The Macau Special Education Study Association (MSESA) suggested yesterday that the government provide an indirect service for children with developmental problems as a way of tackling Macau’s current shortage of human resources in early intervention.
The association made the suggestion during a press conference at the Sheng Kung Hui Taipa Youth and Family Integrated Service Centre.
Commenting on a recent case concerning a dispute between a doctor and the parents of a child with developmental delay at the public Conde de Sao Januario Hospital, Tong Chi Man, who chairs the association, said the case showed “an existing problem” in using the current direct model.
In the direct model of early intervention, a therapist provides services directly to children. The indirect model provides services to parents rather than directly to children, such as showing the parents the techniques to teach their children at home.
Macau Special Education Study Association (MSESA) Chairman Tong Chi Man (left) speaks during a press conference in Taipa yesterday, as MSESA President Ng Kim Ho looks on. Photo: Joel Chu
