Early Detection and Intervention of Disabilities in Pakistan

Abstract

Pakistan has 5.034 million disabled persons, according to Helping Hand (2012) statistics. This significant percentage of disabled persons in Pakistan outnumbers the populations of Lebanon, New Zealand, and Kuwait combined. Furthermore, it is worth noting that the handicapped population in Pakistan exceeds the combined populations of Hyderabad, Peshawar, and Multan. With a sizable number of disabled persons in the country, the government of Pakistan established legislation to tackle the challenges of this discriminated group. Unfortunately, legislation, particularly in third-world nations, has shown to be mere words on paper and has failed to make a significant difference in the lives of disabled people. The impact of disability on families is broad and complex, affecting family dynamics, money, and emotional well-being. Early intervention services are spatially distinct; they differ in terms of the people's underlying ideologies, culture, local policy, and legislation. These services might include education, health communication, and social, emotional, and developmental support. The study aims to explore the current practices for the early detection and intervention of disabilities through interviews with Pediatricians. In Pakistan's present system for the early detection and intervention of impairments in children, there are significant gaps in coordination, standardization, data collection, and awareness.