Disorder

Case Study of a Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Transforming Challenges into Strengths

Written By

Dr. Amar Shinde

Last Updated on: 10 Jul 2025

Patient Information:

• Age: 6
• Gender: Male
• Background: Student in a special needs program at a local neighbourhood school.
• Family: Lives with both parents and one younger sibling.

History or Cause:

The boy, whose name is "Aryan," was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at 3 years old. His developmental milestones at an early age were behind his peers, and thus, his parents had him referred for a professional assessment. Aryan's parents noticed that he was struggling with making eye contact, was having trouble developing speech, and was exhibiting repetitive behaviours like hand-flapping and lining up objects. Aryan possessed rigid routine preferences and was extremely upset when routines were broken.

There was no definitive aetiology for Aryan's autism, except for a family history of genetic susceptibility; his maternal uncle was diagnosed with ASD. There was no history of environmental exposure or substance use in his parents that would have caused his condition. His paediatrician and an interdisciplinary group of doctors at Jagruti Rehab assessed his condition further.

Diagnosis:

After a series of intensive tests, such as parent interviews with Aryan, behavioural observation, and standardised developmental tests, the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder was made. Diagnosis comprised:

Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS): Aryan's behaviour was observed in a controlled setting for evaluation of the type of play he exhibits, his social interaction, and his communication.

Developmental History Review: Aryan's family history, milestones, and behaviour were examined in depth, reaffirming his early indicators of delayed social communication and repetitive behaviours.

Standardised Testing: Aryan was tested on his language skills, and there were considerable delays in expressive and receptive language. Nonverbal communication, including gestures and facial expressions, was equally restricted.

Behavioural and Psychological Tests: The psychologists carried out a series of behavioural tests, which ensured that Aryan exhibited characteristic symptoms of ASD, including social reciprocity deficits, communication impairment, and repetitive/restricted behaviour.

Aryan was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Level 2, indicating that he needed substantial support for his developmental needs, including social skills and communication.

Treatment

Aryan's treatment plan at Jagruti Rehab was geared towards his specific needs, including embracing different therapies and formal interventions. Treatment was organised to improve Aryan's social communication, reduce anxiety in novel situations, and prepare him for adaptive behaviour.

Program:

The treatment plan at Jagruti Rehab was holistic and multidimensional in approach. Some of the major aspects of Aryan's program included

Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) Therapy: ABA was utilised in order to teach Aryan new skills and minimise unwanted behaviour.. ABA is a method that utilises reinforcement to strengthen desired behaviour and teaches new behaviour by using standardised positive reinforcement.

Speech Therapy: Aryan was provided with weekly speech therapy sessions to enhance receptive and expressive language skills. Picture exchange systems (PECS) were employed by the therapist to enable him to maximise communication, eventually progressing to verbal communication.

Occupational Therapy (OT): OT targeted the fine motor, sensory integration, and activities of daily living skills of Aryan. It assisted him in adjusting to new environments, for example, school or social settings, and he learned how to manage sensory sensitivity.

Social Skills Training: Aryan also attended group therapy sessions with some other children suffering from similar developmental issues. Under these sessions, he was taught social cues, conversation, sharing and playing in a group, and many other social skills. He even learned how to use turn-taking behaviour, understand facial expressions, and react sensibly to social situations.

Parent Training and Support: Aryan's parents participated in all phases of his treatment. His parents were trained to perform strategies in the home setting to facilitate Aryan's social and communication development. They were also educated on autism spectrum disorder so they could better recognise and respond to Aryan's behaviour.

Medical Treatments (Optional):

At the time of diagnosis, Aryan was not put on treatment for ASD. However, he was worked up for his change-of-routine anxiety with intermittent use of a low-dose anti-anxiety drug to enable him to function in situations that distressed him. This was done under close supervision by a child psychiatrist.

Therapy:

Aryan's therapy sessions were also individualised to suit his needs:

Individual Therapy: One-on-one therapy sessions were conducted weekly with a behaviour therapist by Aryan. The aim of the sessions was to enhance the social communication of Aryan as well as discontinue maladaptive habits.

Group Therapy: Group therapy sessions were also conducted by Aryan to enhance the social skills and peer interactions. The sessions involved formal play and role-playing activities, as well as peer-to-peer communications.

Family Therapy: The parents of Aryan were also highly involved in his therapy and were given continuous support and advice. This enabled them to comprehend him better and gave them methods to introduce therapeutic techniques into their way of life.

Improvements/Recovery Timeline:

Weeks 1-4:

On initiation of Aryan's treatment, he was a challenge to get eye contact and initiate communication with strangers. His behaviour tended to be repetitive, and his responses were strongly resistant to change in routine. Through this phase, Aryan was able to receive intensive one-to-one ABA therapy aimed at establishing communication skills and minimising tantrums. Speech therapy provided Aryan with the introduction of PECS, through which he started to communicate simple needs.

Weeks 5-8:"

Aryan made significant progress in language learning during these weeks. He began to use PECS more fluidly and started making simple requests with pictures. He also progressed in being able to engage in brief social interactions, though his social communication still remained limited.

Weeks 9-12:

At this point, Aryan was starting to employ primitive verbal language and was just beginning to utter simple sentence forms. Social skills were improving as he was initiating play with peers in group therapy. Transitions between activities and environments were much stronger.

Months 4-6

The social behaviour of Aryans also became more elaborate. He started getting involved in group activities, like imaginative play and turn-taking games, with minimal cueing. His communication improved, and he could now effortlessly carry out simple conversations with familiar individuals.

Our Success: Impact on Patients' Lives

Aryan's journey at Jagruti Rehab has been nothing short of revolutionary. As much as he still has challenges from his autism, the quality of his life has improved by leaps and bounds. He speaks more, can communicate his needs, and talks to his peers. His social skills are mature, and his behaviour at school and home has improved a lot, such that it has become much easier to manage.

Family and Community

The gains in Aryan have also profoundly reached his family. His parents are more confident about having the ability to foster his development and manage his behaviour. Family therapy has improved communication within the home, and his parents are better able to provide a supportive home environment.

Aryan's progress has also had a positive effect on his social life. In school, he now has some friends, and his teachers indicate his active participation in class exercises as having greatly improved.

Future Steps:

Although encouraging Aryan to develop, the support has to be continuous. He will also undergo treatment in Jagruti Rehab with a focus on further building his social communication and language skills. Regular support sessions will also be offered to his family to ensure his progress at home and school.

As Aryan continues to grow, increasingly advanced skills of handling emotions, creating relationships, and functioning in complex social situations will be taught to him. As a result of such ongoing guidance, Aryan's future success will be guaranteed by realising his highest potential.

Dr. Amar Shinde

Dr. Amar Shinde, founder of Jagruti Rehab, is a renowned psychiatrist in India with over two decades of experience in mental health, addiction recovery, and neuropsychiatry, dedicated to holistic, compassionate patient care.