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'16 per 1,000 J&K children have neuro disorders'

  • Mansoor Peer By Mansoor Peer
  • Comments 0
  • 13 Apr 2026

Srinagar, Apr 12: Neurodevelopmental disorders affect a significant number of children, with a prevalence of 16.64 per 1,000, raising concerns over child health and early intervention systems, according to a study conducted across hospitals in Jammu and Kashmir. 

The cross-sectional population-based study published by Neurology India (Wolters Kluwer) was superheaded by Dr Suhail Naik, Senior Consultant and Assistant Professor, Department of Paediatrics, GMC Srinagar.

As per medical experts, neurodevelopmental disorders are a group of conditions caused by physical, learning or behavioural impairments that begin in early childhood, affect daily functioning, and often persist throughout life.

They said development spans areas like motor skills, language, hearing and social behaviour, which are closely interlinked. Children with developmental delays face higher risks of poor health, lower educational outcomes and reduced overall well-being.

The data was collected from Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK), which aims at early identification and intervention for children from birth to 18 years, covering the four ‘Ds’—defects at birth, deficiencies, diseases, and developmental delays, including disabilities.

The study said the operational guidelines of the RBSK program were followed to reach all the target groups of children for health screening. “We screened 29,680 children and found that 663 children had neurodevelopmental disorders with a prevalence of 16.64 per 1,000 children who were found during screening, as probable cases of neurodevelopmental disorders were analysed by specific diagnostic tests."

Dr Naik said neurodevelopmental disorders are often not recognised early, as families—especially in traditional setups—tend to dismiss early signs as normal, delaying timely evaluation.

He added that even after screening, acceptance remains a major barrier, with many parents in denial seeking multiple opinions. This “doctor shopping,” he said, delays intervention and deprives children of consistent support during crucial developmental years.

The doctor said that once interventions begin, managing neurodevelopmental disorders often requires sustained, long-term effort, with progress that can be gradual and challenging for emotionally invested parents.

“While many families hope to make their child 'school-ready' by the age of four, such expectations may not always align with the child’s individual developmental pace, underscoring the need for patience and realistic goals.”

The study found that the most common neurodevelopmental disorder was attention deficit hyperkinetic disorder, with a prevalence of 3.8 per 1,000 population, followed by autistic spectrum disorder at 3 per 1,000 population.

“Language and speech delay is 2.7 per 1,000, and neuromotor impairment, including cerebral palsy 1.2 per 1,000. Our study identifies that Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) in children aged 0–18 years are a significant public health problem,” the study revealed.

Dr Naik said it is important to recognise that these conditions are not about quick fixes but about steady, meaningful progress. “The aim should not be perfection, but optimisation, helping each child reach their fullest potential within their individual capabilities.”

“Every child is precious. As caregivers, clinicians, and society at large, our responsibility is to support them through early identification, timely intervention, and compassionate understanding. Instead of chasing maximal outcomes, we must focus on achievable, realistic goals that promote independence, dignity, and quality of life,” he said. "Awareness, acceptance and patience are key to better outcomes. The sooner this approach is embraced, the brighter the future for these children will be."

 

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