Long-Term Outlook for Handicapped Children

The objective of this article is to provide the pediatrician with a perspective on the life outcome of the handicapped children for whom he or she provides care. The pediatrician's role in the care of the handicapped child is often completed before the child has achieved his or her ultimate potential or adjusted to the disability. However, the pediatrician should have an understanding of the adult potential of his or her handicapped patient in order to guide the child and the child's family through the various diagnostic, therapeutic, and habilitative steps on the way to adulthood. The pediatrician should have in perspective the limitations and the possibilities for the patient implicit in the diagnosis of a handicapping disorder. No less important, the pediatrician must recognize the limits of the medical model in the care of the handicapped. Nearly all long-term handicapping disorders require elaborate partnerships among various professional disciplines and the patient in order to achieve maximum habilitation. In addition to health professionals, such a list may include educators, engineers, architects, and lawyers. Furthermore, new professionals such as personal care attendants and independent living skills trainers are emerging to aid in the care of handicapped children and adults. Even among professionals, there are biases that may limit the effectiveness of intervention or misdirect energy into unrealistic efforts.