15-20 per cent of schoolgoers face learning difficulties: Expert

Commenting on one of the pressing issues affecting children, Dr Pramit Rastogi, a paediatric neuropsychiatry specialist, said, “It’s estimated that between 15 and 20 per cent of schoolgoers have problems with learning, cognition, behaviour and mental health. It is a disadvantage to their human capital and would affect their contribution to society.” He added that it is imperative that significant strides are made in understanding disorders of the brain and mind in childhood, leading to early diagnosis, intervention and appropriate care. On the occasion, Governor Banwarilal Purohit said that nearly 50 crore children in India, comprising about 39 per cent of the population, face maternal and child malnutrition, infections and other factors, despite the huge strides in health care.

Purohit released the Tamil translation of “Autism-the Buddhi Book”, a compilation of facts about the condition that affects the brain and mind. Published by Buddhi Clinic, the book outlines the integration of ancient wisdom and modern science - the use of ayurveda, naturotherapy, acupressure and reflexology with behavioural, occupational, neurodevelopmental and speech therapy.

Buddhi Clinic seeks to combine modern technology in the scientific traditions of medicine and healing with ancient wisdom from diverse medical systems.