Diagnosis, assessment and early intervention — Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
यदि बच्चा देर से बोल रहा है, आंखें नहीं मिलाता, अपनी दुनिया में रहता है, या नाम पुकारने पर प्रतिक्रिया नहीं देता — तो जल्द जांच कराएं। जितनी जल्दी पहचान, उतना बेहतर परिणाम।
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by differences in social communication and interaction, alongside restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests or activities. ASD is a spectrum — it presents very differently in different children, from non-speaking individuals requiring substantial support to highly verbal children with subtle social difficulties. ASD is not caused by vaccines, parenting style, or diet. It is a complex condition with strong genetic underpinnings. Early identification — ideally before age 3 — combined with evidence-based therapy gives the best outcomes.
ASD does not have a single 'cure' — but evidence-based early intervention substantially improves outcomes. The core of management is intensive, structured therapy: Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and parent-mediated early intervention (PECS, Hanen, DIR/Floortime). Medication has a limited role and is used only for specific co-occurring symptoms such as hyperactivity, aggression, or anxiety. The Child Development Centre at Apollomedics coordinates all therapies under one roof, with Dr. Gopaal providing neurological oversight, co-occurring condition management, and medication review.
Book a Consultation →ASD can be reliably diagnosed from 18–24 months by experienced clinicians. Earlier identification (red flags at 12 months) allows intervention to begin before formal diagnosis. There is no upper age limit — ASD is increasingly recognised in older children, adolescents, and adults who were missed earlier.
No. This claim originates from a single fraudulent 1998 study that was retracted and whose author lost his medical licence. Decades of research involving millions of children across dozens of countries have found no link between vaccines and autism. Vaccinating your child protects them from serious disease.
With appropriate and early intervention, the majority of children with ASD develop meaningful communication — either verbal speech or augmentative communication (AAC). The earlier intensive speech therapy begins, the better the outcome. Non-verbal children can make remarkable progress with the right support.
ASD is a lifelong condition, but its impact changes substantially with age, intervention, and support. Many individuals with ASD lead independent, fulfilling and productive lives. The goal of management is to maximise each child's potential and quality of life — not to 'cure' autism.
The CDC offers comprehensive one-stop assessment and therapy for children with ASD. Dr. Gopaal coordinates neurological evaluation, epilepsy screening, genetic investigations and medication management, while the multidisciplinary team provides the full range of therapeutic interventions.