Exploring the Patterns of Childhood Disability in a Tertiary Care Hospital – A Demographic Analysis

Objectives: To identify childhood disability patterns and associated demographic characteristics presenting to a tertiary care center of excellence. Materials and Methods: This prospective observational cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Rehabilitation, Armed Forces Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine (AFIRM), Rawalpindi, from Dec 22 to Nov 23. We included 160 patients in our study. Demographic variables studied were age, weight, physical characteristics, reason for referral and primary diagnoses, family and birth history, access and barriers to rehabilitation services, and overall satisfaction with services provided using a 7-point Likert scale. Results: Among 160 patients, cerebral palsy was the most common diagnosis (30%), followed by myopathies (18.8%), autism spectrum disorders (13.1%), and musculoskeletal disorders (10%). Other conditions included neurodegenerative diseases (6.9%), intellectual disabilities (6.3%), Down syndrome (4.4%), and spinal dysraphism (3.1%). Comorbidities were common, with 30% of patients showing additional health concerns such as respiratory issues, seizure disorders, and gastrointestinal problems, which further complicate their care and management. Lower-income households showed higher disability rates and early diagnosis was more common for autism and cerebral palsy. Conclusion: Neurological disorders like cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorders, and musculoskeletal conditions were the most common childhood disability presentations