Mysuru: Communication disorders are more prevalent than often realised and can profoundly affect an individual’s quality of life. Early identification and intervention are crucial as undetected and untreated disorders can lead to long-term impacts on an individual’s communication abilities.

In the paediatric population, it can impair their language, cognition, academic performance, and social interactions. Despite this, many care-givers and parents remain unaware of these disorders, highlighting the need for proactive screening programmes at the level of primary healthcare.

To address this critical need for early detection and intervention, the All India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH), Mysuru, in collaboration with the District Health Office, Mysuru, successfully conducted an Orientation and Training Programme on Screening for Communication Disorders recently at the institute.

This comprehensive training was designed to enhance the early detection and management of communication disorders at primary level. The programme focused on equipping medical professionals with essential skills to identify and address communication disorders across all age groups, with a specific focus on new-borns and young children.

The training included over 200 medical professionals from hospitals at PHC and taluk levels, as well as specialists from the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) and the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Deafness (NPPCD) across Mysuru District.

Dr. P.C. Kumaraswamy, District Health Officer, Mysuru, was the chief guest at the inauguration while Dr. S. Gopinath, District Family Welfare Officer and Nodal Officer for NPPCD, Mysuru District, was the guest of honour.

Dr. M. Pushpavathi, Director of AIISH, highlighted the critical role of such training in improving the quality of life of individuals.

Dr. M. Sandeep, Head, Department of Prevention of Communication Disorders and Dr. Saransh Jain, Assistant Professor, Audiology, coordinated the event.