Revamp screening process for early identification of neurological developmental disorders

Experts from all over the world in the fields of Developmental Paediatrics, Child Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences reiterate that early identification of neurological disorders goes a long way in facilitating a positive rehabilitation. A child in the initial 2- 6 years takes the first steps in a lifelong learning journey. These formative years of a child is a very crucial time for their growth and development, as most of the brain development takes place in this age period, also known as “Golden Period”. In current scenario, school teachers, healthcare providers, parents play a critical role in monitoring children’s growth and development and identifying problems as early as possible. However, sometimes characteristics for a child with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders are not easily noticeable and detectable. There lies the problem-Teachers and/ or parents, may label a child as a slow learner, based on the academic scores. Those with limited understanding of the concepts of autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders find it difficult to differentiate between a typically developing child and an autism spectrum disorder / developmental delay. This can cause a ‘missed diagnosis’. Often, the teachers and parents notice these characteristics very late, many a times at an age when the child is way beyond the ‘Golden Period’. This necessitates the deployment of screening and diagnosis intervention, either as a technological tool or methodology, that can enable people with limited or no expertise, to facilitate early screening and timely diagnosis of a child with or without autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Read less