'Regression' a red flag term, parents of 2 year olds need to know


'Childhood' is very precious and beautiful. When we see our kids mastering the milestones appropriate for their age we cherish those moments. Whenever they say a new word though not clear it gives us joy. Once the child completes their second birthday they will interact more and starts speaking in 2 to 3 word sentences. This is a typical way of Speech and Language development.

                             All of a sudden some children might exhibit features like not responding when called upon, prefers to be alone, does not express the words or sentences which he/she used to say more frequently till 2 years of age e.t.c. Now "what is this change called?", "why does this happen?" and "what does this indicate?". These cluster of features are referred to as "Regression". Regression is typical in normal childhood, and it can be caused by stress, by frustration, or by a traumatic event. Some common causes are the arrival of a new sibling, divorce, dealing with a death, moving or starting a new school or daycare. Children usually manifest regressive behavior to communicate their distress. 

                           Regression is associated with a greater likelihood of receiving an autism diagnosis.
The first large epidemiological study of this phenomenon, called regression, reveals that it occurs in at least 20 percent of children with autism. Ms. Catherine Bradley, assistant professor of pediatrics at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston says “I think [regression] can serve as a red flag in a lot of cases,”. She also added learning to reliably spot signs of regression could expedite diagnosis and treatment.

                          Unlike children who are born with signs and symptoms of Autism, these children with 'Regressive Autism' also called 'Atypical Autism' seems to be developing age appropriate milestones till 2 years of age and then they begin to lose their skills. When parents notice such signs in their child they should immediately approach Pediatrician and share your concerns. If  regression signs are noticed in communication get evaluated from Speech Pathologist and seek early intervention services. Parents are advised not to follow wait and see approach as it will result in loss of the valuable time that the child has to  recover from regression. In other words, there is more risk involved in the wait-and-see approach than in receiving early intervention.   

                         At home parent's can create a child friendly environment which will motivate the child to communicate more frequently by controlling accessibility to gadgets, toys and giving access only after communicating to their needs. Parent's should make sure that child makes eye contact every single time they request for their needs. 

 Involve the child in following activities,
1. Physical play like tickling, piggy back, blowing bubbles on cheeks etc. 
2. Pretend play with kitchen toys, clay, origami etc. 
3. Daily routines etc.

  " Communication is a beautiful act of interaction between two or more people in the process of learning". Let's help our children master it.

 Posted by:
Ms. Sai Harika Boppana,
Consultant Speech pathologist,
Dhara Speech Therapy Clinic,
Hosur.
Dated: 13/02/18

References:
1. Bradley C.C. et al. J. Dev. Behav. Pediatr. 37, 451-456 (2016) PubMed
2. Parr J.R. et al. J. Autism Dev. Disord. 41, 332-340 (2011) PubMed
3. www.guelphmercury.com
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4578899/
5. Autism and Environmental Factors, by Omar Bagasra, Cherilyn Heggen
6. www.helpguide.org

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