Recognising subtle signs of autism, ADHD, and speech delays, and acting without delay, empowers families and healthcare providers to build nurturing environments where every child can reach their full potential.
Published Jul 01, 2025 | 7:00 AM ⚊ Updated Jul 01, 2025 | 7:00 AM
Developmental disorders. Representative Image. (iStock)
Synopsis: Developmental disorders are an increasingly recognised public health concern in India. The key to improving outcomes lies in early detection and timely intervention. The first three years of life represent a critical window, and therapies can support skill acquisition and behavioural adaptation most effectively.
The early years of a child’s life are a period of extraordinary growth and change. It is during this time that the foundations for cognitive, emotional, and social development are laid. However, for some children, developmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and speech delays present significant challenges that can affect their lifelong trajectory.
The key to improving outcomes lies in early detection and timely intervention.
Developmental disorders are an increasingly recognised public health concern in India, affecting an estimated two to three percent of children under five years of age. Despite this, awareness and screening remain limited, resulting in delayed diagnoses and missed opportunities for intervention.
The first three years of life represent a critical window — when the brain’s plasticity is at its peak — and therapies can support skill acquisition and behavioural adaptation most effectively during this time.
ASD exhibits challenges in social communication and repetitive behaviours. Parents could notice that their child avoids eye contact, does not respond to their name, prefers solitary play, or exhibits intense interest in particular objects. These signs, often apparent by 18-24 months, warrant professional evaluation.
Early behavioural therapies have been shown to improve social skills and reduce difficulties later in life.
ADHD, typically diagnosed in slightly older children, is characterised by inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. However, early indicators such as excessive restlessness, difficulty sustaining attention during play, and impulsive behaviour can sometimes be observed in preschool years. Early behavioural interventions and parental guidance can help manage symptoms and improve functioning in school and social settings.
Speech delays are another common developmental concern. A child who struggles to form words or sentences appropriate for their age or has difficulty understanding language may be exhibiting early signs of speech or language disorders. Speech therapy initiated early not only enhances communication skills but also supports cognitive and social development.
Paediatricians play a pivotal role in guiding parents through this complex terrain. Routine developmental screenings during well-child visits are essential.
These screenings allow identification of children who may benefit from further assessment and referral to specialists such as child psychologists, speech therapists, or occupational therapists. The doctor-parent partnership becomes a cornerstone of timely intervention.
The brain’s plasticity — its ability to reorganise and form new neural connections — is at its height during the early years. Interventions initiated during this window can harness this adaptability to promote more typical developmental pathways.
Delayed diagnosis and intervention mean that children may miss this crucial period, potentially resulting in more entrenched difficulties and requiring more intensive support later.
Apollo Hospitals’ data reveal that children diagnosed and treated before the age of three demonstrate significantly better progress in language, social interaction, and behavioural regulation compared to those diagnosed later.
This evidence supports the urgent need to educate caregivers and healthcare providers on recognising early warning signs and ensuring prompt referrals.
Raising public awareness about developmental milestones and warning signs must be a priority. Several parents and caregivers tend to attribute delays to “late blooming” or underestimate the importance of early concerns. Community outreach, educational programmes, and easily accessible screening tools can bridge this gap.
Healthcare systems need to strengthen multidisciplinary collaboration to provide integrated care — combining medical evaluation, therapy, counselling and family support. A policy focused on training paediatricians and frontline healthcare workers in developmental surveillance can greatly enhance early detection rates.
Early detection of developmental disorders is not simply about diagnosis — it is about opening doors to timely, effective intervention that can transform a child’s life trajectory.
Recognising subtle signs of autism, ADHD, and speech delays, and acting without delay, empowers families and healthcare providers to build nurturing environments where every child can reach their full potential.
Our collective responsibility lies in fostering awareness, strengthening pediatric care, and ensuring that no child is left behind in their journey of growth and development. The future belongs to the children we help today — let us act swiftly and wisely.
(Views are personal. Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
