Rising developmental disorders in South Africa: A crisis in child health

Developmental disorders like autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are rising globally and South Africa is no exception. Between 2022 and 2024, ADHD diagnoses increased by 89% and autism by 73%, revealing a growing crisis in child developmental health. In a powerful new article, Ayesha Kriel, Functional Head of Disease and Medicine Management at MEDSCHEME HOLDINGS (an AfroCentric Group company) unpacks the emotional, financial, and systemic toll this crisis is taking on families. “The situation is further compounded in rural areas, where access to specialized paediatric services remains limited, forcing some families to travel long distances or simply not make the journey to care altogether,” - says Ayesha. This reality underscores the importance of value-based care solutions being explored by Medscheme, which aim to integrate diagnostic assessments, therapy, and caregiver education into comprehensive care packages. Read the full article to gain more insight: https://shorturl.at/Dni8B #ChildHealth #DevelopmentalDisorders #ADHD #AutismAwareness