Children with Disability NZ

Caring for a disabled child can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. Here are some key points to consider when looking after a disabled child:

1. Understanding the disability: Learn about the child's disability and how it affects their daily life. This will help you better support and care for them.

2. Communication: Make sure you understand how the child communicates and ensure that you respond to their needs in a way that is appropriate for them.

3. Safety: Ensure that the child's environment is safe and accessible, and make any necessary modifications to support their needs.

4. Physical and emotional support: Provide the child with physical support to help with daily activities and emotional support to help them cope with the challenges of their disability.

5. Therapy and treatment: Ensure that the child receives appropriate therapy and treatment to support their needs and improve their quality of life.

6. Building a support network: Connect with other families who have children with similar disabilities and seek support from professionals as needed.

7. Self-care: Taking care of yourself is essential when caring for a disabled child. Seek support from family and friends, and make time for self-care activities to help you recharge.

Caring for a disabled child can be a demanding but incredibly fulfilling experience. With patience, understanding, and the right support, you can provide a loving and nurturing environment for your child and help them reach their full potential.

Here are some tips to help prepare your learning impaired child for bed:

1. Establish a routine: Stick to a consistent bedtime routine each night to signal to your child that it's time to sleep.

2. Create a calming environment: Make the bedroom dark, cool, and quiet to create a peaceful sleeping environment.

3. Avoid screens: Limit exposure to screens, such as televisions and smartphones, for at least an hour before bedtime, as the blue light can interfere with sleep.

4. Encourage relaxation: Engage in activities that promote relaxation, such as reading a book, listening to calming music, or taking a warm bath.

5. Be patient: Be patient and understanding if your child has difficulty falling asleep, and provide comfort and reassurance until they drift off.

6. Review daily events: Encourage your child to reflect on and process the events of the day to help them feel at peace before going to sleep.

7. Be positive: Encourage positive self-talk, such as affirmations and positive thoughts to help your child feel confident and secure.

1. Provide structure and routine.

    

2. Use clear and simple language.

    

3. Encourage and reinforce positive behaviors.

    

4. Use visual aids and hands-on activities.

    

5. Break down tasks into smaller steps.

    

6. Be patient and provide plenty of praise.

    

7. Offer choices and allow for independence.

    

8. Foster a positive and supportive environment.

    

9. Encourage socialization and teamwork.

    

10. Seek professional help and support.

1. Be patient and understanding.

    

2. Encourage independence and self-care.

    

3. Provide a safe and accessible environment.

    

4. Communicate with their medical team.

    

5. Offer emotional support and reassurance.

    

6. Encourage physical activity and play.

    

7. Adapt tasks and activities as needed.

    

8. Provide opportunities for socialization and peer interaction.

    

9. Seek out resources, such as therapy and support groups.

    

10. Celebrate their abilities and accomplishments.

1. Use a raised toilet seat or commode chair for easier access.

    

2. Consider using a bedpan or urinal for those who cannot transfer to a toilet.

    

3. Ensure proper positioning, such as using a seatbelt or transfer board.

    

4. Keep bedside commode or urinal nearby for nighttime use.

    

5. Encourage regular bowel and bladder routines.

    

6. Provide assistance as needed with clothing adjustments and personal hygiene.

    

7. Consider using products such as disposable underpads to manage incontinence.

1. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

    

2. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

    

3. Down syndrome

    

4. Intellectual disability

    

5. Cerebral palsy

    

6. Fragile X syndrome

    

7. Speech and language disorders

    

8. Hearing loss and deafness

    

9. Visual impairments

    

10. Learning disabilities (e.g. dyslexia).

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common motor disability in childhood. Recent population-based studies from around the world report prevalence estimates of CP ranging from 1 to nearly 4 per 1,000 live births or per 1,000 children. The prevalence of CP is higher for children born preterm or at low birthweight.