Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Section II
Working on the
Multidisciplinary Team
M. J. Scherer and S. Federici
Introduction
How disability is diagnosed and treated differs according to age at onset and the type
of disability. Developmental disabilities, which occur in infancy and childhood, are
typically diagnosed after behavioral and maturational anomalies are observed and are
then confirmed medically. Acquired disability can occur at any time in the life span and
treatment is often initiated in a hospital emergency room. Disability associated with a
degenerative condition, typically associated with advanced age, is generally managed by
primary care physicians, neurologists, gerontologists, and family members.
Treating Developmental Disabilities
Developmental disabilities such as Down syndrome or cerebral palsy cannot be “cured.”
However, interventions applied as early as possible can make a great deal of difference
in current and future functioning. Orthopedic and neurological impairments can be
surgically corrected or medically managed. Often children with developmental disabilities
undergo many treatments during their initial development with the goal of strengthening
or extending the use of existing capabilities (Scherer 2005). Sensory disabilities can be
greatly helped with advances in technology and the means to communicate can be made
possible through alternative and augmented communication devices.
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