Early intervention key to include children with neurological disabilities: Experts

Bengaluru: Experts at a disability awareness programme called for early intervention in neurological disabilities to help children thrive and build a more inclusive society.

At the session hosted by the Department of Pediatrics of Vani Vilas Hospital, health experts stressed the need to train mothers, as they are the primary caregivers, to help children function better.

Dr Sridhar Ryavanki, health specialist, UNICEF, said, "The cities are not disabled-friendly. Only when the cities are designed for children and people with disabilities, can we become a developed nation.”

The experts noted that neurological disabilities often do not receive adequate attention as they are not visibly physical in nature.

VS Basavaraj, former Disability Commissioner for Karnataka, said, “We equip mothers in rural areas with the knowledge of managing the children with disabilities and bring them into mainstream society.”

Savitha Devi, Secretary of the Disability NGOs Alliance, said there was a lack of coordination between doctors and rehabilitation centres that provide therapy to children with neurological disabilities.

Doctors at the programme said persons with neurodisability are capable of achieving at par with others, if supported early and appropriately.

Vani Vilas Maternity Hospital reported about 1,600 deliveries, of which 450 babies were born with neurological disabilities.