Peer-reviewed article

Improving Functional Abilities and Social Participation of a Child with Autism through Multidisciplinary Therapy

Ishaan Rahate, Nazia Ansari, Divya Sharma, Shraddha Chaurasia, Janvi Someshwar et al. · 15 Jul 2026

Abstract

Background: Ishaan Rahate is an 11-year-old child with epilepsy and autism spectrum disorder who has been receiving regular therapeutic support at the Epilepsy Foundation India. When Ishaan initially began attending therapy sessions, he experienced challenges in communication, motor coordination, attention, and participation in group activities. Recognizing the complexity of his condition and the need for long-term rehabilitation, Dr. Nirmal Surya personally reviewed Ishaan’s case. Considering the child’s developmental needs, Dr. Surya advised Ishaan’s guardian that he should receive all required therapies regularly at the foundation free of cost, ensuring that financial constraints would not become a barrier to his progress. Children with epilepsy and autism often face barriers in education, social participation, and confidence-building activities. Continuous multidisciplinary intervention therefore plays an essential role in improving their quality of life and developmental outcomes. Intervention/Program: Ishaan has been a regular patient at Epilepsy Foundation India, where he has been receiving a structured therapy program including: • Speech therapy • Cognitive behavioral therapy • Occupational therapy • Physiotherapy These therapies focused on improving: • Communication skills • Physical coordination and endurance • Cognitive development • Behavioral regulation • Social interaction and participation Through consistent therapy sessions, professional guidance, and support from his family, Ishaan gradually developed improved confidence, physical ability, and social participation skills. Outcomes and Achievements: As a result of regular therapy and continuous encouragement, Ishaan demonstrated remarkable progress in physical fitness, coordination, and participation in sports and community activities. During the academic year 2025–2026, he successfully participated in several sports competitions and inclusive events. Achievements and Participation: 1. VMS Learning Centre School (December 12, 2025) Annual Sports Day • 100 meter running race – 2nd prize 2. Narsee Monjee Educational Trust – Jamnabai Narsee School (December 19, 2025) Inter-School Sports Event (58 participating special schools) • 100 meter running race – 5th position 3. Ahura Support – 7th Annual Sports Day (January 11, 2026) Ummeed Child Development Centre • Running race – 2nd rank • Throw ball – 2nd rank • Color ball sorting – 1st rank • Run and stick – 2nd rank 4. Tata Mumbai Marathon (January 18, 2026) Dream Run – 5.9 km participation 5. JIO Special Hangout Sports Day – Jain International Organisation (February 8, 2026) • 100 meter running race – 1st rank • Entangled game – 1st rank 6.: Adventures Beyond Barriers Foundation (ABBF), Pune (February 14, 2026) Run InSync – 3 km run Location: Savitribai Phule University, Pune Impact: The multidisciplinary therapies provided by Epilepsy Foundation India significantly contributed to improvements in Ishaan’s: • Physical coordination and stamina • Communication and social interaction • Confidence in participating in competitive events • Inclusion in community and sports activities Participation in inclusive sporting events has helped Ishaan build self-esteem, independence, and social integration. Key Learnings: • Early and continuous multidisciplinary therapy can significantly improve developmental outcomes for children with epilepsy and autism. • Financial support and access to free therapeutic services can make a critical difference for families requiring long-term rehabilitation. • Inclusive sports events play a vital role in building confidence and social participation among children with neurological conditions. Conclusion: Ishaan Rahate’s journey highlights how consistent therapy, inclusive opportunities, and compassionate support from health care professionals can empower children with epilepsy and autism to achieve meaningful milestones. His participation and achievements in multiple sports events demonstrate the importance of holistic rehabilitation and community inclusion. Publication History Article published online: 15 July 2026 © 2026. The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, permitting unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction so long as the original work is properly cited. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Thieme Medical and Scientific Publishers Private Limited A-13A, Graphix Tower 1, 6th floor, Sector 62, Noida 201309, Uttar Pradesh, India