National child developmental and mental health disorders screening policy in Thailand

Abstract

Background

Developmental disorders and mental health problems result in less optimal outcomes in children. Although awareness among the public had been improving, there was paucity of early identification frameworks, care pathways as well as the process of monitoring and evaluation in Thailand.

Objective

To develop appropriate National child mental health policy in Thailand.

Aim

To promote developmental and mental health outcomes of children.

Method

Current child development and mental health research as well as policy development were reviewed. The framework of development together with major mental health disorders screening and intervention among children has been studied and established as a major policy in Thailand since 2014. The National developmental screening has been implemented in children aged 9, 18, 30 and 42 months. District level hospitals have been coached to facilitate Health promotion schools to screen and provide early intervention for grade 1 students with mental health problems. Annual data has been collected and analyzed to reflect the milestones of child development and mental health prevention-promotion policy in Thailand.

Result

The coverage of National developmental screening ranges from 70–80% of children. About 20% of preschoolers are at risk of language delay while nearly 20% of grade 1 children are at risk of emotional, behavioral and learning problems. Parental awareness is the major challenge for those with limited financial resources.

Conclusion

Investments in early childhood development are needed. The pathways to develop the appropriate intervention requires further collaboration among stakeholders.

Disclosure of interest

The author has not supplied his declaration of competing interest.