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Rising Autism Rates in Pakistan: Causes and Contributing Factors

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. In recent years, Pakistan has witnessed a noticeable increase in the reported cases of autism. While this trend may appear alarming, research shows that the rise is not due to a sudden surge in actual cases but rather to a combination of better awareness, improved diagnosis, reduced stigma, and environmental and biological factors . Why Are Autism Rates Increasing in Pakistan? 1. Improved Awareness and Recognition In the past, many children with autism were misunderstood or mislabeled as having “speech delay” or “mental retardation.” Today, parents, teachers, and doctors are better informed, leading to more accurate identification (Samad, Chaudhary, & Webb, 2017). 2. Better Diagnostic Tools and Broader Criteria The use of standardized screening tools such as the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) and internationally recogniz...
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Procrastination in Young Adults Due to the Use of Artificial Intelligence #procrastination #ai

Procrastination in Young Adults Due to the Use of Artificial Intelligence Introduction Procrastination is commonly defined as the intentional delay of tasks despite being aware of potential negative outcomes (Steel, 2007). Young adults, especially students and early professionals, are particularly vulnerable to procrastination because of the competing demands of academic, professional, and personal life. With the widespread integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into education, workplaces, and daily routines, the nature of procrastination is shifting. AI tools, while beneficial for efficiency and creativity, can unintentionally foster procrastination by encouraging dependency, distraction, and perfectionism. This paper explores how the use of AI contributes to procrastination among young adults, highlights real-world examples, and considers strategies to counter these effects. AI as a Source of Procrastination Overreliance on AI for Quick Solutions AI tools such as ChatGPT ...

childhood autism rating scale detail summery #cars #psychology #therapy #autism

Autism Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social interaction, impaired verbal and non-verbal communication, and restricted and repetitive behavior. Parents usually notice signs in the first two years of their child's life. These signs often develop gradually, though some children with autism reach their developmental milestones at a normal pace and then regress. The Childhood Rating Scale (CARS) Introduction The Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) is a 15 item behavioral rating scale developed to identify children with autism, and to distinguish them from developmentally handicapped children without autism syndrome. The CARS is especially effective in discriminating between autistic children and trainable mentally retarded children (Morgan,1998: Teal & Wiebe, 1986) It further distinguishes children with autism in the mild to moderate to severe range. It was first constructed more than 15 years ago (Riechler and Scopler,1971)to enable clinicians...

Depression in Pakistan: Breaking the Silence on a Silent Epidemic

  Depression in Pakistan: Breaking the Silence on a Silent Epidemic In Pakistan, beneath the bustling streets and vibrant cultural tapestry, a silent epidemic is quietly, yet profoundly, impacting millions: depression . Often shrouded in misunderstanding, stigma, and a lack of adequate resources, mental health challenges, particularly depression, are a pressing public health concern that demands urgent attention. The Staggering Reality The numbers paint a stark picture. Studies suggest that the prevalence of anxiety and depression among adults in Pakistan can range from 30% to as high as 60% in certain populations. This means that for every family in Pakistan, it's highly likely that at least one individual is silently grappling with mental health issues. While global estimates suggest 1 in 4 people will experience a mental illness, Pakistan's unique socio-economic and cultural factors often amplify these figures. Beyond Sadness: Understanding Depression's True Face It...

speech therapy techniques for child who use gestures

It's excellent that your child is using gestures! This shows an understanding of communication and an intent to interact, which are crucial precursors to spoken language. A speech therapist will capitalize on these existing strengths to help your child bridge the gap from gestures to words. Here are common speech therapy techniques and strategies an SLP would use, and that you can incorporate at home, for a child who primarily uses single sounds but communicates with gestures: I. Building on Existing Communication (Gestures): Pairing Gestures with Words (Modeling and Labeling): "Translate" gestures: When your child points to something, immediately say the word for it. For example, if they point to a cup, you say, "Cup!" or "You want cup." Model the word with the gesture: When you want something, gesture and say the word. "Mommy wants 'more' (with a 'more' gesture)." Expand on gestures: If your child uses a gesture, add a w...

Articulation and Phonology: Shaping the Future of Speech Therapy

In the evolving landscape of communication disorders, speech therapy stands as a beacon of hope for millions worldwide. A vital component of this field is the focus on articulation and phonology—two cornerstones that form the foundation of effective verbal communication. As professionals, educators, and families continue to navigate the intricacies of speech therapy, understanding these elements is crucial to shaping its future and ensuring that individuals with speech challenges can achieve their full potential. Understanding Articulation and Phonology Articulation refers to the physical ability to move the tongue, lips, jaw, and other speech organs to produce sounds. In essence, it is how speech sounds are made. Phonology, on the other hand, is the study of how sounds function within a particular language. It involves understanding the patterns and rules that govern sound combinations and their meaningful use in communication. These two aspects are interrelated yet distinct in their ...