Pandemic triggered disorders in children’s behaviour: Experts

Kolkata: There has been a huge surge in the number of children with developmental and behaviourial disorders across cities, including Kolkata, during Covid, which resulted in a rush for treatment over the last eight months, according to developmental paediatricians who attended a two-day meet in the city over the weekend. The number of children being treated for learning disability, Down’s syndrome, autism and cerebral palsy has doubled, they pointed out, with many suffering irreversible damages due to a sudden Covid induced delay and break in diagnosis and treatment.

There is now a sharp focus on developmental paediatrics due to the sheer number of youngsters suffering from the issues related to it, said Mumbai based developmental paediatrician Samir Dalwai, who attended the National Conference on Developmental Paediatrics organised by Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP).

“A significant number of children with autism and learning disability had not been identified while those with Down’s syndrome or cerebral palsy had a break in treatment or a delay. These have turned very costly for some and there is now a desperation to seek medical help. Nationally, the number of such children now under treatment has doubled compared to the pre-Covid period,” said Dalwai.

State minister for industry and commerce Shashi Panja was present at the conference.

Communication and language skills have suffered, especially for those who started attending school online, said Shabina Ahmed, developmental paediatrician and chairperson of the chapter of developmental paediatrician at IAP.

“Today, the need of the hour is to spread awareness about developmental milestones so that parents and caregivers can spot the red flags,” said Minu Budhia, psychotherapist and founder of Kolkata based Caring Minds.