Early intervention in developmental delay.

Objectives: To establish the socio-demographic and clinical profile of children attending Early Intervention Program (EIP).

Methods: Retrospective analysis of case records of 100 consecutive children examined from July 2002 to June 2004. Data regarding socio-demographic variables, clinical profile, locomotor, speech and audiology functions were recorded. Data is described in terms of frequency and mean (with SD).

Results: Mean age of these children was 4.0 +/- 1.4 years. 70% were male and a similar percentage hailed from urban areas. 88% were mentally retarded with mean IQ of 50 +/- 24.3. Cerebral Palsy was seen in 50% of the children, learning disorder in 24%, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in 12% and autism in 4%. 25% of children suffered from epilepsy and 66% were unable to communicate verbally. 21% of children had strong evidence of genetic disorders. An etiological diagnosis could not be made in 31% of children.

Conclusions: Awareness of developmental delay as well as of possible interventions is low in India. Speech delay is the only delay which is considered important by parents. Active involvement and early referrals from pediatricians, obstetricians and other specialists is suggested.