Today we hear an awful lot about children’s health, particularly the arena of vaccinations. One thing that is not as widely publicized is a class of children’s disabilities that still affect the youth of America, the loss of one or more senses. While current medical technology allows parents and doctors to more adequately address the loss of one or more senses, children who suffer from a sensory disability are often further behind in school, more difficult to socialize and at higher risk for bad behavior.
In spite of advances in the field of detection, it is not uncommon for a sensory disability to go unnoticed for the first year or two of a child’s life. While hearing and vision are examined at birth and during wellness visits, there are children who suffer from a hearing or vision loss from birth or those who lose these senses early in life.
Regardless, if the disability is apparent at birth or develops later, the trouble begins almost immediately. Children without the ability to see or hear are effectively behind those who have full use of their senses. Obvious problems like a speech deficient or an inability to see are often not the worst these disabilities can cause. Children with a sensory deprivation have difficulty learning to speak, difficulty developing fine motor skills, fall behind in socialization and are generally not as advanced as those who do not suffer from a disability.
Luckily, there is help for children who suffer from one of these disabilities. Advances in medical treatments had made it possible for previously deaf individuals to regain at least some hearing. Corneal transplants can often help correct a vision deficient.
Obviously, diagnosis is critical. Any parent who suspects their children may be suffering from a sensory disability should have it immediately addressed. When necessary the child should see a specialist. It is senseless to have children without the use of all of their senses.