Social and functional interventions for children with developmental disability

Allied health professionals, psychologists, teachers, equipment technicians, paediatricians and general practitioners (GPs) are involved in intervention services for children with developmental disabilities. For examples of social and functional interventions to minimise developmental problems in children with developmental disability, see Social and functional interventions to minimise developmental problems in children with developmental disability.

For useful medical and allied health referrals for people with developmental disability in primary care, see Medical referrals for people with developmental disability and Nursing, allied health and other referrals for people with developmental disability.

Funding sources for social and functional interventions may include:

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
Medicare
other grants or funding schemes.

Table 1. Social and functional interventions to minimise developmental problems in children with developmental disability
Developmental area	Intervention [NB1]
mobility and postural control	provide splints, walking aids, wheelchairs teach other motor skills (eg how to kick a ball, ride a bike) train to use a switch—a prerequisite to using an electric wheelchair
communication	encourage efforts to improve communication teach to use symbols, signs, visuals (eg Picture Exchange Communication System, Social stories [NB2])
academic learning	divide tasks into simple component parts simplify tasks and instructions modify expectations
specific learning disorders (ie uneven ability patterns)	modify approaches to tasks, to concentrate on skills and overcome (or bypass) weaknesses use oral teaching techniques, audio books, calculators, laptop computers offer oral rather than written examinations, scribes for written examinations
social and emotional development	teach basic interpersonal skills (eg taking turns) provide simple written advice on how to approach interpersonal situations increase routine in the child’s environment
activities of daily living	optimise nutrition manage swallowing problems break down tasks for daily care needs (eg dressing, toileting)
Note: NB1: Some interventions may require specialist referral. See also Medical referrals for people with developmental disability and Nursing, allied health and other referrals for people with developmental disability for useful medical and allied health referrals for people with developmental disability in primary care. NB2: For information on Picture Exchange Communication System, see here; for information on using Social stories, see here.