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THE OBSERVATION AND HANDICAP REGISTER
In recent years it has been increasingly recognised that many of the
children who need special educational consideration in school and support
later in life acquire their handicapping conditions in the pre-natal,
neo-natal or early post-natal periods of life.. Infants who have been
exposed to unfavourable heredity or adverse experiences during this
period are considered to be "At Risk" and a register is kept of these
cases so that they can be offered medical examination at regular intervals
until it is certain that their development is normal,,
In addition the growing child may be placed at risk by accident or
illness occurring during childhood,, In order to ensure that each handicapped
child, even if suffering from only a minor defect, is assisted to the extent
necessary to make full use of ability a register known as the "Observation
and Handicap Register" is compiled. Children whose names appear on this
register are kept under special surveillance until 5 years of age by medical
examination and assessment of their developmental progress. Social
circumstances are also taken into account as home conditions and attitudes,
together with family relationships, may make a significant contribution to
progress. Close co-ordination of the work of various agencies who are concerned
with the well-being of the handicapped child is essential and this
involves close contact with general practitioners, hospitals and voluntary
organisations, the "Observation and Handicap Register" provides the means
by which this is achieved and, where necessary, ensures the future provision
of educational facilities suited to the child's ability.
From this diagram it can be seen how the register is compiled.
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