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Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological condition that affects characterized with limitations the occurrence of specific interests and recurrent behaviors in social interaction. This article explains factors that may influence prevalence rates, such as recent changes to the diagnostic criteria, in light of current concerns about increased prevalence. To observe the development of literature regarding autism spectrum disorder in light of recent researches. The data was collected from data bases such as google scholar, Pubmed, HEC library and Scopus. The researches from only national scholars was considered. The data was vetted by a self appointed committee of expert peer reviewer to ensure maximum quality. Based on our analysis of published works, it can be claimed that there is a lack of academically sound published material from Pakistan, making it challenging to quantify the burden of ASD in this community, identify risk factors, or even create efficient intervention methods.

SLPs (Speech and Language Pathologists) are healthcare specialists that specialize in the areas of swallowing and communication across the lifespan. While communication comprises speech production, language, fluency, voice, hearing, cognition, resonance and swallowing involves all aspects of swallowing, including related feeding habits. According to the definition of vocal fatigue, it is "the perception of voice user, manifested mostly as an increased vocal effort that develops over time with voice usage and reduces with voice rest." Objective: To explore an association of vocal fatigue and years of experience among practicing Speech and Language Pathologists. Methods: A cross-sectional study was held with sample size of 80 participants’ using quota sampling technique. Vocal Fatigue Index questionnaire was used to collect data from SLP’s which consists of 19 items having factor 1 (tiredness of voice), factor 2 (physical discomfort) and factor 3 (improvements of symptoms with rest). Results: The mean score of tiredness of voice (factor 1) was 20.15 ± 7.18 having Pearson correlation of 0.470, mean score of physical discomfort (factor 2) was 8.30 ± 4.156 having Pearson correlation of 0.393 and the mean score of improvement of symptoms with rest (factor 3) was 7.86 ± 2.814 having Pearson correlation of -0.063. The mean year of experience was 2.38 ± 1.49. Conclusions: As the age of Speech Language Pathologist increased, they become more experienced but they decreased their workload by reducing their medical practices in this way their vocal fatigue decreases automatically. Hence as the years of experience increases the vocal fatigue of SLP’s decreases.

One of the frequently occurring disabilities of early age is Cerebral Palsy. Impairments in speech, language and communication usually co-occur with CP. These arise from the auditory, sensory and visual disorders that accompany CP. Delay or impairments in the development of language in cerebral palsy can lead to different speech and language disorders. Objectives: Evaluating the development of language in children with cerebral palsy between 2-4 years of age. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was utilized. Data was collected from different healthcare centers, clinics and hospitals. Convenient-based sampling technique was used. Children with co-morbid conditions with CP were not included in the study sample. The assessment tool used for evaluation of language development was ‘PORTAGE – early education program.’ The language related questions of PEEP were included as the tool for data collection. The data for 108 patients of cerebral palsy between 2-4 years of age was compiled. The results have been divided into demographics and the levels of portage i.e., 0-1 years, 1-2 years, 2-3 years and 3-4 years. The receptive as well as expressive language has been evaluated for these children. Total 70 questions have been added from the portage guide for up to 4 years of age. Results: It is observed that a little more than half of the patients included in the study experience varying degrees of language difficulties. These difficulties are an accumulation of receptive as well as expressive impairments. On the contrary, a little under half of the patients (46.38%) have language abilities developed according to their age. Early identification of language impairment in children with Cerebral Palsy can lead to early intervention. This study evaluates the language development in young patients with CP. The results reveal the percentage of patients with language impairments. Hence, the study encourages early evaluation and treatment of language disorders in this population. Conclusion: The most vital period of language development ranges till 5 years of age. So, 2-4 years is an important period of time for language development in an individual. An in-depth assessment of speech, language, cognitive and motor skills should be conducted during this time for CP children. Keywords: Cerebral Palsy, Portage Early Education Program, Language Development, Language Impairment.