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Spina bifida: implications for 100 children at school
Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology
|April 1, 1981
Summary
Children with spina bifida face significant challenges, including mobility issues, intellectual difficulties, and incontinence. Educational and employment prospects are limited, necessitating tailored support and realistic self-care goals.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Spina bifida presents complex challenges impacting children's development and daily living.
- Early assessment of handicap severity is often insufficient for school entry planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the comprehensive needs of children with spina bifida.
- To assess the adequacy of educational support and future prospects for these children.
Main Methods:
- Home and school-based examinations of 100 children with spina bifida.
- Review of functional status, cognitive abilities, and health issues.
Main Results:
- High prevalence of wheelchair dependency (27% over 10 years), low IQ (39% < 80), and incontinence (68%).
- Significant rates of visual defects (64%), epilepsy (27%), and physical injuries (87%).
- Educational challenges include learning difficulties, intolerance of incontinence, and exclusion from mainstream secondary schools due to mobility needs.
Conclusions:
- Children with spina bifida require specialized educational approaches with realistic goals focused on self-care.
- Transition to adulthood necessitates extended education and training for many.
- Improved information and support for teachers are crucial for effective management in educational settings.