The First Step: Trust Your Instinct
If your child has limited eye contact, delayed speech, repetitive behaviour, or difficulty with social interaction by age 2-3, seek an evaluation. Early diagnosis means earlier intervention — which makes a real difference.
Who Can Diagnose Autism in India?
- Developmental Paediatricians — most accessible first point
- Child Psychiatrists — for older children or complex cases
- Clinical Psychologists — detailed psychometric testing
- Neurodevelopmental teams — NIMHANS, AIIMS, AYJNISHD
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Visit your paediatrician. Describe specific behaviours — "he did not respond to his name at 12 months," "he lines up toys but does not play." Bring a video.
Step 2: Get a referral to a developmental paediatrician or child psychiatrist.
Step 3: Comprehensive assessment — CARS (Childhood Autism Rating Scale), ISAA (Indian Scale for Assessment of Autism), cognitive testing, speech evaluation. Takes 2-4 sessions.
Step 4: Receive the written diagnosis report stating ASD, severity level (DSM-5 Level 1, 2, or 3), and recommendations. Keep multiple copies.
Government Centers for Free or Subsidised Diagnosis
- NIMHANS Bangalore — OPD available; 3-6 month waiting list
- AIIMS Delhi — Child Psychiatry OPD
- AYJNISHD — Centers in Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Secunderabad; free services
- RBSK — Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram in district government hospitals
Private assessments in metro cities: Rs 3,000-15,000.
What the Diagnosis Unlocks
Under the RPWD Act 2016, an autism diagnosis entitles your child to:
- Disability Certificate and UDID card
- 5% reservation in government schools and colleges
- Priority in government housing and welfare schemes
- Tax deductions for parents under Section 80DD
After the Diagnosis: Daily Tools
Start Visual Schedule -> — Build your child's daily routine with pictures, reducing anxiety while therapy begins.
Open AAC Board -> — Free picture communication board for non-verbal and minimally verbal children, with Hindi and English labels.