Autism Awareness Month (April) serves as a powerful reminder that beyond identifying and diagnosing autism, the broader focus must be on how to meaningfully support individuals on the spectrum in leading fulfilling lives.
Dr. Sobia Nasim, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist at Medcare Camali Clinic, emphasizes that while awareness has led to better recognition and diagnosis, the spotlight must now shift toward empowerment, inclusion, and tailored care.
Dr. Sobia highlights the increasing role of technology in treatment and daily support. Tools like virtual reality, speech software, and neuromodulation techniques are being explored for enhancing communication and emotional regulation. Conventional therapies such as ABA, occupational therapy, and speech-language interventions remain foundational.
Inclusivity in schools and workplaces is vital, requiring tailored support, sensory-friendly spaces, and recognition of autistic strengths in specialized roles.
In this exclusive interview with Mediworld Middle East, Dr. Sobia advocates the need for policy reforms, community-based services, and long-term research to bridge healthcare gaps and create a more inclusive future for individuals with autism.
Why is Autism Awareness Month so important and what are the key messages that need to be communicated during this time?
We know that globally there has been an increase in the diagnosis of autism, and the question of what leads to this is still under speculation. Most experts say that the increased awareness is helping in recognizing these symptoms. There is also increased training for professionals in being able to diagnose autism, which is leading to more diagnoses.
For Autism Awareness Month, the more important and pertinent question is: how can we help these individuals reach their full potential and lead a happier and fruitful life? Focusing on yes or no is important, but the key message is: what should we do to make their life easier? How we can we help people who have these traits? This should be the focus of Autism Awareness Month.
Can you share some of the recent advancements in early diagnosis for individuals with autism? How have these improvements impacted outcomes for children and families?
So, traditionally, diagnostic methods for autism include diagnostic tools like the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), and the Autism Diagnostic Interview–Revised (ADI-R). These tools basically identify the core symptoms of autism, such as social communication deficits and repetitive behaviors or interests. These are performed by people who are trained to do these tests—psychiatrists, neuropsychologists, psychologists, and pediatricians.
However, these traditional diagnostic methods, though highly effective in recognizing autism, do rely on some subjective assessments and there is a degree of variability in diagnosis.
Some of the latest diagnostic techniques and tools are looking at more objective ways of diagnosing autism and may lead to faster and earlier diagnosis. These include things like genetic testing. We know that certain genetic variants, for example the FMR1 gene, are responsible for Fragile X Syndrome, which is the most common single-gene cause known to be associated with autism. Genetic testing can help provide more precise diagnostic information, and in those cases of ASD where the causes are known, it may even reveal the underlying genetic cause.
The other area in which research is being made is neuroimaging—so maybe a functional MRI, which can look at the different specific regions and networks of the brain in individuals with autism and recognize certain impairments in social, language, and cognitive functioning. This is a promising field as well.
Another way of early screening could be the involvement of innovative techniques like artificial intelligence and machine learning, which can analyze children’s behavior—videos or certain biomarkers, eye scanning etc. This can lead to some algorithms recognized by AI for early recognition.
Having said that, it is important to note that these advancements are still in the research phase. They need further validation and refinement before they can come into clinical practice. We need a lot more research for this to be approved and safe for clinical use.
Can you describe some of the innovative treatments? What role is technology playing in supporting individuals with autism, particularly in enhancing communication and daily functioning? Could you highlight some of the most promising technological tools and innovations?
Current treatments of autism spectrum disorder include early intervention with therapies like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), occupational therapy, and speech and language therapy. ABA is an intervention approach that systematically helps young people with autism spectrum disorder improve specific behaviors, particularly enhancing social communication, academic skills, and daily living skills while reducing maladaptive behaviors.
Occupational therapy helps with sensory integration and addresses sensory sensitivities. It helps with emotional regulation and looks at fine and gross motor skills. Social skills training and speech and language therapy are designed to improve the ability to interact socially in everyday life. Medication is also being used to manage specific symptoms associated with autism, such as behavioral problems, attention deficits, anxiety, and mood swings. Medication is often part of a comprehensive intervention programme to improve quality of life and daily functioning.
In terms of innovative approaches and emerging interventions, research is being done on biofeedback and neuro-modulation, which aim to reduce symptoms of autism by improving brain function. Biofeedback enables individuals to learn how to control physiological processes such as heart rate, muscle tension, and brain wave activity. Neuromodulation includes computers, tablets, smartphone apps, and virtual reality technology to design a range of interactive learning tools and games. It also includes interventions like TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) and TDCS (Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation) which affects neural activity in the brain through external stimulation and may improve social communication skills in people with autism.
There are also diet and nutrition interventions—many studies are being done in relation to certain diets, but again, these are all under research at present.
Again, these treatments are quite new. We need more clinical trials and studies to make them mainstream. They are still emerging and not part of the treatment guidelines for young people with autism. We need more research in this field, but they are very promising.
What strategies can educational institutions and workplaces adopt to create more inclusive environments for individuals with autism? How can educators and employers better support these individuals?
It is important to integrate children with autism into mainstream schooling. Not only does it help young people with autism learn from their peers—social skills, language skills, and behaviors needed to cope in a neurotypical world—but it also fosters understanding of differences among other children, laying the foundation for a more inclusive society.
However, effective integrated education requires close collaboration between parents, professionals, teachers, and the presence of appropriate resources and support systems. Successful integration involves special education services such as access to speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and behavioral interventions within classroom settings. Inclusion departments must work closely with mental health and neurodevelopmental services.
Social integration and employment of adults with autism is now a focus of current research. People with autism often have very specific interests and can excel in those fields. Recognizing and optimizing their strengths can lead to long-term employment and benefit companies.
However, some flexibility must be created in work environments to suit people with autism. This includes flexible work arrangements, clear guidelines and communication, individualized support measures, co-worker support, and professional career counselling. This help assess the readiness of the individual and the fields they can excel in.
Whether in schools or workplaces, environmental changes are necessary—like sensory rooms or low-stimulus environments for when individuals become overwhelmed.
Could you share your insights into the current therapeutic approaches and treatments for autism? Are there any emerging therapies that show promise in improving quality of life for individuals with autism?
New advancements in both diagnosis and treatments for autism appear promising. The application of precision medicine in autism treatment can lead to personalized treatment strategies—bespoke plans based on genetic information, biomarker history, environmental exposures, and lifestyle.
Emerging technologies such as gene editing, stem cell therapies, and biomarker development open up new possibilities for treatment and understanding. Assistive technology—like text-to-speech software, speech recognition, customizable interfaces, virtual agents, AI, virtual reality, and augmented reality—shows great promise.
Some of these technologies are already in use. iPads and text-to-speech software are being used for non-verbal children. Weighted vests and sensory balls help manage sensory issues. Picture boards assist with basic communication using simple images. There’s a lot of promise for the future.
How critical is family support in the care and development of individuals with autism, and what can families do to best support their loved ones on the spectrum?
Family support is very critical. The key is early recognition. When autism isn’t recognized early, conflicts often arise between family members and the individual. Lack of understanding leads to repeated misunderstandings. Family members may see young people with autism as inflexible, unable to see other perspectives and this can create negative feelings and even relationship breakdowns.
Early recognition helps families understand the unique challenges of autism. It allows for compassion and support in navigating those challenges. It also helps build stronger relationships.
Every individual with autism is different. Sometimes, what families read online may not feel relevant to their situation. This is why having a professional on board is key. They can help navigate nuanced situations and provide proper support on the journey.
What is the impact of autism on mental health and well-being, and what steps can be taken to address the mental health needs of individuals with autism?
People with autism do have a higher rate of mental health difficulties. They often struggle with social development in a neurotypical world. As social demands increase with age, it can lead to anxiety—especially during puberty, school transitions, and university life. Treating anxiety can improve outcomes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can help, but sometimes traditional psychotherapy may feel like an added burden for young people with autism. In such cases, medication plays a huge role.
Autism is often comorbid with ADHD. Treating ADHD is crucial in improving attention, learning, emotional regulation, and peer connection. Behavioral therapy and medication are used, but in clinical practice, medication has shown to be more effective—especially as academic demands grow.
What are the key barriers to accessible healthcare for individuals with Autism, and how can healthcare systems and community organizations work together to improve support and close gaps in services and awareness?
We need effective social policies and legal frameworks that promote Autism research so we can gain a deeper understanding of this complex neurodevelopmental condition involving both genetic and environmental factors. Despite progress, autism research has limitations. Most studies are short-term and focus on children, limiting our understanding of adults with autism. Integration of new research into clinical application will need more robust and long-term research.
