Overview
Every 11 minutes, a child in India joins the 1 in 100 who are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. It's a reality that demands understanding and support, not just statistics. While early challenges like social interaction and sensory overload exist, hope flourishes through evolving treatment options.
India's autism treatment landscape blends modern therapies like ABA with culturally relevant approaches, ensuring accessibility and effectiveness. Over the past decade, funding for research has blossomed, leading to breakthroughs like Bangalore's discovery of the 6BIO compound, further enhancing treatment potential.
This would have made you want to learn more about autism and its treatments, right?
So, here you go!
Autism Spectrum Disorders or ASDs, are lifelong neurobiological conditions. They usually manifest in the first three years of a child’s life.
These children show differences in three main areas of development:
- Communication: The child may present verbal or non-verbal
- Social interaction: The child may not make eye contact or respond to their name when called
- Imagination: Very often, a repetitive play pattern is noticed during leisure activities.
Since autism is a spectrum disorder, each child presents differently.
Symptoms
Some of the observed symptoms are:
- Mild learning and social disabilities to more complex and multiple difficulties
- Several instances of unusual behaviour and varying sensory problems are also seen.
- Another peculiarity often seen is uneven skill development.
Are you experiencing any of the above symptoms?
Don't get disheartened as there is good news!
Early intervention can treat autism and help your children become functioning members of society. Also, it can help improve your child's and your family’s quality of life.
Treatment and help from experienced doctors can do a lot of good for your child's health.
So, here we present a list of the best autism centers and doctors in India!
Autism Treatment Centers and Hospitals in India
Over the past two decades, there has been a burst of progress in autism treatment in India. This has led to several world-class centers and hospitals dedicated to providing care to such individuals.
These centers and hospitals provide top-notch facilities in a nurturing environment. They also give autistic children the best chance to adjust to regular life.
Below is a city-wise list of some of the best autism treatment centers in India:
Mumbai
1. Neurogen Brain and Spine Institute
- Specializes in treating neurological disorders such as autism and cerebral palsy
- Successfully treated over 7500 patients globally.
2.Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital
- Received the best multi-speciality hospital in Mumbai and the Western region six times in a row as it has the best doctors.
- Accredited by JCI, CAP, NABH, and NABL
Pune
1.Universal Hospital
- Recognized as one of the best multi-specialty hospitals in Pune
- Specializes in the use of stem cell therapy to treat autism
2.Manipal Hospital, Pune
- Developed the latest facilities and skilled staff to provide top service
- NABH certified and has a 100+ bed capacity
Delhi
1.AIIMS Hospital
- It is among India’s renowned hospitals, performing hundreds of thousands of surgeries annually
- The entire hospital is the result of the integration of over 1500 different facilities.
2. Indraprastha Apollo Hospital
- Providing top-quality service since 1996
- JCI and NABL accredited
Bangalore
1.Manipal Hospital
- It is amongst the top ten multi-specialty hospitals in India
- NABH and NABL accredited hospital.
- Providing high standard service since 2006
- It has a 400-bed capacity equipped with best-in-class infrastructure
Hyderabad
1. Apollo Hospital, Jubilee Hills
- Providing excellent medical services for over 32 years
- Specialties department is led by the team of India’s finest doctors and experts
2.Continental Hospital, Hyderabad
- One of Asia’s biggest health care service providers
- NABH-certified hospital
Chennai
1. Gleneagles Global Hospital
- One of India’s most advanced multi-specialty hospitals equipped with the latest facilities
- NABH, NABB, and NABL-certified hospital
- The hospital has the most skilled doctors with the best education.
2. Fortis Malar Hospital
- Fortis Malar has developed ultra-modern infrastructure for specialty facilities
- Handle hundreds of patients on an everyday basis which shows their trustworthiness
Let's know,
Best Doctors for Autism Treatment in India
India is home to some of the best autism doctors in the world. They are recognized in India and among patients from many countries seeking autism treatments. The autism doctors in India have years of experience in treating autism. In their extensive career, they have shared hundreds of success stories with us.
Below are some of the best autism doctor in India( City-wise)
Mumbai :
1. Dr. Pradeep Mahajan
- He has received the Indian Achievers Award in Health Excellence and a Gold Medal for serving the Special Executive Society
2. Dr. Alok Sharma
- He has been awarded Quality Health Services in Neurosciences by International Excellence Awards and International Excellence Award for Service to Disabilities
Click here to learn more about the best doctors for autism treatment in Mumbai
Pune :
1.Dr. Anant Bagul
- Dr. Anant has dedicated his life to the rehabilitation of disabled children
- He has performed over 2000 surgeries in this field
2. Dr. Vivek Mundada
- He is a known member of the European Paediatric Neurology Society and the British Academy of Childhood Disability
Click here to learn more about the best doctors for autism treatment in Pune
Delhi :
1. Dr. Alpa Mahansaria
- She is certified as a Behavior Analyst from the University of Texas, Houston
- She is renowned for ABA therapy in India
2. Dr. G. S. Kochhar
- He has received his MD from AIIMS, Delhi
- He was awarded a gold medal from AIIMS Delhi
Click here to learn more about the best doctors for autism treatment in Delhi
Bangalore :
1. Dr. Ravindranath S
- He is renowned as a family physician in Bangalore
- He has over 50 years of experience in this field
2. Dr. Salim Khatib
- He has been providing his expertise in treating children with autism for more than 40 years
Click here to know more about the best doctors for autism treatment in Bangalore
Hyderabad :
1. Dr. Prashant Utage
- He is a reputed member of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics and the National Child Neurology Association
- His work was recognized by the British Medical Journal in 2011
2. Dr. Keshav Rao Devulapally
- He is a reputed member of the Indian Psychiatric Society and Royal College of Pathologists, UK
Click here to learn more about the best doctors for autism treatment in Hyderabad
Chennai :
1.Dr. Jayakumar Reddy
- He holds expertise in pediatrics. He has over 19 years of experience in this field
- He currently practices at Apollo Children Hospital, Chennai
2.Dr. Radhalakshmi
- She is a known member of the Royal College of Physicians and Child Health, UK
- She was awarded the Alkem Gold Medal in Pediatrics
Click here to learn more about the best doctors for autism treatment in Chennai
But won't the cost of treatment be expensive?
Surprisingly no! You can get superior autism treatments at affordable rates in India!
Below we have discussed the cost of autism treatment in India and the treatments used by the above Indian doctors and hospitals to treat autism.
Cost of Autism Treatment in India
In absolute numbers, it is challenging to determine the cost of treatment for an autistic patient, as various therapists form the team that treats the child. We can arrive at a rough estimate to better understand the economic burden families of autistic patients bear.
Therapy is undoubtedly cheaper in tier-two cities as compared to tier-one cities.
Below is a comparison of costs incurred in the top five cities of India for autism care. This expenditure involves traditional therapies like ABA therapy in the initial six years of treatment after diagnosis.
City | Cost of Treatment |
| 1. Mumbai | 5-6 lakh INR P.A. |
| 2. Bangalore | 5.5-6.5 lakh INR P.A. |
| 3. Hyderabad | 3-4 lakh INR P.A. |
| 4. Delhi | 4-5 lakh INR P.A. |
| 5. Kochi | 2.5-3.5 lakh INR P.A. |
Autism Treatment Cost Around the World
Autism treatment cost in India is relatively low compared to other countries. While the above table may give you the impression that autism treatment is expensive, it can be up to one-tenth the cost of treatment in a Western nation. And this is possible while providing the same excellent facilities as any developed country.
Yes, you read that right!
The table below will give a better idea of the disparity between nations when it comes to the treatment of autism. Once again, this includes the cost of traditional therapies like ABA therapy in the initial five to six years after diagnosis.
Country | Cost per Year in USD |
| 1. India | 4000-8000 |
| 2. USA | 17,000-60,000 |
| 3. Canada | 26,000-80,000 |
| 4. New Zealand | 20,000-25,000 |
| 5. Australia | 20,000-35,000 |
Of course, insurance companies in these countries take care of some of the payments. The government also provides a certain amount of assistance to the families of autistic children. However, neither of these payment methods covers all the costs, and the guardians also pay a significant amount out of pocket.
Autism Treatments in India
In India, the treatment of autism focuses on various therapies and interventions, tailored to address the diverse needs of individuals with autism. These treatments include:
| Treatment | Description | Cost Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Early Intervention Programs | Tailored programs for young children, incorporating speech, behavioral, and occupational therapies. | Varies by program |
| Behavioral Therapies (ABA) | Applied Behavior Analysis focuses on improving specific behaviors like social skills and communication. | $80 - $300 per session |
| Speech and Language Therapy | Addresses communication challenges, enhancing verbal and non-verbal skills. | $50 - $150 per session |
| Occupational Therapy | Helps in developing life skills, improving coordination, and sensory integration. | $60 - $100 per session |
| Special Education | Customized educational programs focusing on individual learning needs and abilities. | Varies by institution |
| Physiotherapy | Aims to improve motor skills, balance, and posture. | $40 - $100 per session |
| Play Therapy | Uses play to improve social skills, communication, and emotional development. | $50 - $120 per session |
| Music and Art Therapy | Enhances communication, reduces anxiety and improves motor and social skills. | $40 - $100 per session |
| Psychological Counseling | Supports individuals and families in managing behaviors and emotional well-being. | $70 - $200 per session |
| Nutritional Interventions | Dietary changes or supplements, under professional guidance. | Varies by diet plan |
| Parent-mediated Interventions | Training for parents and caregivers to support skills development at home. | $100 - $300 per session |
Please note that these costs are approximate and can vary based on location, specific provider, and the intensity of the therapy.
Stem Cell Treatment - Best Autism Treatment in India
Stem cell treatment is gaining traction as a treatment protocol with a success rate over the past several years.
So, what are stem cells? Stem cells are those cells that form all the tissues in the human body. They can rapidly multiply and transform into any type of tissue in the body.
According to Dr Madathupalayam Madhankumar of iCliniq Virtual Hospital -
Stem cell therapy is an important treatment that helps cells differentiate, repairs tissues, and reduces inflammation. It replaces damaged neurons and restores impaired tissues. Researchers and doctors are studying how stem cell therapy can effectively treat children with autism. This new approach relies on the ability of stem cells to improve metabolism and strengthen the immune system. Using the child's own bone marrow and stem cells, this therapy has shown significant and effective improvements in children with autism.
Studies show that neurons, or brain cells, are more tightly packed in the affected part of the brain of an autistic individual as compared to a neurotypical individual. This results in reduced blood flow to those parts of the brain, causing damage to the tissue, and leading them to function poorly.
Stem cells have three functions that are beneficial in such cases:
- They induce the release of growth factors in the body, which help heal and regenerate the damaged tissue.
- The growth factors encourage the formation of new blood vessels, improving blood flow to the injured brain tissue and aiding in the repair process.
- The new cells formed are exact copies of the required healthy cells, which eventually replace the non-functioning cells.
How does stem cell therapy work for autism treatment in India?
Stem cell therapy for autism in India is a comparatively simple procedure to perform and is divided into the following steps:
- Extraction: Adult stem cells are taken from the patient's hip bone marrow under local anesthesia.
- Purification: The extracted marrow is transported to a lab where stem cells are isolated using the density gradient technique.
- Injection: About fifty million purified stem cells are injected into the lumbar region (L4-5 space) of the spine, entering the cerebrospinal fluid.
Benefits of Stem Cell Therapy for Autism in India
Stem cell therapy provides several benefits for autistic children, and is one of the best newer treatments available for them.
Some of the benefits of stem cell therapy are as follows-
- It is a completely risk-free treatment option.
- No adverse effects or neurological deterioration has ever been recorded.
- It is a very safe treatment.
- Stem cells also adapt quite quickly to the nervous system. They start their job of producing growth factors and forming new blood vessels almost instantly.
Also since this is a non-invasive procedure, it is easier to conduct, unlike surgery. This helps keep the patient comfortable and recovery time is minimum.
Isn't stem cell therapy very beneficial!
What is the success rate of stem cell therapy for autism in India?
This procedure has a very high success rate. Clinical improvement has been observed in 91% of patients.
Some of the improvements observed are as follows-
- A visible decrease in aggressive behavior and hyperactivity.
- Increased eye contact
- Better attention span
- Improved communication, and improved social skills
- Changes in brain activity have also been reflected on CT scans.
Cost of Stem Cell Therapy for Autism in India
Are you wondering about the cost of stem cell therapy for Autism in India?
Stem cell treatment for autism costs about 8000 USD to 12000 USD, costing about two thousand USD each cycle.
Of course, the final cost will depend on various factors like medical history. If the patient has some compelling genetic factors, the cost may rise.
It also depends on the severity of the disease, which will determine how many cycles you will require. The treatment city and hospital also have a significant impact on the final cost.
Hold on! It is not over yet!
There are other autism treatments as well!
Yes, you read that right!
Other Treatments for Autism in India
With the upward trajectory of autism cases, people have started turning to alternative medicine and therapies to treat autism as well.
Below given are a few of the alternative autism treatments in India:
- Homeopathy treatment
- Oral FMT
- Biomedical Treatment
- Physiotherapy
Apart from this, various other therapies like art therapies, music therapies, and yoga are also touted as treatments for autism. There is no proof that they work. At the most, you can use them in conjunction with traditional therapies to provide a creative outlet to your child.
Why should you choose Autism therapy in India?
- Advanced healthcare facilities: Autism centers in India are equipped with ultra-modern facilities par with the world's top facilities. They can provide the most precise and reliable results to the patients.
- Highly Acknowledged therapists: The autism therapists in India are well recognized worldwide for their feats in this field. They have been providing their expertise in autism therapy for decades, sharing hundreds of success stories with us.
- Easy Medical Visa Processing: You can get a medical visa from India as early as two days. The charges of getting a medical visa from India are also very affordable.
- Affordable cost of treatment: India gives access to top-quality treatment, the best facilities, and positive results at a reasonable cost. You will receive service of the level of any top medical institute in America and Europe but at a substantially low cost.
Success Rate of Autism therapy in India
“What is the success rate of autism treatment in India?”
This is a question that majority of people have!
Do you also have this question?
Well, autism has no permanent cure. Autism patients can only be treated with a holistic approach.
They need a blend of various physical, psychological, and neurological treatments to live healthy lives.
Even so, autism centers in India have shown positive records of autism. The patients have experienced an improvement in their conditions by up to 70%.
Are you astonished and unable to believe your eyes?
Are you re-reading the line?
You read it right! To make you believe it, we have presented a real-life example below.
- Autism in India: Not curable, but early treatment can lead to significant improvements.
- Early Intervention: Key for better outcomes; early treatment often leads to autistic children thriving in regular schools.
- Social Challenges: Most individuals with autism continue facing difficulties in socializing.
- Government Initiatives: Increased awareness and government efforts, including subsidized services and autism-friendly policies.
- Success Stories:
- Pranav Bakshi: 19-year-old autistic model, walking ramps for major brands, views autism as a "superpower."
- Prem Sankar: Diagnosed at five and non-verbal, now a 25-year-old website builder, financially independent but requires caregiver support.
Autism treatment in India is effective, especially with early diagnosis, and is more affordable compared to other countries.
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