When your child has a long-term condition or disability

When your child has a long-term condition or disability

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The section includes information about some specific long-term conditions or disabilities and also information such as coping with a diagnosis, financial support, special education and needs assessment. 

You can check the the complete listing for this section:

Long-term conditions A-Z

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a disorder of development that affects communication, social skills and behaviour. Children with ASD are unable to interpret the world and what is happening around them in the same way that other children do.

Asthma is a condition that leads to narrowing of the airways of the lungs. Symptoms include wheeze, cough and difficulty breathing. Common asthma triggers are colds, exercise, dust, pollens and cigarette smoke. An asthma action plan can help you understand and manage your child's asthma.

Bx (bronchiectasis) is a lung condition. The breathing tubes (airways or bronchi) in the lungs of a child with Bx have become damaged and scarred. Mucus (phlegm or sputum) can collect in the scarred area and infections occur in this mucus. The main symptoms of Bx are a long-standing wet sounding cough and lots of chest infections.
Cerebral palsy is a permanent physical condition that affects muscle control. It is the most common physical disability in childhood. Early intervention is the key to the best outcome for children with cerebral palsy.

This section provides information about what medical services are available for children who have been abused and about surviving sexual abuse. It includes advice about who to contact if you are worried about the safety of a child.

Comprehensive information about child cancer services in New Zealand; cancer diagnosis; tests for cancer; cancer treatment; management of pain; long-term follow up and support for families of children with cancer.

General information about diabetes; emotional and mental wellbeing concerns for children and young people with diabetes; healthy eating and physical activity; information to give to your child's school and growing up and diabetes management.

Information to support you when your child has a disability or long-term condition. Includes information about coping with a diagnosis; early intervention; financial help; needs assessment and special education.

A series of nine video clips feature Melanie Mora and her family. Mel is mother to three boys. Her middle son Ryan was diagnosed post-birth with Down syndrome. Mel talks about the first 24 hours after diagnosis; being positive; how others see Ryan; the challenges; her parenting style; the impact on Ryan's siblings and also on Mel's relationship with her husband and the importance of looking after yourself.

Eczema is a dry skin condition. It cannot be cured but it can usually be controlled. Avoid things which irritate the skin and go to your GP (general practitioner) as soon as possible if your child’s eczema gets worse or becomes infected.

This section provides information about some common mental health conditions and other emotional and mental wellbeing concerns.

This section includes information about helping children and young people, and also parents, who are experiencing grief.

A section which includes information about the health system; what to do when you need health care and children and young people's rights when receiving health and disability services.

This section includes information about helping your child cope with procedures and treatment, preparing for hospital, and information about specific pain medications and treatments.

Palliative care is the care provided to children with life-limiting or life-threatening illnesses, and their families/whanau. It focuses on comfort and quality of life and support for the child and their family/whanau.

Helpful resources and services if your child has a rare and/or genetic disorder.

Information designed for parents / caregivers of children with rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease. Rheumatic fever is an illness which starts with a sore throat (a streptococcal infection). A few weeks after the "strep" throat your child may develop other symptoms (such as sore or swollen joints). If your child has a bad attack of rheumatic fever, it may cause permanent damage to their heart valves. This is called rheumatic heart disease.

Long-term conditions A-Z

The complete listing of topics for this section, organised by title.