The recent study titled Diagnostic paths and service needs of children with autism spectrum disorder and with other neurodevelopmental disorders in Bulgaria provides valuable insights into the needs and service challenges faced by children with developmental disorders in Bulgaria. This research, conducted by Barokova et al., highlights several critical areas where practitioners can improve their skills and service delivery to better support these children and their families.
The study reveals that children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental disorders (oNDD) in Bulgaria experience different paths to diagnosis. Notably, children with ASD tend to be diagnosed later than those with oNDD. Practitioners can use this information to focus on early detection and intervention strategies, especially for ASD, by educating parents and caregivers about early signs and symptoms.
Despite the differences in diagnostic paths, both groups face similar challenges in accessing medical, counseling, and educational services. Approximately 50% of caregivers reported delays or difficulties in accessing these services. This finding underscores the need for practitioners to advocate for more streamlined and accessible services. Enhancing communication between service providers and families can mitigate some of these delays.
The study also identifies key priorities for families, which include improving educational services, ensuring adequate counseling, and protecting the basic rights of children with developmental disorders. Practitioners should focus on these areas by staying informed about the latest educational techniques and counseling methods. Moreover, they should work collaboratively with educators and policymakers to create inclusive educational environments.
One of the most significant takeaways from this research is the importance of community awareness and support. Raising awareness about developmental disorders can reduce stigma and improve community support systems. Practitioners can play a pivotal role in this by organizing workshops, providing resources, and engaging in public awareness campaigns.
For practitioners looking to improve their skills and create better outcomes for children with developmental disorders, the following steps are recommended:
- Early Detection and Intervention: Focus on identifying early signs of developmental disorders and providing timely interventions.
- Advocacy for Accessible Services: Work towards reducing delays in service access by advocating for more streamlined processes and better communication between service providers and families.
- Educational Collaboration: Partner with educators to develop and implement inclusive educational practices that cater to the needs of children with developmental disorders.
- Community Awareness: Engage in efforts to raise community awareness about developmental disorders to reduce stigma and increase support.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Diagnostic paths and service needs of children with autism spectrum disorder and with other neurodevelopmental disorders in Bulgaria.
