KBB

We are targeting to recruit about 2000 probands with Developmental Disabilities and 2000 siblings (from the same biological mother and father, and these siblings will not have any Developmental Disabilities) in the period of 4 years which implies to 500 probands per year and 500 siblings per year.  Our targeted age range is 3 to 18years.

1. Identify and recruit, primarily by means of a household survey but also other means (i.e., approaching service facilities, e.g., local health centers)
2.  Characterize and profile, cross-sectionally, the developmental milestones and other individualities of these children using behavior, neurophysiological (EEG/ERP and fNIRS), health-records, and genetic markers. Using these profiles, we can explore options for differential diagnoses of DD in rural settings of SSA
3. Characterize any support and services children/youth with DD receive through their homes, schools, communities, and national organization

Project Activities
For Adults will have questionnaires to ask about their children development, even about their home environment.

1. We will have different assessment for children and adults, for children will a will have academic assessments such as ZAT Maths, ZAT RR and will also conduct physical assessments such as Hearing, Weight and Vision.
2. We will collect saliva for DNA analysis from the proband with DD and the sibling with normal Development.
3.  Will also Conduct EEG/ERP and fNIRS
4. For Adults will have questionnaires to ask about their children development, even about their home environment.
   

For the community
We will also conduct focus group with the community leader such as headmen, church leaders, head teachers and clinic in charge. The focus group will discuss on the perception of the community towards disability and services offered to the disabled children.

Benefits to the Participants

1. First, families will be able to learn more about the disability of their child, its characterization and etiology. They will also be advised as to where they might access services relevant to the child’s disability.

1. Second, families will have the opportunity to learn more about the strengths and weaknesses of their children’s abilities based on our assessment.