Effects of disability on early childhood development in 3 to 4-year-old children in three South Asian countries: evidence from multiple indicators cluster surveys.

Background: The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) prioritize optimal early childhood development (ECD) for all children, emphasizing the principle of leaving no one behind. Despite this focus, the association between disability and ECD remains largely unknown in low- and middle-income countries. This study aims to investigate the impact of disability on ECD among 3 to 4-year-old children in three South Asian countries.