[Medical and educational challenges in the care of children with disabilities]

Joël Fluss1, Milan Zedka2, Christian Korff1

  • 1Unité de neuropédiatrie, Service des spécialités pédiatriques, Département de la femme, de l'enfant et de l'adolescent, Hôpital des enfants, Hôpitaux universitaires de Genève, 1211 Genève 14.

Revue Medicale Suisse
|February 28, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Pediatricians face challenges with disabled children, from diagnosis communication to new therapies and schooling. Early collaboration between healthcare and education professionals is crucial for improving outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Rehabilitation Medicine
  • Disability Studies

Background:

  • Pediatricians encounter multifaceted challenges when managing disabled children.
  • The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) provides a framework for understanding these challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the challenges faced by pediatricians in caring for disabled children.
  • To explore communication strategies, emerging therapies for rare disorders, and assistive technologies.
  • To advocate for integrated healthcare and educational approaches.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on pediatric disability.
  • Analysis of diagnostic communication strategies.
  • Examination of advancements in rare disorder therapies and assistive technologies.
  • Review of educational inclusion policies for disabled children.

Main Results:

  • Effective diagnosis announcement and communication are critical.
  • New therapies and technologies offer novel treatment avenues but require interdisciplinary collaboration.
  • Schooling for disabled children necessitates early and close cooperation between medical and educational sectors.

Conclusions:

  • A comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach is essential for optimizing care for disabled children.
  • Enhanced communication and integration of medical, technological, and educational resources are vital.
  • Early collaboration between healthcare providers and educational stakeholders improves outcomes for disabled children.

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