In recent times, there has been a surge of developmental problems like autism, learning disability and behavioral problems in children other than the so-called global developmental delay and cerebral palsy.
With the advent of PICU(pediatric intensive care unit) and NICU(Neonatal Intensive care unit) better healthcare facilities and better survival of sick and small neonates, there has been an increase in childhood disability. At present 10% of the population has some form of disability, it is much higher in high-risk babies graduating from NICU and PICU.
It is important to screen our children for development from time to time, as it not only helps to document their development track but also aids in early detection of any significant lags and addresses them timely with appropriate measures.
Child Development Clinic is an early intervention and pediatric rehabilitation center which works exclusively for High Risks Infants and children with special needs
So why we need a CDC?
1] Disabilities are not always visible: Doctors along with parents, play a key role in monitoring child’s development and identifying any signs of delays or challenges.
2] Early intervention is important:.The first three years of a child’s development are the most crucial. Intervention at this stage before any formal diagnosis is essential.Early intervention can be remedial or preventive in nature i.e remediation of existing developmental problems or preventing their occurrence.
3] Burden is huge:.As per official data, approximately 52 million children in India have symptoms of developmental disabilities.
4] Social stigmata: to break the stigmata that these children with special needs are not a burden to the society.We believe that all such children can be included in society and reach their maximum potential if given the chance. And we the apparently normal people have a lot to gain from them.
Who will help you in a Child development clinic
- Pediatrician
- Psychiatrist
- Clinical psychologist
- Physiotherapist
- Occupational therapist
- Speech Pathologist
- Special supportive medical team like Orthopedician, ENT surgeon, Eye surgeon)
Check this site out for more information about child development.
What will they be checking?
They will monitor hearing, sight, motor skills, language and speech, intelligence, social skills and overall development.
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My son was diagnosed with Autism early — 2 years old. I think it’s also the parents’ responsibility to notice the signs, and not dwell on denial for a long time. The children need help as soon as possible and time is crucial for their development.
Yes.early detection is helpful to cure any such medical issue.I remember we underwent many early development screenings with my kid.
This is very essential. Very informative article, Amrita.
Thanks for this information and for sharing awareness. For childs’ welfare we needs these facilities for them.
52million children in India alone, that’s a whopping stats I’ve known to..CDC is so important, we need to move away from the social stigma’s now and own the kids with developmental disabilities with open arms.
In my country and all through Europe there are mandatory tests a pregnant woman should take. I think it’s life saving and very important.
This would be a good clinic to have. For kids with disabilities, early intervention can help tremendously. I have invisible disabilities and they were not discovered until I was an adult. So, I understand, from first hand experience.
Thanks Alice for sharing your sharing
This is really interesting and very eye-opener. This is really important, we need this in some areas not just in india.
This is such an important thing that you highlight. healthcare should not be so difficult to come by.
I hope this clinic is offered in India soon. Child Development is so important and having resources needed for families are a very important component with meeting the needs of families.
Very string article, I agree that a CDC is very important. It is essential for children to receive great care.
A CDC it’s the most important thing. Elias has Autism and he has been receiving therapies and support since the age of 1. I am super grateful for that.
Yes, this is SO important. My son has autism and early intervention helped him out a lot. He was two when I realized something was off so he immediately got help.
Thank you on behalf of parents in India for this post to remind us of how important to have our children check for the unvisible problems!
Great insight, getting diagnosed early is crucial to development so glad to see people calling for action
I agree it’s not always visible to see if something is wrong or if our child needs some extra care!
As they say it takes a village to raise children!
Yes there is certainly a need to have such clinics so at least the tests can be conducted to discover any disabilities if any. It takes time to wake up from a certain mindset that people follow before they even get treatments done.
Very interesting, Amrita. There is so much work to be done to get children their basic right to health.
This is really interesting – are there no clinics set up on India as it is? They are really important especially for screening early on
Laura x
Couldn’t agree more! We need this everywhere, not just India.
This is helpful information. I have various “invisible” disabilities that were diagnosed quite late. Getting an early diagnosis, combined with early intervention, can only help kids learn to function better in their world.
Thank you, Amrita. Yes, the need for early discovery is so very important, and yet how often the “stigma” that goes with a diagnosis prevents this early discovery. People need to wake up to needs that are genuine and be more supportive of the patient and their parents.