CONTEMPORARY ISSUES OF HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Contemporary Issues of Health and Wellbeing



Table of Content

Introduction3

Discussion4

Changing Paradigms of Development and Disability6

Evidence Supporting the Benefits of Early Intervention for Children with Disabilities8

Child and Family Factors9

Environmental Risk Factors10

Social and Cultural Factors11

Conclusion11

Appendix14

Contemporary Issues of Health and Wellbeing

Introduction

The aim of this paper is to review the Case Study and synthesize literature on the nature, distribution, and associated aspects of disability among young children in developing countries under eight years of age, examine existing services and practices to provide care and education for them and identify approaches with promise to address their developmental needs. Such a review and synthesis can assist social sector task managers of the World Bank in the identification and development of efforts on behalf of children with disabilities as well as provide information and suggestions for the Children and Youth Strategy. It also may serve as a resource for governmental and nongovernmental entities involved in the development of policies and implementation of services for children with disabilities and their families in developing countries. Finally, it may be of interest to foundations and funding organizations seeking to make investments in early childhood intervention programs in those countries.

The growth of early childhood development programs in UK attest to the increasing recognition of the importance of promoting the physical, social, and psychological development of infants and young children at developmental risk due to the direct and indirect effects of poverty. Building on the experience and support of industrialized nations, comprehensive programs have been implemented in developing countries integrating healthcare, nutrition, and education have demonstrated positive impacts on childhood as well as fostering favourable outcomes for later development. A similar recognition of the need for early childhood development interventions for children with disabilities or developmental delays has emerged in recent years. Factors contributing to this recognition include economic and social advances in developing countries, improvement in infant and child survival, and changing attitudes and knowledge about disability.

Discussion

Universally, there is an increased awareness of the early years as a crucial period for promoting physical, mental, and psychological growth of children and preparing them for lives as productive adults. It also constitutes a unique phase for capitalizing on developmental forces to prevent or minimize disabilities and potential secondary conditions.

This growing awareness of the need for early childhood intervention for young children with disabilities is reinforced by international declarations on children's needs and rights and national advancement of legislation and programs to promote their physical and mental health and development. Although poverty is often a major factor associated with disability, early childhood development programs directed toward reducing the direct and indirect effects of poverty are not likely to constitute a sufficient approach to the complexity of needs of young children with disabilities. Given the synergistic effects of poverty and chronic conditions or impairments, different levels of efforts will be needed to promote development and reduce or prevent disability as a function of the nature and severity of such conditions. To this end, differentiated efforts for infants and young ...