I am deeply concerned about the pressing issues within therapy centers for children with autism and other neurological differences. A recent article by Remya Harikumar has shed light on these critical problems, and I believe it's crucial to address them and advocate for significant reform in this field. This article was published on Mathrubhumi Today, and I want to express my gratitude to both the author, Remya Harikumar, and the publisher for their efforts in bringing these concerns to public attention. The article underscores various disturbing aspects of therapy centers: Abuse within Therapy Centers: The article highlights incidents of physical and emotional abuse within therapy centers. In one case, a six-year-old child was sent to a therapy center in Kochi, and while waiting outside, parents heard their child cry out in distress. Upon entering, they discovered the child with a broken hand, and to their shock, it was a physiotherapist who was present in the room. This incident exemplifies the alarming conditions prevailing in several therapy centers, where children often leave with injuries and broken teeth. Abusive Methods: Shockingly, the article reveals that some centers resort to abusive methods, such as binding children to chairs and even caning. Lack of Parental Involvement: It's concerning that therapy is often provided in closed rooms, excluding parents. This is justified by the belief that children won't cooperate if parents are present. However, Dr. C.P Abubecker, an expert in the field, rightly points out the inefficiency of this approach. According to Dr. Abubecker, therapy doesn't end in one hour; it should continue at home. The best therapist for a child is their mother, and it's the therapist's responsibility to guide parents on effective home-based therapy practices. Unusual Post-Therapy Behaviors: Parents have reported unusual behaviors exhibited by their children after therapy sessions, ranging from extreme stubbornness to inappropriate handling of private body parts. For children with limited verbal communication, it's difficult to understand these behaviors, and the risks of leaving a child alone in a closed room with an adult trainer are apparent. Advocacy and Reform: In response to these challenges, an advocacy group called "TogetherWeCan," based in Kochi, filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the High Court. Their aim was to achieve transparency in therapy centers and ensure parental involvement in the therapy process. Following this initiative, the Child Rights Commission issued an order to establish committees in each district to regulate therapy centers and involve parents. Even the Health Minister, K.K Shylaja, suggested changes, although they have not been implemented yet. Issues with Proliferation and Regulation: The article also highlights the proliferation of therapy centers in Kerala, often lacking proper regulation and charging varying fees. Sadly, many of these centers do not employ competent therapists, making them a financial burden for parents. Only families with reasonable incomes can afford these centers, leading to the exploitation of both parents, emotionally and financially, and the physical and mental abuse of children. Call for Reform: Given the dire need for reform, I, as a psychologist specializing in autism and related neurological differences, strongly advocate for the following changes: Formation of a regulatory body to oversee therapy centers. An end to closed-room therapy practices. Empowerment of parents in the therapy process. Introduction of documentation. Setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals.
