First aid in autism

Autism is a neurobiological developmental disorder that appears in children before the age of three and is characterized by barriers to communication, social interaction, and limited and repetitive behavior patterns, which will continue if not treated through appropriate and correct interventions. In Indonesia, after a child is diagnosed with autism or when parents have an initial suspicion of autism indications, there is often a time lag before the child receives professional therapy services. This pause is influenced by limited access to services, the availability of professionals, cost factors, and inequality of facilities between regions, so parents need initial guidance that can be applied independently in the home environment.

This presentation introduced the concept  of First Aid in Autism (  FAIA) as a family-based initial approach that is relevant to the Indonesian context. The methods used are conceptual and applicative, with reference to literature review and experiences of assisting parents of children with ASD. FAIA is designed as a preventive and supportive measure that aims to minimize environmental and lifestyle factors that have the potential to aggravate autism symptoms before the child receives professional therapy.

FAIA includes three main components, namely: (1) reduction and elimination of exposure to various chemicals from food and the daily environment, (2) the application of abstinence to certain food sources, and (3) digital detoxification through control of the use of gadgets and excessive exposure to visual and auditory stimuli. The application of these three components is directed to support the improvement of children's sleep patterns, the stability of daily rhythms, as well as physical readiness and attention in carrying out daily activities.

The results of observations on parental assistance show that the application of FAIA contributes to improving sleep patterns, increasing attention readiness, and reducing overload behavior in children's daily lives. This impact further supports the creation of more adaptive sensory regulation, so that children are in a more stable condition to follow the learning process and advanced therapy. In addition, parents show increased understanding, confidence, and an active role in accompanying children during the transition period to professional intervention.

In conclusion, First Aid for Autism (FAIA) is an important initial foundation in the Indonesian context to bridge the initial phase after diagnosis with professional therapy services. FAIA is a supportive approach that empowers families and optimizes children's physical readiness, attention, and sensory regulation to receive follow-up interventions more effectively. In addition to being relevant to be applied in Indonesia, the FAIA framework has the potential to be developed and adapted widely in various countries by taking into account cultural differences, family customs, and the availability and characteristics of local foodstuffs. Adjustments to food types and sources are an important aspect in the implementation of FAIA globally, so that the principles of diet management can still be applied without ignoring the geographical and social context of each region. With this flexibility, FAIA can serve as an inclusive and applicable starting framework for families of children with ASD in different parts of the world, while strengthening the role of families in supporting children's readiness before and during professional interventions.

Doctor Rudy Sutadi is a pediatrician and doctor of educational psychology who pays special attention to the issue of autism and child development. In Indonesia, she is active in the fields of education, family mentoring, and the development of family- and environment-based early approaches for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Dr. Rudy Sutadi is known through his involvement in various training, seminar, and advocacy activities aimed at improving the understanding of parents and educators about early detection and early treatment of autism since 1997 until now. (Example: Dr. Jane Doe is an epidemiologist who specializes in infectious disease research and outbreak response. He holds a PhD in Epidemiology from Harvard University and an MPH from Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Doe has worked with the WHO and CDC on global health initiatives and has published extensively on zoonotic diseases. He is currently the Director of the Global Infectious Diseases Program at the University of California, San Francisco.)