Children With Special Needs

Question 1

How are developmental abnormalities categorized?

Answer 1

Delay - may be global (2 or more domains) or isolated

Disorder - abnormal progression and presentation

Regression - skills are achieved and then lost later

Question 2

What are some reasonably common syndromes that are quite easily detected earlier on in life?

Answer 2

Downs

Fragile X syndrome

William’s syndrome

Question 3

What are some red flag signs when it comes to abnormal childhood development?

Answer 3

Loss of developmental skills 
Concerns with hearing / vision 
Floppiness (hypotonic)
No speech by 18-24 months 
Asymmetry of movement 
Persistent toe walking 
Abnormal Head circumference 
No running by 2.5 years
Baby can't sit unsupported by 12 months

Question 4

What is a particularly important part of the examination in children with suspected developmental abnormalities? Why?

Answer 4

Examination of the eyes and ears

Because if abnormalities are detected early here they can be managed much more effectively than if they aren’t caught for ages

Question 5

What are some commonly done investigations for children with developmental abnormalities?

Answer 5

Depends on presentation…

• Genetic testing
• creatine kinase
• thyroid function
• Metabolic testing
• Opthalmic and auriscope examination

Question 6

`What are the common categories for the classification of developmental abnormalities?

Answer 6

Motor

Sensory

Language / cognitive

Social / communication

Question 7

What is an especially important part of managing developmental delay with regards to comms?

Answer 7

Explaining to the family the expectations that are reasonable for their child considering their disability

Need to advise how to manage the disease when there are acute episodes (autism) or just in general with regards to compensations that may need to be made for the childs development