adminDr Mazvita Machinga
Every parent wants his or her child to develop and become a productive individual. No parent wants their children to be stigmatized because of a developmental disorder. Sadly, this is what is happening to some children with neurodevelopmental disorders.
In Shona, we have idioms that assist us in explaining what is happening in life. As I write this article, I am reminded of two Shona idioms, “Kuundira munda mvura yanaya” the meaning in English is “doing something well after the appropriate time is over.
Another one is “Kuyeuka dumba wanaiwa” meaning the tendency to act only after encountering troubling situation. What am I trying to say? I am saying in this article, delay in diagnosis and treatment characterise the neurodevelopmental disorders autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Attention- Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
What are these neurodevelopment disorders? “Neuro-developmental disorders are impairments of the growth and development of the brain or central nervous system. A narrower use of the term refers to a challenge of brain function that affects emotion, social relations, learning ability, self-control and memory” ( Klin et al Arch Gen Psychiatry, 2002).
These problems unfold as the individual grows and can disrupt one’s well being in many ways. Neurodevelopmental challenges such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Attention- Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are common amongst our children.
ASD is when a child has impaired social verbal and nonverbal communication. It is a developmental disorder which needs to have an onset at the age of 3. ADHD is when a child shows a persistent pattern of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, which interferes with their day to day functioning or social development.
Despite parental concerns about how their children are behaving, parents do not seek help for their children in time. Unfortunately, I have observed that, many children with these problems end up suffering the consequences of unattended problems in adulthood.
It is important for parents and caregivers to know that not having your child assisted during childhood will have a serious implication on the way your child behaves in adulthood. Let us begin with ASD. As a parent what is it that will tell me that my child may be in need of help or may be suffering from ASD?
As a parent, once you notice some unusual behaviors on your growing child, your role is to visit your medical doctor, psychologist or social worker who will then conduct a clinical assessment. Remember that only trained mental health care providers such as psychiatric doctors or psychologists/psychotherapists can make a diagnosis or treat these conditions.
Often a multidisciplinary management approach is used to assist children like this. But it all begins with mental health first aid, you, identifying signs and symptoms and then visiting professionals for further help. Some researchers have indicated that poor knowledge/awareness of neurodevelopmental challenges and some cultural beliefs leads to late diagnosis and treatment ( Bakare et al, 2009a; Igwe et al, 2011).
So, now that you have an idea of what this is all about. It is important as parents that you do your role in making sure that your child get assisted in time. Remember, “ kuundira munda mvura yanaya” is not always the best thing to do. Prevention is better than cure.
First of all, I want to emphasize that with neurodevelopment disorders such as ASD, early diagnosis and entry into appropriate treatment programs will go a long way in improving developmental outcomes such as language, social, cognitive and motor skills of children.
For children with ASD signs and symptoms will have been present for at least 6 months, and they are inappropriate for their developmental level. Symptoms differ from individual to individual in terms of associated 3 core symptom domains namely social deficits, language delay, and repetitive behaviors. This can lead to compulsive aggressive behaviors.
By the way these have to be identified by the ages of 3-5 respectively. If a child has noticeable delays in developing language skills, does not want to play with others or even have meaningful relationships with others and sometimes have no control of bowel and bladder, then as a parent it is a cause for concern and you need to visit your doctor, mental health professional or health institution for help.
What is important is that treatment for ASD is available and children can be attended. The Autism Organisation Zimbabwe which was formed in 2009 and registered in 2011 as a Private Voluntary Organisation. (PVO No. 33/11) is available to help. Its primary aim is the rehabilitation of children living with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), provision of skills training and support services, as well as raising public awareness on issues affecting children or adults living with ASD. There is also World Autism Awareness Day that is celebrated every year on April 2.
For more information about this feel free to contact Dr. Mazvita Machinga Ph.D. a qualified Psychotherapist in Mutare who offers professional counseling and psychotherapy to all those in need of it. [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>, or call 0771 754 519.
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