Assessment of Individuals with Special Needs in Motor Development Presenting to the Pediatric Disability Health Board

Motor Development in Pediatric Disability Assessments

Abstract

Background: Developmental assessments are crucial for identifying moderate and severe special needs in children, ensuring their needs are recognized early and supported through Special Needs Reports for Children (SNRFC). This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of pediatric patients with special needs in motor development who applied to the disability health board, focusing on their age, diagnoses, and the most common associated or accompanying disorders and the relationship between these terms.
Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients evaluated at the Pediatric Disability Health Board Polyclinic and the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Health Board Polyclinic.
Results: Among 1,507 patients admitted to the Pediatric Disability Health Board, 420 patients (6.57 ± 4.86 years) had varying levels of special needs related to motor development. Of these 420 patients, 147 patients (6.89 ± 4.74 years) were classified as having the most severe disability (HSCN), and 151 patients (5.19 ± 4.71 years) were categorized in the mildest disability group (HSN), with the remainder distributed across five intermediate levels in between. Cerebral palsy was the most frequent diagnosis in the HSCN. Other common diagnoses included epilepsy, specific motor developmental disorder, microcephaly, and hydrocephalus. Among the HSCN group, 60 individuals were also assessed as having severe disabilities in cognitive development. Trisomy 21 was the most common diagnosis, followed by specific motor developmental disorders and cerebral palsy in the HSN.
Discussion: The evaluation of individuals applying to the Pediatric Disability Health Board revealed that the largest group of patients in motor development had the HSN, followed by those with the HSCN. Cerebral palsy was the predominant diagnosis in the HSCN group, while trisomy 21 was most common in the HSN group. Additionally, patients with severe motor disabilities frequently had concurrent cognitive and nervous system impairments.
Conclusion: These findings provide valuable insights for physicians working in Pediatric and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Health Boards, facilitating more comprehensive evaluations of comorbid conditions and guiding the preparation of SNRFC for better patient management. Early recognition and documentation of special needs through these assessments are critical in ensuring children receive timely developmental and educational support. This process helps address immediate and long-term needs, improving outcomes for children with disabilities.