Consensus Statement of the IAP - Neurodevelopmental Chapter On Neurodevelopmental Disorders Habilitation Process: Strategic Plan for Prevention, Early Detection and Early Intervention.

JUSTIFICATION: Neurodevelopmental disorders, as per DSM-V, are described as a group of conditions with onset in the development period of childhood. There is a need to distinguish the process of habilitation and rehabilitation, especially in a developing country like India, and define the roles of all stakeholders to reduce the burden of neurodevelopmental disorders. PROCESS: Subject experts and members of Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) Chapter of Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics, who reviewed the literature on the topic, developed key questions and prepared the first draft on guidelines. The guidelines were then discussed by the whole group through online meetings, and the contentious issues were discussed until a general consensus was arrived at. Following this, the final guidelines were drafted by the writing group and approved by all contributors. OBJECTIVES: These guidelines aim to provide practical clinical guidelines for pediatricians on the prevention, early diagnosis and management of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) in the Indian settings. It also defines the roles of developmental pediatricians and development nurse counselor. STATEMENT: There is a need for nationwide studies with representative sampling on epidemiology of babies with early NDD in the first 1000 days in India. Specific learning disability (SLD) has been documented as the most common NDD after 6 years in India, and special efforts should be made to establish the epidemiology of infants and toddlers at risk for SLD, where ever measures are available. Preconception counseling as part of focusing on first 1000 days; Promoting efforts to organize systematic training programs in Newborn Resuscitation Program (NRP); Lactation management; Developmental follow-up and Early stimulation for SNCU/ NICU graduates; Risk stratification of NICU graduates, Newborn Screening; Counseling parents; Screening for developmental delay by trained professionals using simple validated Indian screening tools at 4, 8, 12, 18 and 24 months; Holistic assessment of 10 NDDs at child developmental clinics (CDCs) / district early intervention centre (DEICs) by multidisciplinary team members; Confirmation of diagnosis by developmental pediatrician/developmental neurologist/child psychiatrist using clinical/diagnostic tools; Providing parent guided low intensity multimodal therapies before 3 years age as a center-based or home-based or community-based rehabilitation; Developmental pediatrician to seek guidance of pediatric neurologist, geneticist, child psychiatrist, physiatrist, and other specialists, when necessary; and Need to promote ongoing academic programs in clinical child development for capacity building of community based therapies, are the chief recommendations.

Development and Validation of a Tool for Assessing Pre-Writing Skills of 2-5 y old Children.

OBJECTIVES: To develop a tool to assess pre-writing skills of 2-5 y old children in India. METHODS: The tool development process followed the recommendations by Fitzpatrick et al. and the Consensus based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN), and included 4 phases. In Phase I, an initial 35-item draft tool was developed by an expert panel for the tool-development. In Phase II, the 35-item draft tool was prevalidated through peer and expert reviews, pilot-study to assess the tool-comprehensibility, and assessment of test-retest and inter-rater reliability. In Phase III, the 35-item draft tool was administered on the 575 typically developing children aged 2-5 y, recruited from rural, urban, slum, and coastal areas through stratified random sampling. In Phase IV, the normative age-range for development of each item was generated by calculating the age-percentiles (10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th). Factor analysis and item reduction was done for items in 2-3, 3-4, and 4-5 y age-groups. The final tool was converted to graphic format with 10th-90th age-percentile bars. RESULTS: The final tool had 26 items with a three-factor structure. Cronbach's alpha was within acceptable limits for all three age-groups (0.723, 0.778, and 0.823 in 2-3 y, 3-4 y, and 4-5 y respectively). Kappa coefficients of the items ranged from 0.6-1 in interrater reliability and 0.64-1 test-retest reliability analysis reflecting substantial agreement between ratings. CONCLUSIONS: A 26-item screening tool "Prewriting skills Assessment Tool" (PAT) to assess writing readiness of 2-5 y old children was developed. Tool reliability and construct validity have been established.

Prevalence of Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) Among Children in India: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Specific learning disorders (SLD) comprise varied conditions with ongoing problems in one of the three areas of educational skills-reading, writing, and arithmetic-which are essential for the learning process. There is a dearth of systematic reviews focused exclusively on the prevalence of SLD in India. Hence, this study was done to estimate the prevalence of SLD in Indian children. Methods: A systematic search of electronic databases of MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and CINAHL was conducted. Two authors independently assessed the eligibility of the full-text articles. The third author reassessed all selected studies. A standardized data extraction form was developed and piloted. The pooled prevalence of SLDs was estimated from the reported prevalence of eligible studies, using the random-effects model. Results: Six studies of the systematic review included the diagnostic screening of 8133 children. The random-effects meta-analysis showed that the overall pooled prevalence of SLD in India was 8% (95% CI = 4-11). The tools used to diagnose SLD in the studies were the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS)-SLD index and the Grade Level Assessment Device (GLAD). Conclusions: Nearly 8% of children up to 19 years have SLD. There are only a few high-quality, methodologically sound, population-based epidemiological studies on this topic. There is a pressing need to have large population-based surveys in India, using appropriate screening and diagnostic tools. Constructing standardized assessment tools, keeping in view the diversity of Indian culture, is also necessary.

Determinants of very low birth weight in India: The National Family Health Survey - 4.

Background Low birth weight (LBW) is susceptible to neonatal complications, chronic medical conditions, and neurodevelopmental disabilities. We aim to describe the determinants of very low birth weight (VLBW) in India based on the National Family Health Survey - 4 (NHFS-4). Methods Data from the NFHS 4 on birthweight and other socio-demographic characteristics for the youngest child born in the family during the five years preceding the survey were used. Data of 147,762 infant-mother pairs were included. Multiple logistic regression models were employed to delineate the independent predictors of VLBW (birth weight<1500 g) or LBW (birth weight <2500 g). Results Of the 147,762 children included in the study, VLBW and LBW were observed in 1.2% and 15.8% of children, respectively. The odds of VLBW were higher in female children (aOR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.15-1.60), among mothers aged 13-19 years (aOR: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.22-2.07), mothers with severe or moderate anaemia (aOR: 1.61, 95% CI: 1.34-1.94), mothers without recommended antenatal care (aOR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.31-1.90), maternal height less than 150 cm (aOR: 1.54, 95% CI: 1.29-1.85) and among mothers with multiple pregnancy (aOR: 21.34, 95% CI: 14.70-30.96) in comparison to their corresponding counterparts. In addition to the variables associated with VLBW, educational status of mothers (no education; aOR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.02-1.15 and primary education; aOR: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.08-1.25), caste of the children (scheduled tribe; aOR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.03-1.24), and wealthiness of the family (poorest wealth quintiles; aOR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.03-1.19) were associated with LBW. Conclusions Interventions targeting improvements in antenatal care access, maternal health, and nutritional status may reduce the number of VLBW infants. Social determinants of LBW require further detailed study to understand the high propensity of low birth-weight phenotypes in the disadvantaged communities in India.

Differential impact of antenatal exposure to antiseizure medications on motor and mental development in infants of women with epilepsy.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine a possible association between motor and mental development in infants of women with epilepsy and antenatal exposure to antiseizure medication (ASM). METHODS: Developmental paediatricians who were blinded to antenatal ASM exposure evaluated motor and mental development of infants (>12 months) using the Developmental Assessment Scale for Indian Infants (an Indian adaptation of the Bayley Scale of Infant Development). Motor (MODQ) and mental development quotients (MEDQ) were computed as ratios of respective developmental age to the chronological age of the child. We employed linear mixed models to study the relationship between antenatal exposure to ASM and the development quotients after adjustment for malformation status and age of the baby, maternal education and seizure type. RESULTS: We studied 1,357 infants with mean age of 15.3±4.0 months (71.2% of all eligible infants). Infants were classified as having monotherapy or polytherapy, or unexposed in 840, 407 and 110 participants, respectively. The MEDQ of the polytherapy (92.9±14.9) and monotherapy (96.9±13.9) groups was lower than that of unexposed infants (99.8 12.5). Similarly, the MODQ of polytherapy (91.1±19.3) and monotherapy (96.6±17.5) groups was lower than that of unexposed infants (97.6 16.6). The differences in adjusted mean MEDQ were -7.4 (-11.4 to -4.3, p=0.001), -9.6 (-11.3 to -6.0, p=0.001) and -6.4 (-9.2 to -3.7, p=0.001) for valproate monotherapy, polytherapy with valproate and polytherapy without valproate, respectively. The adjusted mean MODQ also showed a similar trend. Those exposed to levetiracetam (n=62) had higher or similar adjusted MODQ (110.4±14.3; p=0.001) and MEDQ (104.3±9.1; p=0.09), compared to unexposed infants. A dose-dependent decrease in developmental indicators was observed for valproate and phenobarbitone. SIGNIFICANCE: Antenatal exposure to ASM, especially valproate and phenobarbitone, adversely affects motor and mental development of exposed infants. Early developmental screening of high-risk infants is desirable.

Immunohistochemical detection of Tyrosine Kinase receptor (TrK) in follicular and plexiform ameloblastoma - A novel study.

OBJECTIVES: The objective is to analyze the immunohistochemical expression pattern of tyrosine kinase receptor (TrK) in ameloblastoma and to compare the immunohistochemical expression pattern of TrK among the histological types of ameloblastoma, follicular and plexiform patterns. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty ameloblastomas (20 follicular and 20 plexiform) were immunostained with anti-human TrK mouse IgG monoclonal antibody, and the pattern of staining is statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Total 20 (4 follicular and 16 plexiform) out of 40 ameloblastomas showed immunoreactivity to TrK. Only the peripheral preameloblast like tall columnar cells showed reactivity, whereas the stellate reticulum like cells is immunonegative. The staining pattern was membranous in the immunoreactive cells. The Chi-square value for the immunoexpression between follicular and plexiform ameloblastoma was statistically significant with a P < 0.005. The results were studied with the downstream pathways from the literature, and a possible mechanism has been proposed. CONCLUSION: The expression pattern of TrK is found to be more in plexiform ameloblastoma than follicular ameloblastoma.

The market for reproductive tourism: an analysis with special reference to Greece.

BACKGROUND: For many people, the need for parenthood remains unfulfilled due to biological reasons and a remedy for these individuals is assisted reproduction (AR). Because of widely differing and sometimes incompatible legislations around the world related to AR, there is considerable confusion across national borders. Within Europe, Greece seems to be in a comparatively favorable position because of lower restrictions and the availability of decent quality specialized medical facilities. This research is a market study with a business perspective and explores the emerging landscape of reproductive tourism (RT) in Greece. METHODS: The research adopted mixed methods. First, open-ended questions were used to interview foreign medical tourists and staff in various AR clinics. Based on the insights from these interviews and guided by the extent literature, a survey instrument was prepared and administered among 130 patients. RESULTS: Findings indicate that Greece still lack policies that nurture transparency and dynamic response to technological changes in AR. Also, the travel industry lack specialists who can effectively liaison with clinics, who understand the availability of AR technologies, regulations, and the unique needs of AR tourists. CONCLUSIONS: Globally, the need for assisted reproduction has tremendously increased; yet, the supply of facilities is lagging far behind. There is a unique advantage for clinics located in touristic locations in countries that offer cheaper treatment options. Given the shape of its debt-ridden economy, Greece needs foreign exchange inflows and gaining first mover advantage in reproductive tourism is probably an important way to achieve this. This research draws up a reproductive tourism strategy for Greece.

Infantile spasms: A prognostic evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Few papers address the comprehensive prognosis in infantile spasms and look into the seizure profile and psychomotor outcome. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to follow up children with infantile spasms to study: a) the etiology, demographics, semiology, electroencephalogram (EEG), and radiological pattern; b) seizure control, psychomotor development, and EEG resolution with treatment; c) the effects of various factors on the control of spasms, resolution of EEG changes, and psychomotor development at 3-year follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty newly diagnosed cases with a 1-12 month age of onset and who had hypsarrhythmia in their EEG were recruited and 43 were followed up for 3 years. RESULTS: Of the children followed up, 51% were seizure-free and 37% had a normal EEG at the 3-year follow-up. Autistic features were seen in 74% of the children. Only 22.7% among the seizure-free (11.6% of the total) children had normal vision and hearing, speech with narration, writing skills, gross and fine motor development, and no autism or hyperactivity. On multivariate analysis, two factors could predict bad seizure outcome - the occurrence of other seizures in addition to infantile spasms and no response to 28 days of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). No predictor could be identified for abnormal psychomotor development. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: In our study, we could demonstrate two factors that predict seizure freedom. The cognitive outcome and seizure control in this group of children are comparable to the existing literature. However, the cognitive outcome revealed by our study and the survey of the literature are discouraging.

Language Evaluation Scale Trivandrum (LEST 3-6 years) Development and Validation.

Language Evaluation Scale Trivandrum (LEST:3-6 years) with 31-items, was validated against extended REELS with a community sample-606 children (3-6yrs). One item and two item delay as LEST delay showed a sensitivity of (81%, 47%); specificity (68%, 94%), PPV (12%, 31%); NPV (98%, 97%) and accuracy (68.5%, 92%), respectively. LEST (3-6years) is a simple, valid, community screening tool.

CDC Kerala--The Untold Story.

This article is our life time experience in conceptualizing and systematically developing Child Development Centre (CDC) Kerala in the last 25 years, from a research project to a national training centre in child and adolescent development and premarital counseling. CDC Kerala's major contribution was in creating a 'conceptual framework' of a valid link between childhood disability, low birth weight, adolescent girls' nutrition and fetal onset adult lifestyle diseases. It all started with a randomized controlled trial (RCT) proving beyond doubt that early stimulation is effective in improving the neurodevelopmental status of high risk babies at one and two years and the same cohort was followed-up in detail at 5, 13, 16, 19 and 24 completed years. The process of establishing CDC Kerala is being presented under (i) clinical child development, (ii) adolescent care counseling, (iii) young adults and premarital counseling and (iv) institution building.

Comparison of the Diagnostic Accuracy and Validity of a Short Version of Teen Screen Questionnaire-Mental Health (TSQ -M-Short) for Use in Community.

BACKGROUND: A few self-administered questionnaires are available for assessing mental health among adolescents in primary-care settings. Brief measures are desirable for use in big-data, epidemiological studies. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate a 7-item version, of the Teen Screen Questionnaire-Mental Health (TSQ-M), the TSQ-M-Short. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective cross-sectional study of 140 adolescents, recruited from 6 rural or urban schools, the newly developed TSQ-M-Short as the measure for validation and General Health Questionnaire-12 item (GHQ-12) as the gold standard measure were administered by independent trained raters. Tests for diagnostic accuracy and validity were conducted. RESULTS: A total TSQ-M-Short score of ≥ 6 had a sensitivity of 76%, specificity of 74%, positive likelihood ratio of 2.99, negative likelihood ratio of 0.33, positive predictive value of 6% and a negative predictive value of 82.1%. The area under curve (AUC) in the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) for the TSQ-M-Short version was 0.84 (95% cumulative incidence (CI) = 0.76-0.89). The AUC for the TSQ-M-Short version was higher than the AUC for the original version, and the difference between the areas was 0.10 (95% CI = 0.02-0.19), which was statistically significant (z = 2.49; P = 0.01). The internal consistency of TSQ-M-Short, as measured by chronbach's α, was 0.34 (95% CI = 0.15-0.48). The construct validity demonstrated a 3-factor structure, which explained 55% of the variance. CONCLUSION: The TSQ-M-Short has an overall diagnostic accuracy which is better than the original TSQ-M. Although the original version includes symptoms for more mental health disorders, providing a wider screen. This short version will prove useful in big-data studies.

CDC Kerala 10: Diagnostic accuracy of the severity scores for childhood autism rating scale in India.

OBJECTIVE: To document the diagnostic accuracy of the Childhood Autism Scale (CARS) thresholds to identify mild, moderate and severe autism in India. METHODS: The CARS scores of 623 children, with and without autism were compared against the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders 4th edition (DSM-IV-TR) for ASD diagnosis and clinical consensus between two developmental paediatricians as the reference standard for autism severity using the Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analyses and contingency tables. RESULTS: The CARS total score for mild, moderate and severe autism ranged from 30.5 to 35, 35.5-40 and ≥40.5 respectively in this study. The overall diagnostic accuracy of CARS total score in the mild range was moderate [AUC = 0.68 (95%CI = 0.62-0.88), z = 1.34; P = 0.18], moderate range was high [AUC = 0.90 (95%CI = 0.77-0.97), z = 8.62; P = 0.0001] and severe range was also high [AUC = 0.85 (95%CI = 0.77-0.90), z = 7.09; P = 0.0001]. CONCLUSIONS: There are validated severity scores for Childhood Autism Rating Scale for clinical and research use in India.

CDC Kerala 12: Socio-demographic factors among children (2-6 y) with autism--a case control study.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the socio-demographic factors among children between 2 and 6 y of age with autism and a control group of normal children. METHODS: One hundred forty three confirmed cases of 2-6 y-old children with autism, attending autism clinic of Child Development Centre, who had a CARS score of more than 30 were included in the study. Two hundred normal children in the same age group were recruited from the well-baby/immunization clinic of SAT Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram. Data was collected using a structured pre-piloted questionnaire consisting of 11 socio-demographic possible risk factors. RESULTS: The multivariate analysis on socio-demographic characteristics as possible risk factors for autism has shown that (i) upper and upper middle socioeconomic status (OR: 7.13; CI: 3.26-15.57) and (ii) male gender (OR: 3.95; CI: 2.22-7.04) were significant risk factors for autism, whereas place of residence, rural (OR: 0.41; CI: 0.24-0.68) is a protective factor. CONCLUSIONS: This case control study involving 143 children between 2 and 6 y with autism as per CARS criteria and a control group of 200 normal children has shown that upper and upper middle socioeconomic status and (ii) male gender are significant risk factors for autism, whereas place of residence, rule is a protective factor.

CDC Kerala 8: Effectiveness of a clinic based, low intensity, early intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder in India: a naturalistic observational study.

OBJECTIVE: To document the effectiveness of low intensity, clinic based intervention models for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in countries with low disability resources. METHODS: Thirty-nine participants with a mean (SD) of 36.03(11.15) mo were assessed before and after intervention with Childhood Autism rating scale (CARS), and at baseline with the Denver Developmental Screening Test for quantifying the effectiveness of the clinic-based intervention in ameliorating autism symptoms and studying the effect of developmental disability respectively. Developmental therapists in the clinic gave low-intensity group intervention for 45-60 min to the child through mother and encouraged to continue the training, for 3-4 h, at home to address the specific goals in the three ASD symptom clusters. Most of the children were also placed in play-schools. Follow-up support was given either on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis. Data was analyzed using appropriate bivariate and multivariate techniques. RESULTS: There was amelioration in the severity of autism after intervention, which was statistically and clinically significant. Intervention was useful to help children with mild to severe autism. CONCLUSIONS: Low-intensity, clinic-based intervention can be effectively used in situation where there is paucity of disability resources.

CDC Kerala 14: Early child care practices at home among children (2-6 y) with autism--a case control study.

OBJECTIVES: To compare early child care practices at home as possible risk factors among children between 2 and 6 y of age with autism and a control group of normal children without any symptom of autism, presenting at the well-baby/immunization clinic. METHODS: This case control study was undertaken at the autism clinic of CDC Kerala, comparing possible risk factors for autism among 143 children between 2 and 6 y with autism as per CARS criteria and a control group of 200 normal children of the same age from well-baby/immunization clinic of SAT hospital. The data was collected using a structured pre-piloted questionnaire, which included 11 questions administered by the same senior social scientist, on early child care practices at home that have been universally considered as important for child development. RESULTS: On multivariate analysis on early child care practices at home as possible risk factors for autism, it was observed that statistically significant high odds ratios were present for (i) no outings (OR = 3.36; 95% CI: 1.39-8.16; p 0.007); (ii) child does not play with children of same age (OR = 19.57; 95% CI: 9.50-40.32); (iii) do not tell stories/sing songs to the child (OR = 3.21; 9 % CI: 1.61-6.41); and (iv) breastfeeding duration nil/ < 6 mo (OR = 3.40; 95% CI: 1.28-8.99). CONCLUSIONS: This case control study involving 143 children between 2 and 6 y with autism as per CARS criteria and a control group of 200 normal children has shown that early child care practices at home, specifically breastfeeding duration nil/ < 6 mo, child does not play with children of same age, do not tell stories/sing songs to the child and no outings for the child are possible risk factors for autism.

CDC Kerala 2: Developmental intervention package for babies <1,800 g--outcome at 6 mo using DASII.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the experience of using developmental intervention package among low birth weight babies less than 1,800 g and developmental outcome at the end of 6 mo monthly intervention. METHODS: Babies below 1,800 g, discharged from neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Sree Avittom Thirunal (SAT) hospital, over the last 3 y, were followed at Child Development Centre (CDC) Kerala and offered monthly evaluation by different tools and developmental intervention using a package by trained developmental therapists and mothers were encouraged to continue the same at home. At the end of 6 mo the developmental outcome was assessed using Developmental Assessment Scale for Indian Infants (DASII). RESULTS: Out of a total of 821 babies enrolled for early stimulation program, 740 babies successfully completed 6 mo follow up and stimulation program. Comparing the outcome at 4 and 6 mo, both grading for head holding and gross motor part of DDST showed a statistically significant reduction in abnormal findings. At 6 mo assessment on DASII, motor DQ abnormalities were a high 80% for 600-900 g, as against 17.1% abnormalities for 1,500-1,800 g birth weight group. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this intensive early stimulation program for babies below 1,800 g have shown the importance of monthly early intervention using a mother oriented systematic developmental stimulation package.

CDC Kerala 11: Diagnosis of autism among children between 2 and 6 y--comparison of CARS against DSM-IV-TR.

OBJECTIVES: To compare diagnosis of childhood autism using CARS cut off scores of ≥30 and the new Indian cut off scores of ≥33 against the gold standard DSM-IV-TR criteria available during the study period 2009-10. METHODS: The study was conducted at the autism clinic of Child Development centre (CDC), Kerala. Two hundred consecutive children between 2 and 6 y with symptoms suggestive of autism were administered both CARS by a trained developmental therapist and DSM-IV-TR by a developmental pediatrician on the same day, both blind to the test results of each other. Diagnosis of autism using CARS cut off scores 30 and above, as suggested in original tool administration manual and 33 and above, as suggested for diagnostic use in Indian population was compared with DSM-IV-TR diagnosis. Data was analyzed using SPSS (version 19.0) software. RESULTS: Against DSM-IV-TR diagnosis as gold standard, the new CARS cut off scores ≥33 had a higher Specificity (74.3%), Positive predictive value (PPV) (81.9%), Positive likelihood ratio (LR) (2.66) and Negative LR (0.43), but had a lower Sensitivity (68.3%), Negative predictive value (NPV) (57.9%) and accuracy (70.5%), as compared to the cut off scores of ≥30. CONCLUSIONS: The CARS prevalence of autism for cut off points ≥30 and ≥33 was 71.5 and 52.5% respectively against 63% prevalence by DSM-IV-TR.

CDC Kerala 16: Early Detection of developmental delay/disability among children below 6 y--a district model.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a district model for establishing early detection of childhood disability below 6 y of age and to develop appropriate referral linkages for confirmation of the diagnosis and establish home based early intervention therapy to all needy children. METHODS: Trained Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers conducted the preliminary survey for identifying developmental delay/disability among children below 6 y of age using Trivandrum Developmental Screening Chart (TDSC) (0-6 y) and a team of experts assessed the screen positives in developmental evaluation camps conducted at primary health centres (PHCs). RESULTS: Community survey was carried out and 1,01,438 children below 6 y of age in Thiruvananthapuram district were screened by ASHA workers and 2,477 (2.45%) positive cases (TDSC two or more item delay) were identified and these children were called for the developmental evaluation camps conducted at 80 PHCs in the district. Among the 1,329 children who reached the evaluation camps 43.1% were normal. 24.98% children had speech and language delay and 22.95% children had multiple disabilities. Developmental delay was observed among 49.89% children and cerebral palsy in 8.43% and intellectual disability 16.85% were confirmed. Visual impairment in 3.31% and neuromuscular disorders in 1.35 were found among children evaluated in the camp. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this district wide early detection of disability survey by trained ASHA workers among children below 6 y of age showed a community prevalence of 3.08% observed, based on two or more item delay in TDSC and among these children, 43.1% were normal, 49.89% had developmental delay, 24.98% had speech and language delay and 22.95% had multiple disabilities.

CDC Kerala 17: Early detection of developmental delay/disability among children below 3 y in Kerala--a cross sectional survey.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a community survey to understand the prevalence and type of developmental delay/disability among a representative state wide community sample of children below 3 y. METHODS: A state wide community based cross sectional survey was done with the help of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) network in Kerala after giving one day training program at Child Development Centre (CDC), for one randomly selected anganwadi worker in each of the panchayath/municipal ward, from all districts of Kerala, to equip them to screen all children below 3 y in their anganwadi areas, using simple community screening tools like Trivandrum Developmental Screening Chart (TDSC) 0-3 and Language Evaluation Scale Trivandrum (LEST) 0-3. Those children with one or more item delay in TDSC or LEST were called to the developmental evaluation camps held at ICDS block level and trained pediatrician/medical officer re-evaluated the children with developmental delay. RESULTS: A total of 32,664 children below 3 y were screened across the state and overall 2.5% prevalence of developmental delay was observed using TDSC and 2.8% using LEST 0-3 y and 3.4% using TDSC and/or LEST positive. Out of the total 1,110 children clinically evaluated by a trained pediatrician, 69.3% children had developmental delay, 14.3% speech delay, 5.7% global delay, 5.3% gross motor delay and 3.6% suspected of hearing impairment. CONCLUSIONS: The study results showing 3.4% prevalence of developmental delay using TDSC and/or LEST by trained anganwadi workers or ASHA workers could be replicated in other states in India, under Rashtria Bal Swasthya Kariyakram.