This review compiles and analyzes the scope of autism research, screening practices, interventions, and health system challenges across India. The authors review epidemiological studies, screening/diagnostic instruments used in Indian settings, evidence for early intervention approaches, and policy/service gaps that limit timely care. A recurring theme is wide regional variation — prevalence estimates and detection rates differ across studies depending on sampling, urban vs rural settings, and clinician awareness. The review highlights under-diagnosis in many parts of the country and consistent delays between parental concern and formal diagnosis or access to intervention.
Key contributions include:
- collating which screening and diagnostic tools are actually used in India, and where validation is still missing;
- summarizing evidence for parent-training and community-based early intervention models that can be feasible in low-resource settings; and
- policy-level recommendations for integrating autism screening and basic intervention into primary care and school systems. The authors emphasize telehealth and task-sharing (training non-specialist workers) as promising strategies to scale services, particularly after service disruptions during COVID-19 highlighted gaps.
Practical takeaways for families & providers: early developmental surveillance and using locally validated tools are crucial; parents should seek evaluation when concerns appear (especially around 18–24 months); community and telehealth options are increasingly available but vary by location. For policy and program designers, the review calls for larger, representative Indian cohorts and for investments in workforce training and culturally adapted materials.
Suggested citation: A Comprehensive Review of Autism Spectrum Disorder in India.