Hans Foundation & AIIMS to Establish Advanced Unit for Early Childhood Development & Neurorehabilitation Centre

The Hans Foundation and the Centre of Excellence and Advanced Research for Childhood Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Child Neurology Division, Department of Paediatrics, AIIMS signed a collaboration agreement to carry out the project, Holding Hand in Magical Years: Early Childhood Development & Neurorehabilitation Centre. The multidisciplinary programme will equip youngsters with the resources they need to realise their full developmental potential. Every year, the organisation hopes to benefit 10,000-12,000 children.

The overall prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) in India is currently around 12%, with roughly one-fifth of them having more than one NDD. It is estimated that approximately 45% of these children with NDDs are at risk of delayed development due to a lack of identification and 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.

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.