Children With Special Needs

Question 1

Define developmental delay

Answer 1

Developmental delay is present when functional aspects of the child’s development in one or more domains (motor, language, cognitive, social, emotional) are significantly delayed compared to the expected level for age

Question 2

What is global developmental delay defined as?

Answer 2

2 or more domains are affected.

Perform below 2 SD below mean age.

Question 3

What is the definition of a learning disability?

Answer 3

A significant impairment in intellectual functioning and affects the person’s ability to learn and problem-solve in their daily life.It has nearly always been present since childhood

Question 4

Name the 4 main primary care assessment tools

Answer 4

ASQ (Ages and stages questionnaire).
PEDS (Parents evaluation of developmental status).
M-CHAT (Checklist for autism in toddlers).
SOGS-2 (Schedule of Growing Skills).

Question 5

How would you quantify a delay, disorder or regression?

Answer 5

Delay: Global or isolated.
Disorder: Abnormal progression and presentation e.g. autism.
Regression: Loss of milestones.

Question 6

What does the schedule of growing skills (SOGS) contain?

Answer 6

Information of child’s development across a range of areas

0-5 years

9 keys areas

Separate cognitive score can be derived

Question 7

Name the 3 secondary care assessment tools

Answer 7

Griffiths mental development scales
Bayley scales of infant development
Wechsler preschool and primary scales of intelligence

Question 8

Name 3 common syndromes

Answer 8

Down syndrome
Fragile X Syndrome
William’s syndrome

Question 9

Name some positive red flag signs in children with suspected special needs

Answer 9

Loss of developmental skills
Concerns re vision
Concerns re hearing
Floppiness
No speech by 18-24 months
Asymmetry of movement
Persistent toe walking
Head circumference >99.6th C or < 0.4th C

Question 10

Name some negative red flag signs in children with suspected special needs

Answer 10

Sit unsupported by 12 months
Walk by 18 months (boys) or 2 years (girls): Check creatinine kinase
Walk other than on tiptoes
Run by 2.5 years
Hold objects in hand by 5 months
Reach for objects by 6 months
Points to objects to share interest by 2 years

Question 11

What are some of the common motor problems?

Answer 11

Delayed maturation
Cerebral palsy
Developmental coordination disorder

Question 12

What are some of the common language/cognitive problems?

Answer 12

Specific language impairments

Learning disability

Question 13

What are some of the common sensory problems?

Answer 13

Deafness
Visual impairment
Multi-sensory impairment

Question 14

What are some of the common social/communication problems?

Answer 14

Autism
Asperger syndrome
Elective mutism

Question 15

What are some of the possible effects on the family unit when bad news is broken?

Answer 15

Emotional
Social isolation
Financial implications
Implication for siblings
Wider family

Question 16

What is an Individualized Educational Plane (IEP) ?

Answer 16

IEP is a detailed plan for a child’s learning. It contains some specific, short-term learning targets for the child and will set out how those targets will be reached.

Targets are:
Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Relevant 
Timed

Question 17

What is a coordinated support plan (CSP) ?

Answer 17

A CSP is a detailed plan of how child’s support will be provided. It is a legal document and aims to ensure all the professionals who are helping the child, work together. It also helps ensure that everyone, including parents and the child, is fully involved in that support.

Question 18

What is GIRFEC ?

Answer 18

In line with the ‘Getting it right for every child’ (GIRFEC) approach, many children will now have a Child’s Plan. This is part of the Children and Young People Act that applies from Autumn 2016. Child’s Plans are created if a child or young person needs some extra support to meet their wellbeing needs such as access to mental health services or respite care, or help from a range of different agencies.