Ananya Child Development Centre in Hyderabad is offering free developmental screening and counselling services for children below the age of two. The initiative also extends support to parents and caregivers, with a focus on early identification and intervention in neurodevelopmental conditions. April is being observed as autism awareness month.
“Early screening and intervention are crucial for a child’s development and quality of life. The first 1,000 days, from conception to the child’s second birthday, are critical for brain development. If any behavioural or development differences are observed during this window, timely support such as speech and occupational therapy can significantly improve outcomes in conditions such as autism,” said Madhavi Adimulam, founder of the Autism Society of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and Director of Ananya CDC.
India has seen a steady rise in diagnoses of autism in recent years. According to the INCLEN study, the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is estimated at 1.12 per 100 children. Experts attribute this increase to heightened awareness, revised diagnostic guidelines and a gradual reduction in social stigma surrounding neurodevelopmental conditions.
However, the growing number of diagnoses has also revealed major gaps in infrastructure and trained personnel. “There is a severe shortage of developmental professionals, limited access to multidisciplinary therapy services and a lack of inclusive education systems,” said Shruti Mishra, a developmental and behavioural paediatrician at Ankura Hospital for Women and Children.
Published – April 09, 2025 08:10 pm IST
