensitive to sound. Another may speak fluently, go to a mainstream school, and still struggle with social cues.

“No single symptom, like avoiding eye contact, can ever be used on its own to define Autism,” she explains. “Instead, a group of behaviours and patterns of development are considered.”

Think of it less like a single line and more like a wide range where every child sits somewhere different.

THE EARLY SIGNS MOST PARENTS MISS

The tricky part is that autism often does not announce itself clearly.

“Some of the earliest signs of autism can be seen as early as 1-1.5 years of age; however, they can be missed in the beginning,” says Sahana.

These signs are easy to overlook:

• The child does not respond to their name
• Limited eye contact or social smiling
• Speech delay or no verbal communication
• Repetitive behaviours
• Strong reactions to sounds, textures, or lights

“The child might not respond to their name being called or might not turn their face or smile in response. Speech delay or lack of verbal communication can be early signs,” she adds.

In many Indian households, these are brushed aside with reassurance that “every child develops differently”.

Sometimes that is true. But sometimes it delays help.

Pallavi Shankar, a journalist and mother of a neurodivergent child, reflects on the complexities of raising a child on the spectrum.

"It’s not something that can be summed up in a few words. Every day brings a new challenge, a new battle. But I do feel encouraged by the growing awareness in India, people are talking about it far more today than they were even five years ago," she says.

Shankar now runs a community page for parents and caregivers navigating similar journeys. "Neurodiversity – Beyond the Hashtag isn’t just an Instagram page,," she explains. “It’s an attempt to create a space for voices and lived experiences that often go unheard.”

HOW EARLY SHOULD A CHILD BE TESTED?

There is a common fear among parents about “labelling” a child too early. But experts say early autism screening is not harmful. Delayed diagnosis can be.

Screening can begin as early as 18 to 24 months.

“The moment parents notice some of the early signs, the first and foremost thing they should do is consulting a child psychologist or a child psychiatrist,” says Sahana.

“It will help in the correct assessment of the condition, so there is clear diagnosis. This will help in improvement of the development of the child,” she adds.

Research consistently shows that early intervention, especially before the age of five, can significantly improve communication and behaviour outcomes.

WHY INDIA STILL MISSES SO MANY AUTISM CASES

The gap is not just about awareness. It is structural.

India does not have a universal screening system for developmental conditions. Access to specialists is uneven. Cities have better resources. Smaller towns often do not.

Even where services exist, stigma plays a role. Parents hesitate to seek help. Teachers may not be trained to identify early signs.

At the same time, awareness is improving.

“There is no doubt that awareness is higher today compared to ten years ago but needs betterment,” Sahana says. “While the number of autism diagnoses is rising, it is largely because of awareness.”

So are more children autistic today? Not necessarily. We are just getting better at recognising it.

WHAT THERAPY ACTUALLY LOOKS LIKE

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for autism.

“There is no single approach to autism therapy. Each therapy is adapted to the specific needs of the child,” Sahana explains.

These may include behavioural therapy, occupational therapy, and social skills training.

“The aim is to equip the child with practical skills. It is not about finding a single therapy that works. It is about finding an approach that is tailored to the specific needs of the child,” she says.

In other words, therapy is less about “fixing” and more about helping the child navigate the world better.

CAN AUTISTIC CHILDREN LIVE INDEPENDENT LIVES?

This is often the biggest question parents have.

The short answer is yes, in many cases.

“With the right support and intervention, many autistic children have the potential to acquire necessary life skills and reach significant improvement,” says Sahana.

“They will be able to develop communication skills, social skills, and daily living skills with the right therapy,” she says.

“They will be able to live independent lives based on their strengths. Thus, will be able to lead a productive and fulfilling life,” she adds.

Globally, many individuals on the spectrum have gone on to excel in different fields. Public figures like Elon Musk, Temple Grandin, and Greta Thunberg have openly spoken about being on the spectrum.

Their journeys are different, but they highlight one key idea: autism does not define a person’s potential.

WHY THIS CONVERSATION MATTERS NOW

Autism is not rare. It is not new. But it is still misunderstood.

In India, the bigger issue is not just awareness. It is timing.

When signs are missed, support is delayed. When support is delayed, outcomes change.

Understanding autism as a spectrum, spotting early signs, and acting without hesitation can make a real difference in a child’s life.

Because in many cases, the question is not whether help exists. It is whether it comes early enough.