DEHRADUN: A new study estimates that 35,746 children and adolescents in Uttarakhand may have intellectual disability, specific learning disability, autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety or depression.
Intellectual disability and specific learning disability account for the largest estimated groups. The 2024-25 assessment was conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, in collaboration with the Uttarakhand State Mental Health Authority and Government Doon Medical College.
It assessed children aged 0 to 17 and found low awareness among parents of disability-related schemes, support services and certification. The report calls for closer coordination between health and education services to identify children early, provide support in schools and connect families with government assistance.
The survey covered urban and rural areas in Dehradun, Pauri Garhwal, Almora and Nainital districts. Researchers selected 80 clusters and aimed to include 11 eligible children from each. Against a target of 880, data from 802 children and adolescents were included.
Information was gathered mainly from parents, with children interviewed where needed. The statewide figure is an estimate, not a count of diagnosed cases. Researchers extrapolated the findings using population data from the 2011 Census; estimates may change when updated census figures become available.
Based on the survey’s estimated prevalence, about 14,790 children and adolescents in the state may have intellectual disability. Of 601 children aged 6 to 17 assessed for the condition, six received a confirmed specialist diagnosis. For specific learning disability, six of 508 assessed children aged 8 to 17 were diagnosed.
The report estimates that anxiety or depression may affect around 5,067 children, autism about 2,445 and ADHD around 1,075. The report urges families not to dismiss persistent fear, excessive worry, sadness, difficulty communicating socially, poor attention or sudden behavioural changes. It cautions that “a screening signal is not a diagnosis” and says assessment and treatment should be guided by trained specialists.
Low awareness of rights and support was a key concern. While 78.16% of respondents had heard of depression, only 12.15% knew about intellectual disability and 5.40% about ADHD.
Among 385 parents surveyed on the Unique Disability ID (UDID), only 0.26% knew about it; none knew what benefits it offered. Just 3.64% knew where disability assessments were conducted, 1.04% had had their child assessed and 0.78% held a disability certificate.
The report also found limited awareness of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, the National Trust Act, 1999, and the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015.
Expressing deep concern over the report, Dr. Mukul Sharma, President, IIPC India and leading mental health expert, told TNIE, "The most worrying part of the report is low awareness — only 0.26% of parents know about the UDID card and less than 4% know where to get an assessment.
Our children are being labelled, not assessed." "I urge parents and teachers — do not ignore persistent fear, worry, poor attention or learning difficulties. Screening is not diagnosis; they should seek professional help. Early identification in schools can change a child's life," explained Dr. Mukul Sharma.