Dr. Navneet Korpal, MPT (Neurology), A dedicated specialist in pediatric physiotherapy. With a profound focus on enhancing the lives of children, Dr. Korpal brings extensive expertise in managing complex neurological conditions, including cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), sensory processing disorder, and hyperactivity.
Cerebral Palsy (CP): CP is a group of disorders that affect movement and muscle coordination. It is caused by damage to the developing brain, often before birth.
Primary Features:
- Motor Problems: CP primarily affects movement, causing issues with muscle tone, reflexes, posture, and balance.
- Developmental Milestones: Children with CP may experience delays in reaching developmental milestones such as sitting, crawling, walking, and using motor skills.
- Types: There are different types of CP depending on the area of the brain affected and the severity of symptoms.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): ASD is a developmental disorder characterized by challenges with social skills, communication (both verbal and nonverbal), and repetitive behaviors. It is a spectrum disorder, meaning symptoms can range from mild to severe.
Primary Features:
- Communication Issues: Difficulty in understanding and using language, both spoken and nonverbal cues (such as gestures and facial expressions).
- Social Challenges: Difficulty in understanding social norms, building relationships, and interpreting social cues.
- Behavioral Patterns: Often includes repetitive behaviors (like hand-flapping or rocking) and insistence on routines or rituals.
- Sensory Sensitivities: Many individuals with ASD have heightened sensitivities to sensory stimuli (e.g., sound, light, touch).
Differences between cerebral palsy (CP) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD):
- Focus of Symptoms: CP primarily affects motor function and physical movement, whereas ASD primarily affects social communication, behavior, and sensory processing.
- Onset and Diagnosis: CP is typically diagnosed early based on motor delays and neurological exams, whereas ASD might be diagnosed later, often around ages 2-3, based on behavioral observations and developmental assessments.
- Causes: CP is caused by brain damage before, during, or shortly after birth, whereas the exact causes of ASD are still being researched, but genetic and environmental factors are believed to play a role.