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Educational and Behavioral Interventions in Management of Autism Spectrum Disorder

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Abstract

The increasing prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) makes early recognition, evaluation and management an important task for pediatricians, physicians and other professionals caring for children. Educational interventions form the mainstay of management for children with autism spectrum disorder. Such interventions focus on improving social interaction, communication and challenging behaviors, thereby promoting learning and independence in children. This article provides an overview of educational and behavioral interventions in autism spectrum disorder, with special reference to challenges and feasible solutions in the Indian context. Articles were retrieved from various databases including Google Scholar, Medscape, Cochrane, PubMed using the search terms ‘autism spectrum disorder OR autism AND educational interventions’; ‘autism spectrum disorder OR autism, educational interventions AND India’ and ‘autism spectrum disorder OR autism AND India’. Reference lists from retrieved articles as well as websites of organizations working in this space in India were also searched. Extracted manuscripts were analysed for content related to various aspects of educational and behavioral interventions in autism spectrum disorder. Intervention models for autism spectrum disorder are based on various theoretical orientations and target specific deficits associated with the disorder. In addition, evidence-based principles for effective intervention are highlighted. In developing countries like India, access to interventions is a challenge and resources are limited. In such settings, the pediatrician’s or physician’s role is vital in supporting families choose programs that are evidence-based, target individual needs and result in improved outcomes.

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All authors contributed to review of literature, manuscript drafting and its final approval. KS will act as guarantor for this paper.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Developmental Pediatrics, Autism Intervention Services, Ummeed Child Development Center, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400011, India

    Koyeli Sengupta

  2. Department of Developmental Pediatrics, Ummeed Child Development Center, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

    Leera Lobo & Vibha Krishnamurthy

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  1. Koyeli Sengupta
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Correspondence to Koyeli Sengupta.

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Sengupta, K., Lobo, L. & Krishnamurthy, V. Educational and Behavioral Interventions in Management of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Indian J Pediatr 84, 61–67 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-015-1967-0

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