Open Day "Child Deafness and Psychological Well-Being"
The first international conference on psychological well-being of deaf children was held in Rome on Saturday, April 18th, 2009, as part of the SIG 2009. The conference was entitled "Child Deafness and Psychological Well-Being”, which was chaired by RWF, with Dr. Stefania Fadda, director of RWF and the European Society for Mental Health and Deafness (ESMHD). The event has been accredited for E.C.M credits.
The chairman of ESMHD, Dr. Ines Sleeboom-Van Raaij and the president of RWF, Roberto E. Wirth, opened the proceedings. Throughout the day many speakers contributed their ideas, experience, research in the field of Deafness and Psychology. Speakers included:
-Dr. Kerstin Heiling, Psychologist Lund University Hospital, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Unit for the
Deaf and Hard of Hearing (Sweden);
-Dr. Stefania Fadda, RWF Psychologist and Director;
-Dr. Lauri L. Rush Psychologist Associate Dean, Gallaudet University (USA);
-Dr. Mary C. Gallaudet Hufnell Psychologist Gallaudet Mental Health Center (USA);
-Dr. Tiejo Van Gent Child Neuropsychiatrist KEGG Viataal Groep (Netherlands);
-Dr. Irene W. Leigh, Psychologist Chair, Department of Psychology Gallaudet University (USA);
-Dr. Robert Q. Pollard Jr., Psychologist Professor of Psychiatry University of Rochester School of Medicine (USA).
There were contrasting views amongst the deaf community and the medical world. Clinical studies and experiences were presented from more than 20 countries with the goal of identifying the needs of deaf children and their families and as a result achieving positive psychological well-being.
From the material presented and from the discussions, it was revealed that deafness does not of itself when examined in a linear fashion cause psychological problems. However, the indirect consequences of hearing loss may negatively affect the psycho-affective development of deaf children, how they interact with others, personality development, and their understanding of self and the environment.
In the early stages of development an appropriate use of facial expressions, tone of voice and physical contact help the deaf child organize their thoughts and feelings. Therefore it’s essential that the caregiver is emotionally present and aware of their needs by having a thorough knowledge of the medical and cultural models of deafness, adequate training, experience, and a positive attitude. During the years of growth, having a strong relationship with parents, teachers and friends is very important because it helps the child to develop of a positive self-perception, self-esteem and the motivation to succeed.
The theme of the cochlear implant, a device that provides the ability to restore hearing perception in deaf people, was also discussed. Many parents have realized the importance of using two languages, oral and sign, with their child to foster positive psychological and social development.
An important issue emerged out of the day, deaf children having the right to access psychological support services, when necessary, and families having the right to be supported from the time of diagnosis, during the process of habilitation or rehabilitation until their children attend school.
It was also pointed out that there is a need for cooperation between associations, hospitals and private facilities to develop and improve specialized services in our country that meet the specific needs of deaf children, which, if supported by appropriate institutions and organizations will be able to provide the same opportunities as hearing children and be successful in achieving excellent results.
|
