Autism prevalence is on the rise among Bengaluru's children

Autism is becoming an increasingly prevalent issue among children in Bengaluru, with a noticeable rise in urban areas compared to rural regions. Experts point out that while village children tend to be more robust and connected to their surroundings, urban children face a growing number of developmental challenges, particularly related to autism.

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Earlier, one in 60 children was diagnosed with autism. Today, that ratio has significantly worsened, with one in four children facing the disorder. Parents often realize their child’s condition during the school admission process when children fail to respond to basic questions, such as their name, or show delayed developmental milestones.

Ramya, a speech and language therapist, reports that the identification of autism is occurring later than it once did. Previously, the disorder could be identified by the time a child was 1.5 years old, but now it is often noticed only after the age of 2 or 2.5 years. Experts attribute this alarming trend to increased screen time and reduced interaction with parents. With both parents working and the prevalence of nuclear families, children spend significantly less time interacting with adults. The increased reliance on nannies, who may not always be equipped to address the developmental needs of young children, exacerbates the issue.

Dr. Ambika Subramanya Udupa, a pediatrician, emphasizes the importance of limiting screen exposure, especially for children under the age of 1. She recommends that screen time should not exceed 15 minutes for children in this age group. Unfortunately, many children are now fed while watching screens, as parents juggle their work and home responsibilities. Furthermore, children today are less exposed to nature and outdoor activities, a stark contrast to previous generations, leading to limited social and environmental stimulation.

Experts believe that these factors, alongside potential genetic predispositions, are contributing to the rising cases of autism in Bangalore, creating an urgent need for greater awareness and intervention.