Abstract:

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There is a new-found awareness of learning disabilities (LD), and the congenital developmental disabilities are well acknowledged. However, awareness of developmental disabilities, such as attention deficit disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, pervasive developmental disorders and autism spectrum disorders, is also crucial since early identification leads to early intervention. Early intervention is considered to be the most important factor influencing long-term outcome given the fact that the biological cause is not clearly understood and consequently there is no specific medical cure as of now. Early intervention has a dual effect; it helps develop age-relevant skills and prevents the development of negative behaviours. While early identification is crucial, one must also take care not to label a child hastily. Along with the parents and paediatrician the role of teachers and other educators cannot be overemphasised.

We ought to understand that not every child with a developmental delay will 'more than make up' for an initial delay. Then there is the oft-overlooked fact that developmental skills including communication skills are built over several years, right up to adulthood. The problem that a child with a developmental disability experiences, is often not being able to cope with the requirements of his peers and then he starts showing disruptive behavioural patterns. Parents and teachers need to be sensitive to the characteristics that may be pointing out a not-readily-apparent developmental disorder, something that many teachers are good at.

First, rule out any sensory disabilities (partial disabilities require careful observations to be made by parents and teachers) and then provide him with added support and monitor the results. In countries like ours, with inadequate numbers of teachers, and with special educators employed only in special schools or establishing their own clinics, hardly any are employed in regular schools. Where both parents are working, the substitute lacks the sensitivity to note discrepancies. Multilingualism is a major perplexing issue in India. We have to learn to take a wise decision keeping in mind the child’s environment, his difficulty, the languages that he is required to learn and how all of these interact. Another important issue that needs to be considered is parental aspirations regarding educational outcomes.

The children with developmental disabilities have to be cared for by the society if their conditions are not bettered early. We should increase awareness in the society as a whole and provide training for early identification, taking into consideration the resource crunch.