Initiative for screening of developmental disorders to be launched in three T.N. districts

The Directorate of Public Health (DPH) and Preventive Medicine, along with UNICEF, will launch a pilot initiative in a few Primary Health Centres (PHC) in three districts of Tamil Nadu to integrate early developmental screening and community-based tracking of developmental disorders, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), into child health and immunisation clinics.

In a press release issued in line with World Autism Awareness Day, T.S. Selvavinayagam, Director of Public Health, said the initiative will be launched in a few PHCs in Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, and Madurai districts.

ASD is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that affects communication, social interaction, and behaviour. Early identification and timely intervention play a crucial role in improving outcomes for children with ASD, the release said. “By integrating ASD screening into routine child health services like immunisation clinics, we can create a comprehensive and inclusive public healthcare system that prioritises early childhood development,” he said.

Noting that Village Health Nurses, Urban Health Nurses, and ‘Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram’ teams play a pivotal role in engaging with families and caregivers to recognise early signs of ASD, the directorate said that the frontline health workers will be trained to identify delays in development, including early signs of ASD, facilitate referrals, and support families of children with ASD.

The director raised the need to collectively work towards a more inclusive and supportive health system that enables every child, regardless of their neurodevelopmental condition, to reach their full potential. The DPH also put out a handbook for parents/caregivers to take care of children with ASD.