Paeditrician advocates for inclusive education for children with developmental disorders

The Medical Director of Mission Pediatrics, Dr. Marilyn Marbel-Wilson has advocated for inclusive education for children with developmental disorders alongside their peers without such challenges. 

According to her, no one has control over Childhood Developmental Disorder (CDD) such as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Cerebral Palsy (CP), Intellectual Disability (ID), Dyslexia and Learning Disabilities (LDs) as well as hearing and visual impairments – especially when it comes to genetic factors.

She was speaking at the “Thriving Child Seminar Series” organized by the Compassion International Ghana (CIGH), an NGO, in Accra on Monday, October 7, where she said inclusive education would create an environment where everyone feels welcome, valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential.

“When it comes to inclusive education, the ideal thing to do is to train those with developmental disorders together with children without such challenges. This is because those with developmental disorders have rights just like any other child and it is no fault of theirs that they have different abilities,” she said. 

Dr. Marbel-Wilson, who is also a paeditrician, noted that inclusive education can be realized when children with CDD receive the appropriate support tailored to their individual needs in the same classroom with their peers.

“The ideal inclusion is that they are taught in the same school and in the same classroom but giving different supports depending on what each child needs. I do agree that a few of them will have challenges such that they may not benefit from the inclusion classroom and they may need extra support, but the idea is to ideally include all of them in the main classroom,” she emphasized.

Education

She mentioned that to foster inclusivity, there must first be education about developmental disorders and the challenges they present so that this understanding can help avoid stigmatization and isolation in communities.

She was speaking on the theme “Childhood Developmental Disorders: Early Detection, Intervention Strategies and Creating Inclusive Environment.”

“Whether in the church, in schools, in our homes or in the general community, we have to learn acceptance of such children by getting enough knowledge and education about the different disabilities. We have to also take away those notions that these disabilities are caused by spiritual issues so that we can reduce the stigma,” she said.

“If we educate the people and create that awareness, then those with CDD will be comfortable to come out so that they can get the support that they need.”

Preventing CDD

She further advised pregnant women to maintain a healthy diet to support their babies’ brain growth and prevent CDD and suggested periodic exercise, avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol as well as avoiding prolonged exposure to airborne toxins during pregnancy to help prevent CDD.

“For genetics, we do not have control as I said earlier but for nutritional, it can be corrected. Poverty and cultural issues have so much to do with child developmental issues and when it comes to prevention, nutrition, cultural issues and others are what we look out for.”

“Tips for supporting mothers is that it is very important to take nutritious foods during pregnancy. Managing stress levels, folic acid supplementation is also very important which helps to diffuse things like spinal deformity,” she said.

She continued: “Things like stress at work, anxiety, depression, poverty and marital issues are risk factors that can push anyone towards a mental health disorder so we are all at risk and we can’t keep quiet about it. 

“Usually, those who have these challenges have so many unique talents that can help us as a community so once we give them that support then they can be themselves to be able to help us as a nation.”

“Screening and surveillance are the most important ways of detecting any developmental challenge. It is important to have specific screening methods to help know what is going on with a child,” she added.

Understanding CDD

The National Director of CIGH, Kobina Yeboah Okyere said the seminar was aimed to deepen the understanding of childhood developmental disorders, explore effective ways to detect them early, and identify intervention strategies that support every child's growth and potential. 

He stated that their goal is to ensure every child receives the personalized support necessary for them to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

“Most importantly, we are here to foster an inclusive environment where all children, regardless of their developmental differences, can grow and thrive.

“The issue of childhood disability touches the heart of our collective responsibility as a society. Childhood developmental disorders, which include conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, speech and language disorders, and intellectual disabilities, affect millions of children worldwide. This highlights the importance of our work, not just for the children affected but also for their families, educators, and caregivers, who play vital roles in their lives,” he explained.

“With advancements in developmental screenings and diagnostic techniques, we have more opportunities than ever to make a difference during the critical early years of life for children with disabilities,” he added.

CIGH strategies 

Touching on the effective intervention strategies adopted by the Compassion International Ghana, Programme support Specialist on Health, CIGH, Daniel S K Asante said his outfit’s interventions various health issues, focusing on promoting healthy behavious and preventing illness.

He presented a graphical representation of children with physical disabilities among CIGH participants, including mental health disabilities. 

“Early signs include delayed milestones in motor skills, speech, social interactions, or cognitive development. Regular assessments to help identify physical and mental disorders,” he said.

“Early detection of developmental disorders in children can help curb the situation. Not all developmental disorders can be healed curbed. Health Screening: Regular assessments help identify physical and mental disabilities in children,” Mr Asante added.

The seminar was the fifth edition organised by the CIGH.