Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Neurodevelopmental disorders are a group of conditions characterized by impairments of social skills or intelligence with onset in the developmental period. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V), they include Intellectual Developmental Disorders, Communication Disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Specific Learning Disorders and Motor Disorders.Supporting children with neurodevelopmental disabilities (NDDs) is recognized as an increasing priority of INGOs, NGOs & GMCs in Jammu and Kashmir. Our objective was to describe our approach to identify children with neurodevelopmental disorders through this research project & then make proper referrals to the IMHANS GMC Autism Clinic for further assessments and formal diagnosis. The research team including authors worked closely with the autism clinic volunteer therapists, special educators, speech therapist, occupational therapist & psychologists to improve the quality of psychological assessments, diagnosis and intervention services for the children with neurodevelopmental disorders and their parents.