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The Child Assessment Service (CAS) of the Department of Health (DH) will embark on a public education campaign on childhood development disabilities in collaboration with stakeholders to raise awareness in the community of these problems.
The Consultant Paediatrician of CAS, Dr Catherine Lam, today (September 18) revealed that a recent survey commissioned by the CAS showed that public awareness of development disabilities in children was less than satisfactory, although there were growing concerns in society about the problem.
Dr Lam said the findings were not unexpected as limited or incorrect knowledge of developmental disabilities in the community may result in misconceptions.
ˇ§Although children with these problems will face challenges when growing up, their potential can be maximised through early identification, appropriate intervention and support as well as encouraging participation in families, schools and community.
ˇ§All these point to the importance of public education. The CAS will continue its proactive efforts in enhancing public understanding of childhood developmental disabilities,ˇ¨ Dr Lam said.
As part of the publicity drive, the CAS will stage a fun fair cum exhibition on September 21 at Shatin Town Hall Plaza. It will also enhance publicity through mass media to disseminate correct information on childhood developmental disabilities, organising school competitions and production of TV documentaries in collaboration with the Education Bureau.
Turning to the survey, Dr Lam said the majority of the respondents had heard of the common developmental disabilities. However, they lacked proper understanding of the essential features or characteristics.
Some of the misconceptions identified include ˇV
* children with dyslexia have lower intelligence than other children of the same age (40.5% of respondents),
* attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder can only be found in children and adults do not have such a disorder (33.2%),
* the lack of parent-child interaction through play is the major cause of autism (23.4%),
* the appearance of children with mental retardation is different from that of ordinary children (74.8%).
Detailed findings of the survey can be obtained from the Census and Statistics Departmentˇ¦s website, www.censtatd.gov.hk.
Dr Lam noted that the Child Assessment Service provides comprehensive specialised assessment services for children with developmental problems. Diagnosed cases are referred for therapy, training, special education and other specialist and community support. More information on the services of CAS can be obtained from the CAS website, www.dhcas.gov.hk.
Ends/Thursday, September 18, 2008
Issued at HKT 14:30
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