Early Intervention Clinic

Background

The Early Intervention Clinic provides an early screening and intervention service for infants affected by Cerebal Palsy and motor-neurone difficulties. The clinic was founded by the Indian Institute of Cerebal Palsy (IICP) and supports an average of 350 children every year – many from impoverished families.

Despite a steady improvement in the quality of prenatal care over the last two decades, instances of severe disabilities remain high in newborns throughout India. The IICP were the first to implement a programme designed to cater for the needs of high risk infants. Their work is crucial in ensuring an early diagnosis and offers affected children the best possible care, support and therapy.

How The Clinic Helps  

The clinic offers relief to local hospitals and health centres, providing diagnosis for many at-risk infants, where early intervention is key.

Below is an illustration detailing the vital work carried out at the Early Intervention Clinic:

The service includes medical assistance, physical and occupational therapy and assistive technology devices. The clinic also provides advice and guidance on home management offering a trans-disciplinary team of therapists, special educators and social workers to affected families.

The Early Intervention Clinic is split into three key areas – all vital in providing the best possible infant care:

• Paediatric Clinic: Two paediatricians conduct weekly clinics, performing thorough check-ups through to diagnosis.
• Neurology Clinic: Conducted by a neurologist twice a month, more than 100 children are referred for treatment of epilepsy. Anti-convulsion medication is provided free of charge to the children from low income families.
• Speech Clinic: A Consultant Speech Therapist and Audiologist conduct this clinic every week. Children are screened for possible hearing difficulties and rehabilitation programmes are advised. All infants below the age of three who attend the Early Intervention Clinic are routinely checked for any hearing abnormalities.

Many of the families referred to the clinic live in slums, below the poverty line, and without access to basic medical care and treatment. The free support and therapy provided by the Early Intervention Clinic truly is a lifeline to these vulnerable children.

The Big Hug Foundation is proud to support the vital work carried out by the IICP. With your donations, we can help to ensure that at-risk infants continue to be given the finest possible care and support, allowing them the best possible start in life.

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