title: Clinical Profile of Special Children at Asha Centre.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The care of special children suffering from cerebral palsy, deaf mutism, mental retardation (MR) and post encephalitic sequelae etc. is done in the armed forces at "ASHA" centre supported by Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA).
  
  
  METHODS
  The clinical profile and underlying etiological factors in these children were studied.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Out of 30 children studied, majority were males. The commonest disability was cerebral palsy, seen in 13 (43%) cases followed by mental retardation in six (20%) and post encephalitic sequlae in four (13%) cases. Convulsions were noticed in 12 (40%) cases. The delayed speech was a significant handicap observed in 27 (90%) cases.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Among the etiological factors, natal causes and infections are leading factors in these children and there is an urgent need to strengthen the existing maternal and child health services in our country.
authors.affiliation: Associate Professor (Paediatrics), Armed Forces Medical College, Pune.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Gupta
authors.affiliation: Senior Advisor (Paediatrics), 158 Base Hospital C/o 99APO.
authors.forename: P L
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Prasad
keywords: Cerebral palsy