Identification and supportive intervention programs of the problems of disabled children

According to International Classification of Diseases-Ninth Revision [ICD-9], neurodevelopmental disorders, asthma and physical disabilities are on the top of child disabilities .The aim of our study was to support families with disabled children and teach them how to deal with different difficulties. The present work was conducted on 85 disabled children [53 males and 32 females], aged 1-12 years allocated into 3 groups. Group 1 [neurodevelopmental group]: 45 patients subdivided into cases of cerebral palsy [CP], mental retardation [MR] and epilepsy [15 patients each].Group 2 [bronchial asthma] included 20 patients. Group 3 [physical disability] involved 20 diabetic children. All disabled children were subjected to thorough history taking, family pedigree, clinical examination and diagnostic investigations .The study was conducted in three steps. The first was a preparatory stage which lasted 6 months, an Initial three months of thorough training and evaluation of medical team and paramedical health providers was followed by an in formative and detailed pilot study which was conducted over the next 3 months .The second step lasted for 6 months and involved weekly visits and applying an in formative and standardized questionnaire to obtain their specific disability problems and to do a thorough family training to manage their problems. The third step [next 6 months]; involved bimonthly visits for assessment, reassessment and correction of the specific solutions taught to the parents. The most common problems encountered among cerebral palsy cases were high risk for injuries defective locomotor function, feeding difficulties and chronic constipation [100%, 73.3%, 40% and 33.3% respectively]. In mental retardation subgroup, the most common problems were delayed growth and development, defective family in formation and support for them and delayed socialization [100%, 73.3% and 46.7% in order]. Among cases of epilepsy we found high risk for injuries and inappropriate diets in 100%and inadequate self confidence in 40% of cases. In bronchial asthma group, most problems were related to: dealing with acute exacerbations [100%], indoor air [60%], molds [40%], and dust mites [35%]. While, among diabetic children, problems were related to insulin regimen and technique of injection, blood glucose monitoring, diet regimen and emotional support. The present work confirmed that well trained parents can improve the problems of their disabled children up to a satisfying extent .Feeding difficulties of CP improved in 66.6% and their defective locomotor function improved markedly in 6.7% and partially in 73.3%. Frequency and severity of bronchial asthma improved in 65%. Attitude of diabetics towards disease improved in 71.4%. Poverty, ignorance, non compliance of parents and presence of mixed types of disability were significant obstacles to our training programs. Hence; improvement of the surrounding environment will decrease the frequency and severity of many problems. Treatment of disabled children is a highly demanding task; it is not just a reflex prescription of medications for complications whenever they occur. Family counseling, team work [psychiatrists physiotherapists, pediatricians, etc.], good communications, improved family knowledge, well trained families and early intervention will ameliorate problems of disabled children. It is recommended to do our best to improve the quality of life of disabled children, to properly teach their parents how to deal with disabilities and to conduct research programs all over of Egypt to precisely establish the real problems and the optimal intervention programs for our disabled children