XN000022-1972-10-01 — Page 2

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Sunday, October 1, 1972

"When a child is referred to us for help, we first interview him together

with his parents. Then we give him an intelligence test followed by a series

of psychological tests until we arrive at the root of the problem," she says.

"We aim to help the child so that he can be accepted as an equal

member of the community. We assess him according to his age, intelligence and

ability to receive education and refer him to one of the special schools depending

on his difficulties, or to a special class in an ordinary school where he can

benefit from schooling in an ordinary environment."

Another aspect of the diagnostic services of the Special Education Section

is provided by the Speech and Hearing Centre.

About 5,000 primary one pupils in government schools are given screening

tests each year to detect and identify hearing impairments and to provide correct

treatment and appropriate training at an early age.

Ten per cent of the children given screening tests are found to be

in need of therapeutic treatment.

Part of the audiologist's work is to diagnose the type and degree

of hearing loss of the children. He then places them in suitable schools for

education.

Students suffering from minor hearing impairments are placed in special

classes for the partially-hearing in ordinary schools where they receive special

tutorial help from teachers. At the same time, they undergo medical treatment

or use hearing aids.

Once they can follow ordinary class teaching. They are transferred

to ordinary classes.

/The Government