Daijiworld Media Network - Dehradun
Dehradun, Oct 12: An estimated 35,746 children and adolescents in Uttarakhand may be living with intellectual disability, specific learning disability, autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety or depression, according to a new study that has raised concerns over low awareness of disability-related support services and the need for early identification.
The assessment for 2024-25 was conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, in collaboration with the Uttarakhand State Mental Health Authority and Government Doon Medical College. It covered children aged between zero and 17 years and highlighted gaps in awareness among parents about government schemes, disability certification and available support services.
The report has called for closer coordination between health and education departments to identify children with developmental and mental health conditions at an early stage, provide appropriate assistance in schools and help families access government benefits.
The survey covered urban and rural areas in Dehradun, Pauri Garhwal, Almora and Nainital districts. Researchers selected 80 clusters and aimed to include 11 eligible children from each cluster. Against a target of 880 children, data from 802 children and adolescents were included in the assessment.
Information was collected primarily from parents, while children were interviewed wherever necessary. The statewide figures are estimates rather than a count of confirmed cases. Researchers extrapolated the findings using population data from the 2011 Census, and the estimates could change when updated census figures become available.
Intellectual disability and specific learning disability accounted for the largest estimated groups. According to the study, around 14,790 children and adolescents in Uttarakhand may have intellectual disability.
Of the 601 children aged between six and 17 years assessed for intellectual disability, six received a confirmed diagnosis from specialists. Similarly, among 508 children aged between eight and 17 years assessed for specific learning disability, six were diagnosed with the condition.
The report estimates that anxiety or depression may affect around 5,067 children and adolescents in the state, while approximately 2,445 may have autism and 1,075 may have ADHD.
The findings emphasise the importance of recognising persistent emotional, behavioural and learning difficulties instead of dismissing them as temporary problems. The report urges parents and teachers to pay attention to signs such as persistent fear, excessive worry, sadness, difficulties with social communication, poor attention and sudden behavioural changes.
However, the researchers caution that screening results alone cannot establish a diagnosis. Children showing possible symptoms should undergo proper assessment, with diagnosis and treatment guided by trained specialists.
Low awareness of mental health conditions and disability-related support emerged as a major concern. Although 78.16 per cent of respondents had heard of depression, only 12.15 per cent knew about intellectual disability and 5.40 per cent were aware of ADHD.
Awareness of the Unique Disability ID (UDID) card and the benefits associated with disability certification was particularly poor. Among 385 parents surveyed on the UDID, only 0.26 per cent knew about the card, while none were aware of the benefits it offered.
Only 3.64 per cent of the parents knew where disability assessments were conducted. Just 1.04 per cent said their child had undergone an assessment, and 0.78 per cent held a disability certificate.
The report also identified limited awareness of key legislation concerning the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities and children, including the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, the National Trust Act, 1999, and the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015.
Expressing concern over the findings, Dr Mukul Sharma, president of IIPC India and a mental health expert, told The New Indian Express that the lack of awareness among parents was particularly worrying.
"The most worrying part of the report is low awareness — only 0.26% of parents know about the UDID card and less than 4% know where to get an assessment. Our children are being labelled, not assessed," he said.
Sharma urged parents and teachers not to overlook persistent fear, anxiety, attention problems or learning difficulties and to seek professional assistance when necessary.
"Screening is not diagnosis; they should seek professional help. Early identification in schools can change a child's life," he said.
The study underscores the need to strengthen awareness programmes, improve access to specialist assessments and ensure that children identified with developmental or mental health conditions receive timely support at home and in educational institutions.