Consensus Statement of the IAP - Neurodevelopmental Chapter On Neurodevelopmental Disorders Habilitation Process:...

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• Public Health

Background:

• Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are conditions originating in childhood, requiring clear distinctions between habilitation and rehabilitation in India.
• Addressing the burden of NDDs necessitates defining stakeholder roles and improving care pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish practical clinical guidelines for pediatricians in India for NDD prevention, early diagnosis, and management.
• To define the specific roles of developmental pediatricians and development nurse counselors in NDD care.

Main Methods:

• Guidelines were developed by subject experts and members of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) Chapter of Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics.
• Literature review, key question development, and consensus-building through online discussions informed the guideline creation.

Main Results:

• The guidelines provide a framework for early identification and intervention for NDDs in Indian children.
• Recommendations include nationwide epidemiological studies, early screening at key developmental milestones, and multidisciplinary assessments.

Conclusions:

• There is a critical need for early detection and intervention for NDDs in India, particularly within the first 1000 days of life.
• Capacity building through training programs and promoting academic initiatives in clinical child development is essential for effective community-based therapies.