‘Infant mortality has come down but children with learning disability is increasing’

Mysuru: “We can easily recognise severe developmental delay among new-born babies that amounts to 10 per cent but minor developmental delay like learning disability, behavioural problem and other academic activities is difficult to recognise early, so sometimes learning disabilities and speech language disorders are identified at pre-school level,” said Dr. Rajendra Kumar, Associate Professor, Department of Paediatrics, Mysore Medical College and Research Institute (MMC&RI).

Speaking during the national workshop on “Recent Trends in Assessment and Management of Speech Sound Disorders” organised by Department of Clinical Services, All India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH) at its premise here recently, he said, “Primary healthcare providers like Paediatricians and other doctors who are working in Public Health Centre and taluk hospitals and even paramedical workers should know these conditions which leads to developmental delay.” “No doubt when compared to three to four decades ago, we are advanced in Perinatal and Neonatal care of new-born babies due to whom the mortality rate has drastically come down but at the same time children with disability are increasing,” he added.

He also briefed about various facilities including high risk baby clinic, child guidance clinic which is set up to recognise disabled at the earliest among children and RBSK (Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram) facility which are available at K.R. Hospital.

AIISH Director Dr. M. Pushpavathi called upon the participants to make use of the workshop and fine tune with regard to latest facilities including various therapies which are available for the welfare of the disabled children.

Head of the Department of Clinical Services N. Sreedevi was also present.