Participation of young children with developmental disabilities: parental needs and strategies, a qualitative thematic analysis

The Healthcare Experience of Autistic Patients in Orthopaedic Surgery and Closely Related Fields: A Scoping Review

Orthopaedic and related care has the potential to present unique obstacles for patients with a range of autism manifestations. In this review, we aim to describe and analyze the literature on autistic patients' experience within orthopaedics and closely related fields. This literature search utilized the PubMed, Embase, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature databases. Three major concepts were built into the search terms: (1) patients on the autism spectrum; (2) patient experience; and (3) movement sciences, including orthopaedics, physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R), occupational therapy (OT), and physical therapy (PT). Our search yielded 35 topical publications, with the major topic areas addressed as follows: (1) clinical and perioperative management, (2) therapy interventions, (3) participation in exercise and social play, (4) sensory management and accommodations, (5) caregiver/parent training and involvement in care, (6) healthcare needs and barriers to care, and (7) utilization of technology. In the current literature, there are no studies that attempt to directly assess autistic patient experience with care practices and clinical environments in orthopaedics. Rigorous, direct examination of the experience of autistic patients within clinical orthopaedic settings is urgently needed to address this gap.

Developmental delay in a resource-constrained environment: An approach to early intervention

With a reduction in mortality rates of children under 5 years, in low- and middle-income countries, the responsibility to provide quality care to the increased number of surviving children becomes essential. Many of these children present with developmental delay and the onus inevitably rest on the healthcare system. There is, therefore, the need for recognising timely intervention as routine care for these children, who may have potential for a better quality of life with intervention. The authors advocate for early referral and intervention, and provide a brief overview of a holistic approach to developmental delay in low resourced settings from their perspective.