A five-year review of referrals to the developmental pediatrics section of a major tertiary hospital

ABSTRACT

Developmental disabilities involve a delay in development based on that expected for a given age level or stage of development.1 These impairments which originate before age 18 are expected to continue indefinitely and constitute a substantial impairment that may create a burden to the family and society. In a developing country like the Philippines, it is a public health problem that remains largely undetected and neglected. Local attempts to organize more systematic diagnostic services are needed.Objectives. To review the referrals made to the Section of Developmental Pediatrics for evaluation and to describe the demographic and clinical patterns of the more common developmental disabilities identified.Methods. This was a retrospective study based on the clinical census of patients seen over a five-year period from January 2004 to December 2008 by the Section of Developmental Pediatrics.Results. Referrals made to the Section of Developmental Pediatrics were usually seen during the first decade of life, were mostly males and were usually referred for developmental delay. The three most common developmental disabilities identified were mental retardation or global developmental delay, autistic spectrum disorders and cerebral palsy.