Rajendra Kumar, associate professor in the Department of Paediatrics, Mysore Medical College and Research Institute, said on Monday that minor developmental delays such as learning disabilities and behavioural problems among newborns were difficult to recognise at an early stage.
Learning disabilities and speech language disorders are identified at the preschool level, he said.
Conditions
Speaking at a workshop on ‘Recent trends in assessment and management of speech-sound disorders’, organised by the Department of Clinical Services, All-India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH), he said that primary healthcare providers, hospitals and paramedical workers should understand the conditions that lead to developmental delays.
“No doubt when compared to three to four decades ago, we have advanced in perinatal and neonatal care. Also, the mortality rate has come down drastically, but at the same time the number of children born with disabilities is on the rise,” he said.
Facilities
He also spoke about the facilities, including high-risk baby clinics and child guidance clinics, set up to recognise disabilities early.
M. Pushpavathi, Director of AIISH, called upon the participants to make use of the workshop and update their knowledge of the available facilities and therapies.
N. Sreedevi, head of the Department of Clinical Services, AIISH, was present.
More than 100 participants from institutes from across the country and students and staff of AIISH attended the workshop.
They were educated on evaluation and speech therapy strategies for speech-sound disorders.
