Special Needs

Special Need:

Autism (Aspergers Syndrome):

• Congenital (in the womb)
• Symptoms may not show for 2-3 years
• It is not inherited but may affect more than one child in the family
• The child has serious communication problems

Support:

• Emotional support
• Organised/Structured environment

Special Need:

Cerebral Palsy:

• This is congenital but may occur during birth (if there is a lack of oxygen to the brain)
• The brain is damaged - the Cerebrum is damages and this is the largest part of the brain and is involved with the senses, communication, thinking and voluntary movements of the muscles
• The child may not be able to walk or talk properly

Support:

• Physiotherapy
• Operation (might be required)
• Exercise
• Massage
• Drugs can be used to control spasms in the muscles
• Braces to strap up joints

Special Need:

Cystic Fibrosis:

• This is inherited (genetic)
• It happens in the womb
• 1 gene = carrier
• The lungs of the child get blocked up with thick, sticky mucus
• Digestive system is damaged

Support:

• Physiotherapy by massaging
• Pummeling back to release mucus
• Anti-biotics
• Inhalers

Special Need:

Muscular Dystrophy (MD):

• It is inherited (genetic)
• The mother (woman) is a carrier - so genetic screening/counselling would be advised as part of pre-conception care
• It affects males
• The muscles are very weak
• Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy - most common form

Support:

• Physiotherapy
• Hydrotheraphy (this is done in the water)

Special Need:

Spina Bifida:

• This is happens in the womb (it's congenital)
• The spinal cord/spine does not grow properly or is damaged or weakenend
• The child may have difficulty walking
• Some children have no mobility - paralysis of legs

Support:

• Wheelchair
• Walking aid/support

Additional Information:

• Folic Acid should be taken before pregnancy to reduce the risk
• CVS (Chronic Villi Sampling), Cordocentesis and Amniocentesis tests can be done to detect this special need

Special Need:

Haemophilia:

• This is inherited (genetic)
• The mother is a carrier
• Only males suffer from haemophilia
• It is the inhability for blood to clot

Support:

• Child should try to avoid knocks and falls
• Blood transfusion
• Blood clotting elements introduced into body

Additional Information:

• This is also known as the Royal Disease as Queen Victoria was a known carrier of the disease and passed it onto her children.

Special Need:

Downs Syndrome:

• This is congenital (genetic - happens in the womb)
• It is not inherited
• Downs Syndrome happens because the child has an extra chromosone (21)
• The child has features that make them easy to identify

Support:

• Slow learners
• Speech therapy
• Stimulation

Additional Information:

• Tests can be done during pregnancy to detect Downs Syndrome - Amniocentesis test and CVS (Chronic Villi Sampling)

Special Need:

Sickle Cell Anaemia:

• This is congenital (genetic)
• Blood cells are a sickle shape
• Blood cells can tangle causing severe pain (crisise)
• A child with Sickle Cell Anaemia will lack energy/will be tired
• The child will have slow growth

Support:

• Drink plenty of fluids (keep hydrated)
• Hospitalise during a crisise
• Anti-biotics

Special Need:

Hearing Impairment:

• Can be congenital
• This can be caused if the mother gets rubella in the first 3 months of pregnancy
• Can be caused by an accident

Support:

• Ability to communicate (has trouble with)
• Sign language

Special Need:

Visiual Impairment:

• Can be congenital
• Can be caused by an accident
• Not usually hereditary
• Can be caused if the mother gets rubella in the first 3 months of pregnancy
• Can also be caused if the mother suffers from other illnesses/infections during pregnancy
• The child may have an illness after birth that causes visual impairment

Support:

• Ability to communicate
• Braille