Diseases that Result in Disability in Infants and Children – An Update

ABSTRACT

Disability in children can be broadly classified into physical and mental disabilities, and there are many conditions that result in this. Physical disability is often present in children with cerebral palsy or neuromuscular disorders. With mental disability, the children are not able to learn self-help skills and remain dependent on their caregivers for most of the activities of daily living. An extension of this group would include those with moderate to severe autism. In paediatrics, many conditions result in both forms of disabilities, with greater consequence and burden to their families. Nevertheless, there had been some recent advances in the management of the spasticity in children with cerebral palsy and the beginning of pharmacological treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Long term care and rehabilitation remains the most challenging task for all involved in the care of disabled children.