Self-Assessment Questions (SAQs) for Study Session 17
Now that you have completed this study session, you can assess how well you have achieved its Learning Outcomes by answering these questions. Write your answers in your Study Diary and discuss them with your Tutor at the next Study Support Meeting. You can check your answers with the Notes on the Self-Assessment Questions at the end of this Module.
SAQ 17.1 (tests Learning Outcomes 17.1, 17.3 and 17.5)
Indicate whether the following two statements are true or false and in each case explain why.
A Intellectual disability is incurable and neither parents nor you can do much to help.
B Beating a child is an important part of disciplining a child and will not affect the child’s development.
Answer
A is false. It is true that there is no cure for intellectual disability (ID), but there is a range of things that both you and the child’s parents can do to help. An example of this is provided in Section 17.2.2, in the case study of Tessema. This case study stresses the importance of your role in the assessment and identification of ID. You can also help the parents to understand this condition, and encourage and educate them to provide appropriate care and stimulation. A list of tips and suggestions you can offer parents is provided in Box 17.1. Your role in the prevention of ID is discussed in Box 17.2.
B is false. Beating a child is a form of child abuse (see Section 17.4). Frequent and severe physical abuse of a child can cause damage to the child’s physical and emotional development. Sometimes children may be punished or beaten so severely that they may sustain serious physical injuries including broken bones. This can also lead to delays in intellectual development.
SAQ 17.2 (tests Learning Outcomes 17.1, 17.2 and 17.4)
Childhood enuresis is a relatively common problem. What can you do to support the child and their family?
Answer
Your role is mainly in supporting the child and educating parents about the most effective approaches to managing the problem of enuresis (see Box 17.4). The main point to stress to parents is that punishment does not work and can make the condition worse because it can undermine the child’s confidence. Instead, parents should praise success and ignore failure. Referral for treatment is generally only necessary when there are some underlying physical conditions, such as infections, diabetes and problems with the bladder.
SAQ 17.3 (tests Learning Outcomes 17.6)
In most instances children with behavioural problems do not require referral to the nearest healthcare facility. What factors would make you decide that referral was necessary?
Answer
Most childhood behavioural problems tend to improve with time. However, in cases of serious childhood problems specialist input is needed. Referral is necessary if you suspect there may be underlying health problems such as epilepsy, or evidence of conduct disorder, autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and/or depression. Even children with these conditions may not require medication, but the specialist input can help in giving families and teachers firm guidance in how to support the child.
Summary of Study Session 17