Research into the early detection of mental disabilities has resulted in workshops for doctors, teachers and family members aimed at improving the early detection of mental disability cases across Bali.
The three-month study, undertaken by Dutch social work students, Julie van der Meer Mohr and Sharony van*t Well, for the Sjaki-Tari-Us Foundation, found there was a lack of understanding of the range of mental disabilities affecting children across the island, and the treatment and early intervention practices available.
Friday Sjaki-Tari-Us invited doctors from health clinics, the Bumi Sehat Foundation and members of the Gianyar Health Department to the second in the workshop series.
An earlier workshop targeted primary, high and special school teachers. Teachers learned how to detect possible cases of mental disabilities in students and where and how to source clinical support.
The most recent workshop introduced health clinic doctors to the early recognition, prevention, help and resources for mentally disabled children. Through a series of interactive games, doctors glimpsed how these children see the world.
On the sidelines of the workshop van der Meer Mohr said doctors tried to talk with a pencil held between their teeth, then viewed the world through a small hole cut in a newspaper.
"Holding a pencil in the mouth while trying to talk lets people know how difficult it is for children with Down's syndrome to communicate. Looking at the world through a hole in a newspaper gives people some perception of how autistic children see the world," explained van dan Meer Mohr of how interactive games can raise people's understanding of mental disability.
Pediatrician, Dr Lely, from Gianyar Hospital was a guest speaker at the workshop. Sharing her knowledge, Lely gave insights into the early detection and when possible, the prevention of mental disabilities in children.
Van der Meer Mohr stressed early detection was critical in offering mentally disabled people the greatest opportunity to develop to their full potential.
"Our first workshop targeted teachers because many *mentally disabled* children go to normal schools if their parents don't know their kids have a disability. The teachers also don't know what symptoms to look for or what to do."
"Our goal is to make the subject *of mental disability* more open," said van der Meer Mohr of the workshop program.
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