학술논문
Referral Profile of Developmental Disabilities at a Tertiary Care Hospital in a Resource-limited Country
SHORT COMMUNICATION
SHORT COMMUNICATION
Document Type
Report
Author
Source
Journal of the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan. August 2023, Vol. 33 Issue 8, p944, 3 p.
Subject
Language
English
ISSN
1022-386X
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disabilities (NDD) are a diverse group of chronic disorders that affect the functions of the central nervous system (CNS). They are due to an impairment in the physical, learning, [...]
The burden and the spectrum of neuro-developmental disabilities are well-established in the developed countries, however, they continue to be a challenge in the Low Middle-Income Countries. The aim of this study was to present the referral profile and trends of developmental disabilities in the child development centre of The Agha khan University, from 2012 to 2021. All children (1 month to 18 years), who had undergone diagnostic evaluations for suspected neurodevelopmental disabilities were included. A total of 1340 children were evaluated at the centre. The mean age of the children at the presentation was 5.4 [+ or -] 3.0 years. Male to female ratio was 3:1. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) was the most common diagnosis (n=446, 33.3%). This study highlights a considerable burden and an increasing trend of children being referred for suspected developmental disabilities in Pakistan. Key Words: Developmental disabilities, Referral, Pakistan, Autism spectrum disorder.
The burden and the spectrum of neuro-developmental disabilities are well-established in the developed countries, however, they continue to be a challenge in the Low Middle-Income Countries. The aim of this study was to present the referral profile and trends of developmental disabilities in the child development centre of The Agha khan University, from 2012 to 2021. All children (1 month to 18 years), who had undergone diagnostic evaluations for suspected neurodevelopmental disabilities were included. A total of 1340 children were evaluated at the centre. The mean age of the children at the presentation was 5.4 [+ or -] 3.0 years. Male to female ratio was 3:1. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) was the most common diagnosis (n=446, 33.3%). This study highlights a considerable burden and an increasing trend of children being referred for suspected developmental disabilities in Pakistan. Key Words: Developmental disabilities, Referral, Pakistan, Autism spectrum disorder.