The Singapore Family Physician

Back to issue Vol 40 No. 4 - Disability Assessments

REHABILITATION AND COPING WITH DISABILITIES IN INFANTS AND CHILDREN

Ng Zhi Min
The Singapore Family Physician Vol 40 No 4 - Disability Assessments
45 - 49
1 October 2014
0377-5305
Rehabilitation of infants and children with disabilities focuses on enhancing their abilities to perform tasks and participate meaningfully in everyday activities. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) provides a rehabilitative model which characterises the child’s functioning and health in the context of relevant personal and environmental factors that can facilitate or hinder performance. Using the ICF framework, the general principles of rehabilitating infants and children with disabilities are: 1. Family-centred care with effective communication and collaboration of members within the multi-disciplinary team; 2. Address fundamental needs of a growing infant and child; 3. Intervention to improve body functions and structures; 4. Encourage participation in patient and family meaningful activities. The primary health care provider plays an integral role in managing infants and children with disabilities.