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Biomedical subjects

L J Arens

Publications and source records attributed to L J Arens.

7 recordsLinked to original sources

The effect of remedial teaching on children with learning disabilities.

A study of questionnaires completed by the parents and class teachers of 70 children with learning diabilities revealed evidence of considerable parental satisfaction with scholastic progress and improved behaviour. These advances were attended by a significant reduction in domestic tension and concern about the children's future. However, teacher ratings indicate that despite prolonged remedial teaching more than half of the group remained at a scholastic level below the average class performance.

Adolescent

The adoption of the 'at risk' baby.

The high incidence of cerebral palsy among adopted children in Cape Town has long been a cause for concern. Five such children from a recent series of 12, in which pre- and perinatal histories were known, were high-risk infants. All were thought to have been normal at the time of adoption. The need for expert medical examination before adoption is stressed, risks that adoptive parents must take are evaluated, and the psychological aspects of delaying adoption are also considered. Some suggestions are made for modifying the existing adoption procedures in this country.

Adoption

Cerebral palsy in Cape Town: a comparative 12-year retrospective study.

Three hundred and thirty-one Coloured and 175 White children with cerebral palsy, born between 1964 and 1975, were compared as regards aetiology and changing incidence over two 6-year periods. The following were the main points which emerged: (i) there is an apparent decrease in the total number of White children with cerebral palsy born in the second 6-year period, but for reasons discussed, there is probably little or no true decrease; (ii) there is a significant increase in the total number of Coloured cerebral palsied children born in the second 6-year period, due mainly to an increase in cases of cerebral palsy of perinatal origin, particularly cases of perinatal asphyxia; (iii) there is a high incidence of acquired cerebral palsy in both racial groups, but this is significantly higher amont the Coloured; (iv) ther is no racial difference in the incidence of cerebral palsy in babies of low birth weight; (v) both racial groups have a fairly high incidence of cerebral palsy due to kernicterus. It is interesting to speculate whether improved obstetric and neonatal care and the resultant lowering of perinatal mortality produce more handicapped babies.

Age Factors