PART 2
REPORT ON THE COMMISSION’S FORUM ON THE RIGHT TO EDUCATION FOR CWLD
37. He further reiterated that these groups have a gap between their level of
expected achievement and their performance. The doctors are advised
to examine the abilities of these children apart from focusing on their
weaknesses and problems. By identifying their abilities, this would benefit
the children in the future.
38. The following survey which was carried out by his team depicts the various
disabilities detected in pre-school children age groups:Type of Disabilities
Rate
Intellectual/Learning Disability
Intellectual Handicap (mental retardation includes mild, moderate,
severe and profound)
1-3 %
Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD)
2-5 %
Pervasive Development Disorders (Autism, ASD and Asperger)
Specific Learning Disabilities such as Dyslexia
1%
5-10 %
He added that the percentage shown which in total is 10-15 % is a normal
percentage per year. However, he believed that the percentage would be
greater year by year.
39. In determining the issues facing a children, a three-step procedures would
be undertaken namely:a.
Surveillance - could be defined as a basic process which tries to
recognise those children who may be at risk in suffering any disabilities.
b.
Screening - this would involve formal and specific procedures as well as
tests which will be carried out on children who have shown symptoms of
some disabilities.
c.
Evaluation - include thorough and details assessment by specialist,
therapist, paediatricians and special educationist. The Literacy and
Numeracy Screening (LINUS) programme for instance is an evaluation
process carried out by special educationist.
40. Based on his experience, the doctors and nurses could identify children
who suffered from severe disabilities through surveillance procedure in their
young age or at infancy. As regards the milder disabilities, that would require
further screening tests.
41. He also pointed out that doctors also take into account the observations
of the parents on the children as some parents are very alert to the
developmental milestones of and changes in their children’s behavioural
pattern.
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