Introduction: Developmental disorders (DDs) affect children's cognitive, emotional, and social functioning and impose a considerable burden on families. Data from Mizoram, Northeast India are scarce, creating a gap in evidence-based policy and service planning.
Purpose: This study aimed to identify children with DDs, identify risk factors, and explore the impact on mental health and quality of life of children and their caregivers.
Method: In a cross-sectional, mixed-methods study, 2,376 children aged 2-9 years from 62 schools in Aizawl district were screened using developmental and behavioural tools. Screen-positive children (n=325) underwent paediatric and psychological assessments, and caregivers' mental health and burden were measured using standardized questionnaires.
Results: Among the children further assessed, so far, 29% received a clinical diagnosis. ASD was the most common diagnosis (6.2%), followed by Borderline Intellectual Functioning (5.3%), ADHD and Specific Learning Disorder/Learning Difficulty (4.4%). Other diagnoses included Borderline Adaptive Functioning (2.6%), Social Communication Disorder (2.6%), ASD with ADHD (1.8%), Moderate ASD with Mild Intellectual Disability (0.9%), Pervasive Developmental Disorder (0.9%), and Unspecified Delay (0.9%). Most children were aged 5-8 years (over 75%), with 56.5% males. The findings indicate that a substantial proportion of children with developmental concerns remain undiagnosed, highlighting the burden on families and health services. Preliminary findings indicate economic hardship, perinatal complications, and limited parental awareness as key risk factors. Only 4% of diagnosed children currently access early intervention services.
Conclusions: This study provides the first estimates of DDs in Mizoram, identifies critical service gaps, and highlights the psychosocial burden on families. The findings underscore the urgent need for culturally appropriate, community-based early identification and intervention strategies to improve child outcomes and caregiver well-being.