DEVELOPMENTAL SCREENING OF ALL PRESCHOOL CHILDREN IN HONG KONG: REVIEW OF 23 YEARS¡¯ EXPERIENCE

Chan CW

Department of Paediatrics, The University of Hong Kong

 

Developmental Screening of children below 5 years of age was first introduced in Hong Kong in April, 1978 as part of the White Paper on Comprehensive Observation Scheme adopting the ¡°Hong Kong Developmental Screening System¡± designed by the Department of Paediatrics, The University of Hong Kong with data derived from a cohort study on Growth and Development of 782 normal Chinese children follow-up from birth to 8 years. Screening Tests are provided free of charge at all Maternal and Child Centres in Hong Kong to all preschool children and to children at-risk, and at private paediatricians¡¯ clinics. Before 1987, tests were given at five key-ages from birth to 5 years old but tests were re-scheduled to 3 stages: at 10 weeks, 9 months and 36 months since 1987 for better compliance and for more effective utilization of local resources. At each key-age, each child is tested in major fields of development: namely, gross motor, coordination, social skills and language as well as hearing, vision, anthropometric studies and physical examination. The average coverage rate for local children is 84% per annum while detection rate is about 10%. Children with abnormalities identified were referred to paediatricians, relevant specialists or to child assessment centres for confirmation of abnormalities. All children with abnormalities were provided with appropriate management and placement as arranged by the multidisciplinary team at Comprehensive Child Assessment Centres.

 

 

 
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