Lucknow: In a major initiative to address the rising concerns over developmental delays in children, ApolloMedics Hospitals, Lucknow, has announced the launch of a specialized Child Development Clinic. The clinic will operate under the leadership of Dr. Pranjali Saxena, Associate Director, Pediatrics and Neonatology, who is a certified Child Development Specialist with vast experience in pediatric care.
This dedicated clinic will offer comprehensive services ranging from early identification and diagnosis to therapy and intervention for children facing developmental challenges. It aims to support children with motor delays, cognitive and socio-emotional issues, as well as behavioral disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), speech delays, and language comprehension difficulties.
Speaking at the inauguration, Dr. Saxena emphasized the alarming increase in developmental and behavioral disorders among children. “Factors such as nuclear family structures, increased parental age, excessive screen time, and high-risk pregnancies are contributing to this rise,” she stated. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 5% of children under the age of 14 globally live with some form of disability, with figures ranging from 2% to 17% worldwide.
Citing data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Dr. Saxena said, “In the US, as of 2023, 1 in 36 children has been diagnosed with autism, while the global average stands at 1 in 100 children. Children with complications during pregnancy or neonatal stages are more susceptible to long-term neurodevelopmental disorders, including learning difficulties, developmental delays, cerebral palsy, and hearing and vision impairments.”
She also highlighted that such delays may stem from genetic, environmental factors, early childhood illnesses, or malnutrition. “Post-COVID, there has been a rise in cases of ‘virtual autism’, especially in children under 3 years of age. Unlike traditional autism, which is linked to biological development, virtual autism arises from the excessive use of gadgets like smartphones and tablets,” she explained.
Dr. Saxena stressed the importance of early detection and timely intervention, which can significantly improve a child’s life outcomes. “Our goal is to provide scientific, evidence-based treatment and therapies for developmental issues under one roof—from diagnosis to counseling and therapy. We aim to support parents and caregivers every step of the way,” she added.
Dr. Mayank Somani, Managing Director and CEO of ApolloMedics Hospitals Lucknow, expressed his commitment to delivering quality healthcare services, stating, “The launch of the Child Development Clinic is part of our mission to offer dedicated and empathetic care to children. Given the increasing prevalence of developmental concerns, timely recognition and support are crucial. We are proud to have Dr. Pranjali Saxena at the helm of this initiative and are confident that this clinic will bring positive change to the lives of many children and their families.”
