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Admissions then are likely to be more and more confined to the group
of congenital defects. It is of interest to note that in no case of the group
of congenitally deaf children (Table A) did the mother give a history of
rubella in pregnancy, and in only one case (in the nursery group) was
there a history of erythroblastosis foetalis, a much more easily diagnosed
and remembered condition. Of course, congenital deafness of hereditary
origin is often a diagnosis of exclusion but it is of interest to note that of
the 25 cases of congenital deafness (Table A) ten gave a family history
and of the remainder four were Jewish children.
As far as absolute numbers are concerned, the above considerations
would lead one to expect a drop in the total number of deaf children, but
the national figures (Health of the School Child 1954-5) do not yet support
this and perhaps it is too soon to expect it. It may be, too, that fuller
ascertainment partially accounts for this.
The Physically Handicapped Child
A review of the children ascertained as physically handicapped in
Tottenham and Hornsey as at December, 1956 reveals a similar picture:—
1. Congenital deformities and disorders 14
2. Congenital heart disease 7
3. Infantile cerebral palsies 13
4. Tuberculosis 2
5. Post rheumatic fever 2
6. Post paralytic poliomyelitis 3
7. Perthe's disease 1
8. Still's disease 1
9. Bronchiectasis (infective origin) 1
10. Cerebral accidents 2
46
Only in groups 4, 6, 9 and probably in 5 and 8 can there be said to be
an infective origin, a total of only 9 out of 46 children. All of these
groups show a declining incidence, apart from poliomyelitis which will
probably give way soon to prophylactic technique. Improved obstetrics
and operative techniques will, however, increase the number of children
with congenital deformities who are likely to survive and require special
educational treatment. Improved obstetrics may, however, reduce the
number of cases of cerebral palsy (and perhaps of deafness).
It would appear that in this field at least only further research into the
causes of congenital defects and the elimination of harmful ante-natal
influences can further reduce the number of handicapped children.
Change of Name of the Tottenham School for the Deaf
In a letter to the Borough Education Officer, Mr. J. Power, M.A.,
Miss Nevile, the first headmistress to the School, writes:—
"In giving my permission for the Tottenham School for the Deaf to
be renamed ' The Blanche Nevile School', I wish to say how greatly I
appreciate the honour done me by such a suggestion.
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