Upon the birth of a child with CLDD,
families are presented, overnight, with a life changing situation. As Thistlethwaite
(2010) writes: 'With no warning, they step into unknown territory, more often with
complete strangers as their first point of contact for this new journey.'
However, there is currently a mismatch between our education system and the needs
of families. Services have been unprepared for the growing number of children with
CLDD, and the
alterations in service delivery, organisation, curriculum and pedagogy required to
meet their needs.
The arrival of a new baby is an important life event and is one that is usually
eagerly awaited by families. There are hopes and expectations as families adjust
and begin to appreciate the realities of the new arrival and all the changes that
they bring.
Listen to the audio clips of Harvey's father talking about when Harvey and his
twin sister were born and the early involvement of health professionals.
-
Harvey's birth1:32 -
The involvement of health professionals1:51
There is a growing evidence-base of the extent of the health needs experienced
by children and young people with complex learning difficulties and disabilities.
Early diagnosis is important to ensure that development is maximised and families
enabled to support each other. Early assessment and identification of their needs
is also important to ensure that access to treatments and interventions are provided.
Read the Royal College of Nursing report on the health needs experienced by people
with learning disabilities and make a list of the health needs of children that you
are involved with.
Consider the treatments and teaching interventions provided within your school.
Write a short biography of two children with contrasting health needs that you have
been involved with.
Primary care teams are usually the first point of contact when accessing health
care. There are a range of primary care services that can be accessed that are delivered
within the practice, such as screening and health promotion.
Access to other health services, such as child health services, necessary to meet
the needs of children with complex learning difficulties and disabilities, are accessed
following an assessment by the primary care team members, such as a GP or health
visitor.
Reflect on the needs of children with learning difficulties and disabilities that
you are involved with and develop a map of their health needs and the services required
to meet them.
McConkey, R., Barr, O. and Baxter, R. (2007) Complex Needs: The Nursing Response to Children and Young People with Complex Physical Healthcare Need. Belfast: Institute of Nursing Research, University of Ulster/Department of Health.