Neuro-Developmental Disorders in India - From Epidemiology to Public Policy (I10-1.006)

Objective: The main objectives of our research were: 1) To estimate the prevalence of Neuro-Developmental Disorders (NDDs) among children aged 2-9 years, among urban, rural, hilly areas, and tribal communities in India; 2) To gather data on risk factors for NDD’s; and 3) To develop and disseminate screening and diagnostic methodology for India, and other countries in which individuals with NDD’s have been under-recognized. Background: The domains studied were: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorders, Intellectual Disability, Epilepsy, Learning Disability, Neuromuscular Disorders including cerebral palsy, Speech and Language Disorders, and Hearing and Vision Impairment. Design/Methods: Analysis of the data derived from the original 39-question Neurodevelopmental Screening Tool (NDST) utilized in gathering data from 4,000 families from 6 regions of India revealed that optimal sensitivity and specificity was achieved by utilizing only 11 questions. Results: Countrywide results (excluding Tribal data) revealed that from 10 % (Hilly areas), 13% (Urban areas), to 18 % (Rural areas) of children ages 2-9 yrs were found to have one or more NDD. The tribal prevalence was 4.96%, perhaps reflecting lower infant and child survival. Conclusions: On the basis of the methodology and results, The Government of India has undertaken two initiatives: 1. Questions regarding Disability have been included in the 2011 Census of India, the first time that this has taken place; 2. A national program for screening, diagnosis and treatment of NDD’s has been included in the recently launched Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK; National Child Health Program). Study Supported by: Supported by: NIH (USA) Grant R21 HD53057, MKC Nair (PI), J. Pinto-Martin and D. Silberberg (Co-PI9s), S Gulati, Network Coordinator); Autism Speaks (USA); The National Trust (Government of India) and INCLEN. Disclosure: Dr. Silberberg has nothing to disclose. Dr. Arora has nothing to disclose. Dr. Bhutani has nothing to disclose. Dr. Durkin has nothing to disclose. Dr. Gulati has nothing to disclose. Dr. Nair has nothing to disclose. Dr. Pinto-Martin has nothing to disclose.