VII. Behavioural Paediatrics & Scholastic Backwardness Unit 

Objective  

This unit focuses on all types of behavioural problems (0-18 years) and learning problems.  The activities include identification of the problem, psychological intervention as and when  needed. Intervention is offered at the individual and family level with regular follow-up. 

Services Offered 

1. All children are screened for ten neurodevelopmental disabilities using NDST 

2. IQ assessment using appropriate psychometric test  

3. Assessing social age and social quotient using VSMS 

4. Slow learners (IQ 70-85) are evaluated using Diagnostic Tool for Learning  Disorders (DTLD) and intervention is offered  

5. Children with ADHD are evaluated using CONNER’s Rating scale and behaviour  modification is provided  

6. Study habit modification counselling for learning and behaviour problems 7. Detailed evaluation for suspected specific learning disability are undertaken 

The clinics functioning in the unit include:- 

a. Preschool Intervention Clinic 

Preschool Intervention Clinic is functioning on all Wednesdays from 9.00 am – 1.00 pm  except on holidays. The beneficiaries of Pre-School Clinic of CDC are children who had  problems during the neonatal period. The overall developmental screening of children will  be done in this clinic by using screening tools for finding out the delay and problems in  development. After screening they are called for IQ assessment and interventions. 

The tools used in this clinic are Nursery Evaluation Scale Trivandrum (NEST), Denver  Developmental Screening Test (DDST), Receptive Expressive Emergent Language Scale  (REELS), Vineland Social Maturity Scale (VSMS), Binet–Kamat test of intelligence Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children and Seguin Form Board Test 

b. Adolescent Care Counselling Clinic 

Adolescence, as per WHO definition is the age from 10 to 19 years which is the most  fascinating period of our life. It is a time of considerable change in virtually all aspects – physical, mental, emotional and social. Apart from changes in physical structure and sexual  maturation, changes in abilities, patterns of thinking, attitude, ideas, relationships and moral  standards occur. 

Objectives : 

The major objective is to develop and implement adequate and state-of-the-art system of care  for the social, emotional and behavioural development of adolescents with optimal health.  ∙ The major clinic functioning in this unit is the Adolescent Care Counselling. It is evident from  many studies that adolescent population are vulnerable group that have significant morbidity  and other psychosocial issues.  

Services Offered: 

* Intervention for learning, emotional and behavioural problems 

* Adolescent care counselling for parents  

c. ADHD Clinic 

ADHD (Attention Deficit- Hyperactivity Disorder), is a treatable condition which affects  about 5 to 8% of children. The diagnosis is generally confirmed by the age of 5 to7 years and  are found more often in boys than girls. 

Objectives:- 

(i) Diagnosis of ADHD and therapy 

(ii) Help children with ADHD to explore their feelings and thoughts (iii) Setting up behavioural modification programmes at school and home (iv) Advice families about assistive technology 

(v) Making aware of the parents and teachers about the fact that ADHD could be  successfully managed INDT/ADHD Screening tool with positive result and IQ between 70-90 and IQ above or equal  to 90 are being evaluated and managed.