18 Sep 2008
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 enhance awareness in the community on these problems.
The Consultant Paediatrician of CAS, Dr Catherine Lam, today (September 18) revealed that a recent survey commissioned by the Service showed that public awareness of development disabilities in children were less than satisfactory, albeit there were growing concerns in the society about the problem.
Dr Lam said the findings were not unexpected as limited or incorrect knowledge on developmental disabilities in the community may result in misconceptions.
"Although children with these problems will face challenges when growing up, their potential could be maximized through early identification, appropriate intervention and support as well as encouraging participation in families, schools and community.
"All these point to the importance of public education. The CAS will continue its proactive efforts in enhancing public understanding on childhood developmental disabilities." 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, organizing school-wide competitions and production of TV documentaries in collaborate 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 on the essential features or characteristics.
Some of the misconceptions identified include –
* children with dyslexia have lower intelligence than other children of the same age (40.5% of the respondents),
* attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder can only be found in children and adults do not have such 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 Census and Statistics Department’s website
www.censtatd.gov.hk
.
Dr Lam noted that the Child Assessment Service (CAS) provides comprehensive specialized 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 could be obtained at CAS website
www.dhcas.gov.hk
.