Developmental Issues in Chronic Illness

Abstract

New and advanced systems of medical care and technology have increased survival rates for chronically ill children who are now served optimally by their families and schools in the community. The legal mandate to educate children with disabilities in the least restrictive environment has resulted in the integration of chronically ill children in the regular classroom. Mainstreaming is expected to normalize the educational setting and process for these children. The Developmental Task Model provides a basic framework from which to attain optimal normalization. The Model enhances understanding of how the specific characteristics of an illness interact with the particular age-related developmental tasks of childhood. Implications for applications of the Model at home and in the classroom are discussed.

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