Families with disabled children are under added stress and often require both emotional and financial support. Early diagnosis is very important so that families can come to terms with their situation. A disproportionate number of disabled children are in lower socioeconomic groups. Many of these children live in poverty. Improving their standard of living, and making sure mothers and babies receive good preconception and prenatal care could lead to an overall improvement in their general health, and a decrease in disability rates.
Disabled children are also vulnerable to child maltreatment.
10,11 Family physicians have important roles to play in early identification of problems, providing on-going care, and assisting in efforts to improve resources for disabled children and their families. Family physicians should also be aware of the need to protect disabled children, as they are at a greater risk for maltreatment. The CFPC and the university departments of family medicine should ensure that family physicians are aware of the problems of disabled children, are exposed to caring for disabled children during residency training, and that Continuing Medical Education activities, as well as more research, in the area of childhood disabilities are encouraged . Conclusion Child health is determined by many factors. In Canada, family physicians provide a significant portion of the health and medical care services for children.