The Hans Foundation & AIIMS to set up advanced unit for early childhood development & neurorehabilitation centre

The Hans Foundation & Centre of Excellence and Advanced Research for Childhood Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Child Neurology Division, Department of Paediatrics, AIIMS signed the agreement to implement the project – Holding Hand in Magical Years: Early Childhood Development & Neurorehabilitation Centre. The multidisciplinary initiative will provide children with facilities to reach their maximum developmental potential based on their capabilities. The initiative aims to benefit around 10,000-12,000 children every year.

Currently, the overall prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) in India is about 12% with around one-fifth of them having more than one NDDs. Around 45% of these children with NDDs are estimated to be at risk of poor development due to lack of identification and access to treatment.

Sandeep J Kapur, CEO, The Hans Foundation said, “We at THF are committed to the empowerment of people with disabilities and help them lead independent and productive lives in their communities through holistic interventions. Our initiative with AIIMS “Holding Hand in Magical Years” aims to address this issue though a state-of-the-art facility that will be implemented where screening and early identification of children with developmental delay and other neurodevelopmental disorders like autism, cerebral palsy, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and specific learning disability (SLD) will be done along with administration of early intervention and supportive services constituting multidisciplinary care. Our end goal is to ensure that people with disability enjoy a meaningful life in an inclusive society with high humanistic values.”

This is a joint effort of THF and AIIMS which will be directly implemented by THF under technical and monitoring support from AIIMS inside the AIIMS campus. Prof Sheffali Gulati is the nodal officer from AIIMS for this project. The program will also include experts from different disciplines who will be providing the best course of services to each individual.

Professor M Srinivas, director, AIIMS said, “Several disabling or medical conditions and deterioration can be managed and their implication on life can be reduced if there is a comprehensive/intensive care system to screen, detect and intervene with possible solutions at the right time in the paradigm of ensuring dignity and humanistic values. The services provided will be customized as per the child’s individual needs and would be inclusive of complete assessment and evaluation in a holistic manner. It will also include a range of multidisciplinary services such as speech and language services, counselling and training for the family, diagnosis and treatment, nursing services, nutrition services, occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychological services. There will be additional supportive services such as provision of assistive aids through the ADIP scheme or THF, training of caregivers, handy tools for parents for home-based interventions, community engagement and monitoring.”