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A model for the assessment and management of children with multiple disabilities
1Neurodisability Service, Great Ormond Street for Children NHS Trust, The Wolfson Centre, London, UK.
Insights
A hierarchical model helps manage children with multiple disabilities by prioritizing care. Addressing foundational needs like vision and nutrition is crucial before focusing on complex skills like communication.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Developmental Disabilities
Background:
- Children with multiple disabilities face complex care challenges.
- Numerous professionals involved often lead to conflicting advice and coordination issues.
Observation:
- A hierarchical model for assessment and management is proposed.
- This model emphasizes the interdependency of various functional and medical areas.
Findings:
- The model aids parents and professionals in prioritizing care needs.
- It improves interdisciplinary collaboration and supports staff training.
Implications:
- Resolving foundational issues (vision, positioning, nutrition) is vital.
- Successful intervention in basic functions enables progress in complex skills like communication.
Abstract:
Children with multiple disabilities present complex management problems, both for their families and for the professionals involved in their care. For any one child, the list of functional and medical problems that need to be addressed is frequently reflected in an even longer list of involved professionals, leading to conflicting advice and problems in co-ordination of care. A hierarchical model for assessment and management is proposed, which highlights the interdependency of apparently different areas of functioning. The model aims to assist both parents and professionals in determining priorities, to improve interdisciplinary working, and to underpin staff training. Illustrative case studies indicate the importance of resolving issues in areas such as visual functioning, positioning and nutrition before integrated functions such as communication skills can be addressed successfully.
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