Paediatrics 8-9 years common conditions

The content of this module will focus on two learning difficulties that are commonly diagnosed at this age, unfortunately diagnosis does not always occur promptly and the learning for the child may become quite compromised. The conditions discussed will be dyslexia and dysgraphia. Before discussion of these specific conditions a general overview of the use of terminology and prevalence of learning difficulties and disabilities will be presented. This information is to contextualise the difficulties within the education system in Australia (similar findings are seen across a range of other jurisdictions).

Learning outcomes:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of dyslexia for a 8-9-year-old child

2. Demonstrate an understanding of dysgraphia for the 8-9-year-old child

3. Demonstrate an understanding of the assessment and management for a 8-9-year-old presenting with a learning disability.

Course author: 

Emma Fairs is a registered osteopath who trained in the UK where she worked for two years before moving to New Zealand. Emma has been working in Christchurch for the last 26 years, in her private practice. Her main clinical focus has been the osteopathic management of obstetric and paediatric patients. Emma is currently working full-time at Ara Institute of Canterbury as Co-Programme leader of the Bachelor of Musculoskeletal Health and Post Graduate Diploma in Osteopathy.

Emma has been involved in the development of Osteopathy in NZ, both the regulation of the profession and the development of a training programme. She was part of the NZQA panel that accredited the Masters Degree in Osteopathy at Unitec, Auckland; and for four years acted as one of the two Monitors for the supply of the Degree. Between 1997 and 2008 she was an elected member of the New Zealand Register of Osteopaths (NZRO) Committee, and the Osteopathic Society of New Zealand (OSNZ) committee, initially organising the supply of post-graduate education in NZ, and for the last four years, in the position of OSNZ President. Since resigning from the position of President, Emma has consulted for the OSNZ and the Osteopathic Council of New Zealand (OCNZ). In 2010, Emma was appointed to the Osteopathic Council of New Zealand, and between 2012-2017 was chair of the Council. Emma is still currently a council member.

Disclaimer: Content correct at the time of publication

1 CPD hour