Health and support services fail deaf children with complex disabilities

Parents of deaf children with complex disabilities are locked in battle with health, social care and education professionals to access vital support and medical care for their child, a report published today (Thursday) has revealed. The research from The University of Manchester and National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS) discovered issues including late diagnosis, problems accessing medical treatment, and difficulties in obtaining specialist support. The report, which is the largest of its kind, described some professionals as 'overwhelmed by the complexity of needs' and others as treating deafness as a minor condition that can be addressed later in the child's life. Dr Wendy McCracken, from Manchester's School of Psychological Sciences, interviewed 50 families of deaf children with conditions such as autism, Down Syndrome and cerebral palsy which, when combined with their deafness, require more tailored approaches to their individual needs. It is estimated 40% of the total population of deaf children have some kind of additional disability¹. NDCS estimates that 10% of deaf children, approximately 4,500, in the UK have Additional Complex Needs (ACN)². Nicola Slator is one of the parents interviewed in the study.