West Bengal Govt Initiates Comprehensive ASD Survey for Children

The West Bengal government has launched an initiative to assess Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in children. The survey, targeting children between 18 months and 6 years, has identified 176 confirmed ASD cases out of nearly 900 suspected cases. Further diagnostic confirmations are planned at district hospitals.

The Department of Women and Child Development and Social Welfare under the West Bengal Government has launched an initiative to assess the real status of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in children across the state. During a session with the assembly on Friday, the department's Minister in Charge, Dr. Shashi Panja, revealed that out of 899 suspected cases, 176 children have been confirmed with ASD after initial testing at district and medical college hospitals.

Panja disclosed that another 476 children were diagnosed with other disabilities, while 247 were found to be non-disabled. The survey, conducted by the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), tested approximately 49 lakh children between 18 months and 6 years of age.

An Expert Committee comprising four distinguished psychiatrists and psychologists developed a primary screening questionnaire for ASD. The team included Dr. Praveen Kumar Jakati, HOD of Neuropsychiatry at the Institute of Neuroscience; Dr. J.R. Ram, Senior Consultant Psychiatrist at Apollo Hospitals; Dr. Mallika Bannerjee, Psychologist and Director of Pradip Centre for Autism Management; and Dr. Amitava Das, Psychiatrist at Lumbini Park Mental Hospital. The questionnaire features 20 questions based on communication, socialization, and behavior, with a cutoff score of four. Children scoring above this threshold were recommended for further clinical confirmation. The efficacy of the screening tool was validated through ICDS projects and training at state and district levels followed.

Anganwadi workers received training on the questionnaire, and a survey involving over 49 lakh children has already taken place. So far, 5,840 children have been identified as suspected cases of ASD, with records maintained in the Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) office.

The Department of Health and Family Welfare will finalize the follow-up protocol, scheduling diagnostic confirmations at district hospitals and medical colleges every Thursday. The checks will occur in the Non-Communicable Diseases OPD from 12 noon onwards.

A referral card filled out by a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist will be provided to caregivers of confirmed ASD cases, with Anganwadi Workers and ASHA/Health Functionaries facilitating follow-up visits as advised on the referral card.

The survey will be an annual event every November, for children aged 18 months to 6 years. Launched on World Autism Day, April 2, the initiative aims to identify probable incidences of ASD in young children. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)