ApolloMedics Hospital launches dedicated Child Development Clinic to address the rising issue of Developmental Delay Disorders in Kids

Apollomedics Hospitals, in a press conference, announced the launch of its Dedicated Child Development Clinic, aimed at addressing the rising concerns of developmental delay disorders in children. The clinic will be led by Dr. Pranjali Saxena, Associate Director, Paediatrics & Neonatology at Apollomedics Hospitals Lucknow, who is a certified Child Development Specialist with extensive experience in paediatric care.

The clinic will offer comprehensive services ranging from early identification and diagnosis to specialized interventions and therapies, ensuring a holistic approach to childhood developmental challenges.

Dr. Pranjali Saxena, while speaking on the launch of the clinic, emphasized the growing prevalence of developmental delay disorders in children today. She noted, “In today’s rapidly changing world, developmental and behavioural disorders are becoming more common. Factors such as nuclear families, advanced parental age, increased screen time, and high-risk pregnancies are contributing to these concerns. As per WHO approx. 5% of children below 14 years of age experience some form of disability. The number varies from 2% to 17% globally. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, as of 2023, the prevalence of Autism in the United States is estimated at 1 in 36 children and globally it is around 1 in 100 children. Moreover, a high prevalence of long-term neurodevelopmental sequelae has been observed in children who experience an issue during the intrauterine or neonatal period. These long-term effects can manifest in forms such as learning difficulties, cognitive or developmental delays,

Cerebral palsy, and sensory impairments like hearing and vision problems. It also causes some behavioural disorders like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), speech and language delay. The main causes of these delays can be genetic, environmental, or due to early childhood illnesses and malnutrition. Along with this, post COVID pandemic there has been a noticeable rise in cases of “virtual autism” among children under the age of three. While traditional autism is typically linked to biological development, this new trend of virtual autism is associated with the overuse of mobile phones, tablets, and other gadgets.

She further explained, “Identifying developmental delays early can make a significant difference in a child’s life. With early intervention, we can improve outcomes significantly. Our clinic will focus on diagnosing these issues as early as possible and providing evidence-based interventions to support the child’s growth and development. The types of disorders we focus on range from motor delays to cognitive and social-emotional development issues. Our goal is to provide a one-stop solution for parents, from diagnosis to tailored interventions, including therapy and counselling, which are critical for improving developmental trajectories.”

Dr. Mayank Somani, MD & CEO of Apollomedics Hospitals Lucknow, also shared his thoughts on the clinic's establishment: “At Apollomedics Hospitals, we are always committed to advancing the healthcare of our community. The launch of this Child Development Clinic aligns with our mission to provide specialized, compassionate care for children. As the incidence of developmental delays continues to rise, it is important to address these concerns early, so that children can receive the support they need to reach their full potential. We are proud to have Dr. Pranjali Saxena lead this initiative and are confident that this clinic will make a significant difference in the lives of many children and their families.”