In "Global Perspective on Early Diagnosis and Intervention for Children with Developmental Delays and Disabilities" (p1079-1084, this issue), Scherzer et al. highlighted the potential increase in neurodevelopmental impairments and disabilities affecting an increasing number of children in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). In this commentary, Newton states that there are little data to support this increase as yet, since there are few studies measuring the prevalence of these disorders, and none measuring changes over time. Further epidemiological studies are required to determine the burden, secular trends, and the risk factors for these disorders. Scherzer et al.'s timely review should prompt health care workers to make further efforts to highlight the burden of neurodevelopmental disorders to Ministries of Health in LMIC and non-government organizations involved in the health of children.