Health and Me

Supriya Ramesh

Study Reveals Why Autism in Over-40s Rarely Gets Recognised

Autism

<a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/autism">Autism</a> is often painted as a childhood condition, usually spotted in the school playground when social quirks or communication differences raise eyebrows. But what happens when those children grow up without anyone connecting the dots? According to new research from King’s College London, the answer is unsettling: most autistic adults over 40 are still flying under the diagnostic radar.

The review, published in the Annual Review of Developmental Psychology, estimates that a staggering 89 per cent of people over 40 with autism remain undiagnosed. To put that into perspective, while around 23 per cent of autistic children under 19 are missed, nearly 96 per cent of those over 60 have never been recognised as autistic. That’s not just a gap; that’s a canyon.

When the researchers broke it down by age and gender, the numbers looked even more lopsided. Among men aged 40 to 59, more than 91 per cent had never been diagnosed. For women in the same age group, the figure was almost 80 per cent. By the time people reached their sixties, both men and women crossed into the 96 to 97 per cent range of being undiagnosed.

Compare that with the 20 to 39 age group, where roughly half remained undiagnosed, and the generational divide becomes clear. Today’s younger adults are far more likely to be spotted, assessed and supported. Older adults, meanwhile, have often been left to muddle through without a name for their lifelong differences.

Gavin Stewart, lead author of the study, explains that a lack of diagnosis means many autistic adults were never offered the right support, leaving them more vulnerable to age-related problems. These range from social isolation to poor physical and mental health.

The review found that autistic people in middle age and beyond have higher rates of almost every health condition compared to non-autistic peers, like heart disease, neurological issues, autoimmune disorders, gastrointestinal problems, anxiety and depression. Add age-related conditions like <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/osteoporosis">osteoporosis</a>, <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/arthritis">arthritis</a> and Parkinson’s disease, and the picture gets even more complicated.

Even more concerning, autistic older adults were six times more likely to report suicidal thoughts or self-harm and four times more likely to develop early-onset dementia.

The study highlighted another layer of challenge: healthcare itself. Many older autistic adults face obstacles in accessing medical support due to communication differences, sensory sensitivities or simply not knowing how to navigate the system. Combine that with a shortage of healthcare professionals trained in recognising autism in adults, and it’s no wonder so many cases slip through the cracks.

Professor Francesca Happé, co-author of the review, stresses that this is a global public health issue. “Understanding the needs of autistic people as they age is a pressing global public health concern. As autistic people age, the nature of the challenges they face changes. We must adopt a lifespan approach that funds long-term research, integrates tailored healthcare, and expands social supports so that ageing autistic people can live happy and healthy lives,” she says. In other words, autism doesn’t disappear after childhood, so neither should support.

The findings also suggest that research into autism may have been skewed for years. If most older adults remain undiagnosed, then studies have largely overlooked them. That means our current understanding of how autistic people age is incomplete at best. No wonder policies and services have not caught up.

Employment struggles, strained relationships and social isolation were all noted as common experiences for older autistic adults. Without the framework of a diagnosis, many never knew why they felt out of step with the world, and their difficulties were often chalked up to personality flaws or “just how they are”.

If you’re wondering whether getting a diagnosis later in life makes a difference, the answer is yes. Recognition can bring clarity, opening doors to support systems, healthcare adaptations and even financial benefits. It can also reshape how family, friends and colleagues understand a person’s behaviour and needs.

The NHS encourages adults who suspect they might be autistic to speak to their GP and ask about a referral for an assessment. Specialists can help by gathering life history, speaking with people who know you well and observing how you interact with others.

The review ends with a clear message: it’s time to stop treating autism as a childhood-only issue. For too long, older autistic adults have been invisible, their experiences untold and their needs unmet. With diagnosis rates still alarmingly low, researchers are urging more studies, better services and a cultural shift that embraces autism across the lifespan.

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Autism is often painted as a childhood condition, usually spotted in the school playground when social quirks or communication differences raise eyebrows. But what happens when those children grow up without anyone connecting the dots? According to new research from King’s College London, the answer is unsettling: most autistic adults over 40 are still flying under the diagnostic radar.The review, published in the Annual Review of Developmental Psychology, estimates that a staggering 89 per cent of people over 40 with autism remain undiagnosed. To put that into perspective, while around 23 per cent of autistic children under 19 are missed, nearly 96 per cent of those over 60 have never been recognised as autistic. That’s not just a gap; that’s a canyon.The Age FactorWhen the researchers broke it down by age and gender, the numbers looked even more lopsided. Among men aged 40 to 59, more than 91 per cent had never been diagnosed. For women in the same age group, the figure was almost 80 per cent. By the time people reached their sixties, both men and women crossed into the 96 to 97 per cent range of being undiagnosed.Compare that with the 20 to 39 age group, where roughly half remained undiagnosed, and the generational divide becomes clear. Today’s younger adults are far more likely to be spotted, assessed and supported. Older adults, meanwhile, have often been left to muddle through without a name for their lifelong differences.Why It MattersGavin Stewart, lead author of the study, explains that a lack of diagnosis means many autistic adults were never offered the right support, leaving them more vulnerable to age-related problems. These range from social isolation to poor physical and mental health.The review found that autistic people in middle age and beyond have higher rates of almost every health condition compared to non-autistic peers, like heart disease, neurological issues, autoimmune disorders, gastrointestinal problems, anxiety and depression. Add age-related conditions like osteoporosis, arthritis and Parkinson’s disease, and the picture gets even more complicated.Even more concerning, autistic older adults were six times more likely to report suicidal thoughts or self-harm and four times more likely to develop early-onset dementia.The Hidden StrugglesThe study highlighted another layer of challenge: healthcare itself. Many older autistic adults face obstacles in accessing medical support due to communication differences, sensory sensitivities or simply not knowing how to navigate the system. Combine that with a shortage of healthcare professionals trained in recognising autism in adults, and it’s no wonder so many cases slip through the cracks.Professor Francesca Happé, co-author of the review, stresses that this is a global public health issue. “Understanding the needs of autistic people as they age is a pressing global public health concern. As autistic people age, the nature of the challenges they face changes. We must adopt a lifespan approach that funds long-term research, integrates tailored healthcare, and expands social supports so that ageing autistic people can live happy and healthy lives,” she says. In other words, autism doesn’t disappear after childhood, so neither should support.Lost in the ShuffleThe findings also suggest that research into autism may have been skewed for years. If most older adults remain undiagnosed, then studies have largely overlooked them. That means our current understanding of how autistic people age is incomplete at best. No wonder policies and services have not caught up.Employment struggles, strained relationships and social isolation were all noted as common experiences for older autistic adults. Without the framework of a diagnosis, many never knew why they felt out of step with the world, and their difficulties were often chalked up to personality flaws or “just how they are”.Why a Diagnosis Still MattersIf you’re wondering whether getting a diagnosis later in life makes a difference, the answer is yes. Recognition can bring clarity, opening doors to support systems, healthcare adaptations and even financial benefits. It can also reshape how family, friends and colleagues understand a person’s behaviour and needs.The NHS encourages adults who suspect they might be autistic to speak to their GP and ask about a referral for an assessment. Specialists can help by gathering life history, speaking with people who know you well and observing how you interact with others.A Call for ChangeThe review ends with a clear message: it’s time to stop treating autism as a childhood-only issue. For too long, older autistic adults have been invisible, their experiences untold and their needs unmet. With diagnosis rates still alarmingly low, researchers are urging more studies, better services and a cultural shift that embraces autism across the lifespan.

study reveals why autism in over-40s rarely gets recognised

Can Diabetes Drugs Steal Your Vision? Why GLP-1s Are Facing Eye Damage Claims

Ozempic

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When blockbuster diabetes drugs double as miracle weight-loss injections, it seems like everyone wants in. But now, the same medications are making headlines for possible vision loss.

Originally designed to regulate blood sugar in type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 receptor agonists, which cover Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, Trulicity, Rybelsus and others, quickly became famous in the weight-loss world. Social media crowned them the “skinny jab”, while pharmaceutical companies rushed out new versions to keep up with demand.

But as prescriptions soared, so did reports of odd side effects. Stomach paralysis (gastroparesis), intestinal blockages and now a rare vision condition are creeping into the conversation. It turns out shedding pounds might come with strings attached, ones that affect more than your waistline.

The latest condition in this story is nonarteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy, or NAION for short. It is a mouthful, but the condition itself is no joke. NAION can blur vision permanently or even lead to blindness by damaging the optic nerve.

Whispers of this link first appeared in mid-2024, when Harvard researchers published a study claiming Ozempic users faced a seven-fold higher risk of NAION compared to non-users. Just weeks later, another paper in JAMA Ophthalmology suggested the concern was not limited to Ozempic; it was likely an issue across the entire GLP-1 family.

Researchers point out that while there is a measurable increase in eye complications, the story isn’t as clear-cut as it sounds.

A recent retrospective study found a slight but significant uptick, about 7 per cent, in new cases of diabetic retinopathy (DR) among GLP-1 users. DR is a common complication of diabetes itself, where blood vessels in the retina become damaged. Interestingly, though, these same patients did not show a higher risk of progressing to severe complications like proliferative retinopathy or diabetic macular oedema.

Reports suggest that patients on GLP-1 drugs should be screened regularly for eye problems, no matter their baseline status. In other words, keep your ophthalmologist on speed dial.

While doctors debate the data, lawyers are already busy. Eli Lilly, maker of Mounjaro and Zepbound, has asked federal judges to consolidate the growing pile of lawsuits into one massive multidistrict litigation (MDL). This would lump together claims of optic nerve damage with the thousands of cases already filed over gastroparesis.

The lawsuits accuse manufacturers of pushing profits over patient safety, alleging that the risks of vision loss were downplayed or overlooked. With more patients joining the legal fray, the story is no longer confined to medical journals; it is unfolding in courtrooms across the US.

For people with type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 drugs remain highly effective. They lower blood sugar, help with weight loss, and even offer some protection against heart disease. For many, the benefits still outweigh the risks.

But the newfound spotlight on NAION is a reminder that no drug is without trade-offs. Those weekly injections may slim waistlines, but they also highlight the need for vigilance. Patients should discuss eye health with their doctors, schedule regular check-ups, and report any sudden changes in vision immediately.

ozempic

mounjaro

wegovy

trulicity

rybelsus

diabetes

obesity

blindness

eli lilly

gastroparesis

When blockbuster diabetes drugs double as miracle weight-loss injections, it seems like everyone wants in. But now, the same medications are making headlines for possible vision loss.The Double Life of GLP-1 DrugsOriginally designed to regulate blood sugar in type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 receptor agonists, which cover Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, Trulicity, Rybelsus and others, quickly became famous in the weight-loss world. Social media crowned them the “skinny jab”, while pharmaceutical companies rushed out new versions to keep up with demand.But as prescriptions soared, so did reports of odd side effects. Stomach paralysis (gastroparesis), intestinal blockages and now a rare vision condition are creeping into the conversation. It turns out shedding pounds might come with strings attached, ones that affect more than your waistline.A Shadow on the Horizon: NAIONThe latest condition in this story is nonarteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy, or NAION for short. It is a mouthful, but the condition itself is no joke. NAION can blur vision permanently or even lead to blindness by damaging the optic nerve.Whispers of this link first appeared in mid-2024, when Harvard researchers published a study claiming Ozempic users faced a seven-fold higher risk of NAION compared to non-users. Just weeks later, another paper in JAMA Ophthalmology suggested the concern was not limited to Ozempic; it was likely an issue across the entire GLP-1 family.What the Experts Are SayingResearchers point out that while there is a measurable increase in eye complications, the story isn’t as clear-cut as it sounds.A recent retrospective study found a slight but significant uptick, about 7 per cent, in new cases of diabetic retinopathy (DR) among GLP-1 users. DR is a common complication of diabetes itself, where blood vessels in the retina become damaged. Interestingly, though, these same patients did not show a higher risk of progressing to severe complications like proliferative retinopathy or diabetic macular oedema.Reports suggest that patients on GLP-1 drugs should be screened regularly for eye problems, no matter their baseline status. In other words, keep your ophthalmologist on speed dial.From Courtrooms to ClinicsWhile doctors debate the data, lawyers are already busy. Eli Lilly, maker of Mounjaro and Zepbound, has asked federal judges to consolidate the growing pile of lawsuits into one massive multidistrict litigation (MDL). This would lump together claims of optic nerve damage with the thousands of cases already filed over gastroparesis.The lawsuits accuse manufacturers of pushing profits over patient safety, alleging that the risks of vision loss were downplayed or overlooked. With more patients joining the legal fray, the story is no longer confined to medical journals; it is unfolding in courtrooms across the US.The Balancing Act for PatientsFor people with type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 drugs remain highly effective. They lower blood sugar, help with weight loss, and even offer some protection against heart disease. For many, the benefits still outweigh the risks.But the newfound spotlight on NAION is a reminder that no drug is without trade-offs. Those weekly injections may slim waistlines, but they also highlight the need for vigilance. Patients should discuss eye health with their doctors, schedule regular check-ups, and report any sudden changes in vision immediately.

can diabetes drugs steal your vision? why glp-1s are facing eye damage claims

Egg Freezing Demystified: How Many Eggs and Cycles Does It Take?

Egg Freezing

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If modern life had a “pause” button, many women would happily press it on their biological clocks. That is essentially what egg freezing offers: a chance to preserve fertility for the future. But the two questions that inevitably surface are how many eggs should you freeze and how many cycles will it take to get there? The short answer is, it depends.

When it comes to egg freezing, more is not always better, but a certain number is definitely necessary. Dr Navina Singh, fertility specialist at Birla Fertility &amp; IVF, Mumbai, says women in their late twenties or early thirties generally need to freeze around 15 mature eggs to have a fair chance at one live birth. For those beyond the mid-thirties, the number usually goes up to 20 or more. Because as time ticks on, both the number and quality of eggs decline, reducing the likelihood of a healthy embryo developing from each egg.

Dr Swati Mishra, another fertility specialist, says, "On average, women in their early thirties are advised to freeze 10–15 mature eggs to maintain good chances of embryo formation later. For women in their late thirties, the target is higher, often 20 or more.” 

<h3>The Cycle Question: One and Done, or More Than One?</h3>

Many women walk into clinics hoping a single cycle of ovarian stimulation will do the trick. Sometimes it does. But sometimes, biology has other plans.

“Some women respond strongly to stimulation and can collect the required number in one attempt,” explains Dr Singh. “Others, especially those with lower ovarian reserve, may need two or even three cycles. This is not a failure; it is simply how ovaries differ in their response.”

Dr Mishra adds that this variation is one of the biggest surprises for women: “It is natural biology. We prepare women from the outset that while some will achieve the target in one cycle, others may need more. It all comes down to ovarian reserve and individual response.”

In other words, if your ovaries are playing hard to get, patience and persistence are part of the process.

<h3>Behind the Numbers: How Doctors Decide</h3>

How do doctors know how many eggs or cycles a woman might need? Tests like AMH (anti-Müllerian hormone) and antral follicle counts help gauge ovarian reserve. These markers, combined with age and reproductive goals, give doctors a clearer picture.

A woman aiming for one child might freeze fewer eggs than someone who hopes for two. And lifestyle factors matter too. As Dr Mishra points out, “Weight, nutrition, and stress all influence ovarian response, which is why we encourage holistic preparation before starting treatment.”

<h3>Why Counselling Matters</h3>

Both experts stress the importance of counselling because egg freezing is about managing expectations as much as it is about collecting eggs.

Dr Singh says, “Counselling ensures women understand not just the approximate egg numbers but also the possibility of multiple cycles, costs, and time commitment. Egg freezing does not offer guarantees. What it really offers is choice.”

Dr Mishra agrees: “We want women to approach the process with realistic expectations and a clear plan. With the right guidance, egg freezing becomes a tool for control, not confusion.”

Egg freezing is not a magic wand that guarantees future babies, but it does offer women greater say over their timelines. The number of eggs you need depends on your age, ovarian reserve, and reproductive goals. The number of cycles it may take depends on how your body responds.

What doctors want women to know is, do not see extra cycles or higher egg targets as setbacks. They are just reflections of biology. With the right preparation, information, and mindset, egg freezing is less about uncertainty and more about empowerment.

fertility

cycles

embryo

ovaries

hormones

pregnancy

counselling

reproduction

timeline

egg freezing

If modern life had a “pause” button, many women would happily press it on their biological clocks. That is essentially what egg freezing offers: a chance to preserve fertility for the future. But the two questions that inevitably surface are how many eggs should you freeze and how many cycles will it take to get there? The short answer is, it depends. How Many Eggs Are Enough?When it comes to egg freezing, more is not always better, but a certain number is definitely necessary. Dr Navina Singh, fertility specialist at Birla Fertility & IVF, Mumbai, says women in their late twenties or early thirties generally need to freeze around 15 mature eggs to have a fair chance at one live birth. For those beyond the mid-thirties, the number usually goes up to 20 or more. Because as time ticks on, both the number and quality of eggs decline, reducing the likelihood of a healthy embryo developing from each egg.Dr Swati Mishra, another fertility specialist, says, "On average, women in their early thirties are advised to freeze 10–15 mature eggs to maintain good chances of embryo formation later. For women in their late thirties, the target is higher, often 20 or more.” The Cycle Question: One and Done, or More Than One?Many women walk into clinics hoping a single cycle of ovarian stimulation will do the trick. Sometimes it does. But sometimes, biology has other plans.“Some women respond strongly to stimulation and can collect the required number in one attempt,” explains Dr Singh. “Others, especially those with lower ovarian reserve, may need two or even three cycles. This is not a failure; it is simply how ovaries differ in their response.”Dr Mishra adds that this variation is one of the biggest surprises for women: “It is natural biology. We prepare women from the outset that while some will achieve the target in one cycle, others may need more. It all comes down to ovarian reserve and individual response.”In other words, if your ovaries are playing hard to get, patience and persistence are part of the process.Behind the Numbers: How Doctors DecideHow do doctors know how many eggs or cycles a woman might need? Tests like AMH (anti-Müllerian hormone) and antral follicle counts help gauge ovarian reserve. These markers, combined with age and reproductive goals, give doctors a clearer picture.A woman aiming for one child might freeze fewer eggs than someone who hopes for two. And lifestyle factors matter too. As Dr Mishra points out, “Weight, nutrition, and stress all influence ovarian response, which is why we encourage holistic preparation before starting treatment.”Why Counselling MattersBoth experts stress the importance of counselling because egg freezing is about managing expectations as much as it is about collecting eggs.Dr Singh says, “Counselling ensures women understand not just the approximate egg numbers but also the possibility of multiple cycles, costs, and time commitment. Egg freezing does not offer guarantees. What it really offers is choice.”Dr Mishra agrees: “We want women to approach the process with realistic expectations and a clear plan. With the right guidance, egg freezing becomes a tool for control, not confusion.”Egg freezing is not a magic wand that guarantees future babies, but it does offer women greater say over their timelines. The number of eggs you need depends on your age, ovarian reserve, and reproductive goals. The number of cycles it may take depends on how your body responds.What doctors want women to know is, do not see extra cycles or higher egg targets as setbacks. They are just reflections of biology. With the right preparation, information, and mindset, egg freezing is less about uncertainty and more about empowerment.

egg freezing demystified: how many eggs and cycles does it take?

Why So Many Children Still Grow Up with Preventable Clubfoot

Clubfoot

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If you’ve ever seen a baby’s tiny foot curled awkwardly inwards and downwards, you might dismiss it as “just the way they’re born.” But that little twist, called clubfoot, is no small matter. Left untreated, it can turn into a lifelong disability. And in India, where over 70% of cases in rural areas go untreated, clubfoot remains one of the most common yet most overlooked childhood deformities.

Clubfoot is a congenital condition where one or both feet are turned inwards and downwards, making it difficult for the child to walk normally. “Clubfoot may look like a simple deformity at birth, but when not addressed in time, it becomes a rigid, disabling condition,” explained Dr Aashish Chaudhry, Orthopaedic Surgeon at Aakash Healthcare.

India sees roughly 1 in every 300 children born with a bone deformity, according to the Indian Orthopaedic Association, and clubfoot leads the list. Yet, awareness remains staggeringly low. Families often think the foot will straighten on its own or that treatment is too costly, so the condition is neglected. Children who should be running and playing instead limp through life, sometimes in pain and often with a heavy emotional burden.

Unlike countries such as China, Uganda, and Malawi that have national clubfoot programmes, India still does not have a dedicated public health plan. This gap leaves thousands of children untreated every year. “Children with neglected clubfoot often face pain, difficulty walking, and emotional distress. They may get bullied in school and develop poor self-esteem, which impacts their overall development,” said Dr Chaudhry, who himself grew up with the condition before becoming an orthopaedic surgeon.

The neglect is not just physical; it’s social. In communities where disability already carries stigma, children with clubfoot often become isolated, missing out on school and normal childhood experiences.

The irony is that treating clubfoot early is neither complicated nor expensive. The most widely used method is the Ponseti technique, which involves gentle manipulation of the foot, followed by a series of plaster casts and then bracing. “This method has a high success rate when started early, usually within the first few weeks after birth,” explained Dr Chaudhry.

Parents often believe treatment means surgery, but that’s not the case when intervention happens early. “Timely diagnosis and intervention can prevent the need for complex surgeries later and greatly improve outcomes,” he added.

But what about children whose clubfoot is neglected? Is it too late for them? Dr Chaudhry said, “Even in neglected cases, it is absolutely possible to correct the deformity with modern surgical techniques. Surgery, followed by proper physiotherapy and braces, can help the child walk normally again. The earlier the intervention, the easier the recovery but it's never too late to act.”

This is a crucial message for parents who assume that once their child starts walking with difficulty, nothing can be done. The truth is, whether it’s casting or surgery, medical science today offers hope.

Doctors recommend that all newborns undergo simple foot checks as part of routine postnatal screening. Parents should also be vigilant: if a baby’s feet appear turned inwards or if the child struggles when learning to stand or walk, medical advice should be sought immediately. Delay only makes matters worse.

“Many parents wait, thinking the child will outgrow the twisted foot. But delay in treatment often makes it worse,” said Dr Chaudhry.

Ultimately, the solution lies not only in treatment but also in awareness and policy. With a dedicated national programme, better newborn screening, and parent education, India can turn the tide. As Dr Chaudhry put it: “Clubfoot is a treatable condition. With awareness, early action, and the right care, we can ensure that no child has to grow up with a disability that could have been prevented.”

clubfoot

children

disability

deformity

awareness

treatment

surgery

physiotherapy

healthcare

parents

If you’ve ever seen a baby’s tiny foot curled awkwardly inwards and downwards, you might dismiss it as “just the way they’re born.” But that little twist, called clubfoot, is no small matter. Left untreated, it can turn into a lifelong disability. And in India, where over 70% of cases in rural areas go untreated, clubfoot remains one of the most common yet most overlooked childhood deformities.The Twist at BirthClubfoot is a congenital condition where one or both feet are turned inwards and downwards, making it difficult for the child to walk normally. “Clubfoot may look like a simple deformity at birth, but when not addressed in time, it becomes a rigid, disabling condition,” explained Dr Aashish Chaudhry, Orthopaedic Surgeon at Aakash Healthcare.India sees roughly 1 in every 300 children born with a bone deformity, according to the Indian Orthopaedic Association, and clubfoot leads the list. Yet, awareness remains staggeringly low. Families often think the foot will straighten on its own or that treatment is too costly, so the condition is neglected. Children who should be running and playing instead limp through life, sometimes in pain and often with a heavy emotional burden.Why India Lags BehindUnlike countries such as China, Uganda, and Malawi that have national clubfoot programmes, India still does not have a dedicated public health plan. This gap leaves thousands of children untreated every year. “Children with neglected clubfoot often face pain, difficulty walking, and emotional distress. They may get bullied in school and develop poor self-esteem, which impacts their overall development,” said Dr Chaudhry, who himself grew up with the condition before becoming an orthopaedic surgeon.The neglect is not just physical; it’s social. In communities where disability already carries stigma, children with clubfoot often become isolated, missing out on school and normal childhood experiences.Early Treatment Is Possible The irony is that treating clubfoot early is neither complicated nor expensive. The most widely used method is the Ponseti technique, which involves gentle manipulation of the foot, followed by a series of plaster casts and then bracing. “This method has a high success rate when started early, usually within the first few weeks after birth,” explained Dr Chaudhry.Parents often believe treatment means surgery, but that’s not the case when intervention happens early. “Timely diagnosis and intervention can prevent the need for complex surgeries later and greatly improve outcomes,” he added.When Treatment Is DelayedBut what about children whose clubfoot is neglected? Is it too late for them? Dr Chaudhry said, “Even in neglected cases, it is absolutely possible to correct the deformity with modern surgical techniques. Surgery, followed by proper physiotherapy and braces, can help the child walk normally again. The earlier the intervention, the easier the recovery but it's never too late to act.”This is a crucial message for parents who assume that once their child starts walking with difficulty, nothing can be done. The truth is, whether it’s casting or surgery, medical science today offers hope.Spotting It EarlyDoctors recommend that all newborns undergo simple foot checks as part of routine postnatal screening. Parents should also be vigilant: if a baby’s feet appear turned inwards or if the child struggles when learning to stand or walk, medical advice should be sought immediately. Delay only makes matters worse.“Many parents wait, thinking the child will outgrow the twisted foot. But delay in treatment often makes it worse,” said Dr Chaudhry.Changing the StoryUltimately, the solution lies not only in treatment but also in awareness and policy. With a dedicated national programme, better newborn screening, and parent education, India can turn the tide. As Dr Chaudhry put it: “Clubfoot is a treatable condition. With awareness, early action, and the right care, we can ensure that no child has to grow up with a disability that could have been prevented.”

why so many children still grow up with preventable clubfoot

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Study Reveals Why Autism in Over-40s Rarely Gets Recognised

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Can Diabetes Drugs Steal Your Vision? Why GLP-1s Are Facing Eye Damage Claims

Egg Freezing Demystified: How Many Eggs and Cycles Does It Take?

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