Name of Lecture: …An Integrative Approach to Managing Neurological disabilities in Children

Name of Speaker: …Moreno Toldo, MD

Program Time: …12:00-1:00

Location: ...Meditation Hall, SRSG / Meditation Research Institute

Name of Chairman: ...Susan Gould-Fogerite

Name of Reporter: …Peter Fabian

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Dr. Moreno Toldo (from Italy but living/working in Varnasi, India for past 3 years)

Education and Rehabilitation of Children

Kiran Village

Varnasi, India

Neurological Disabilities arise from the Central Nervous System, the Peripheral Nervous System and the Muscular System. 1.5% of children in India have neurological problems. A variety of physical and mental dysfunctions like Cerebral palsy, mental retardation, polio, etc., are a consequence of Neurological disabilities.

These disabilities can be short or long term. They can involve weakness of the body and mind. There are associated restrictions in activities of daily living. Their participation and interaction with the family and society are affected, often leading to increasing their suffering. Dr Toldo’s focus is on children with Cerebral Palsy. It is a complex problem of the central nervous system. There are significant problems with the children’s movement and posture secondary to incomplete development of the brain. Their treatment is to try to normalize these problems as much as possible. They also must deal with mental retardation and behavioral problems.

Etiology of Cerebral palsy can include: Prenatal effects, infections, diarrhea, and low birth weight below 1.5 kg. Helping the nutrition of the mother is important. There are many developmental implications from these effects to include speech problems and decrease in social interactions.

Habilitation is a lifelong process needing different approaches at the different stages of one’s life. The goal is to maximize function and minimize the disadvantages of the functional impairments.

Treatment to include: Physical and Occupational Therapy, Orthotics, Medication, Surgical correction of contracted joints for example, Visual and Hearing Aids, Speech Therapy, Psychological Counseling and support, Social assistance, Asanas (exercise like), Breathing and Meditation, Affirmations and Visualizations, Prayer, Value Education (Building good character, learning to not be their disease or impairment, Build their connection and joy with others around them), Loving Care.

He showed a moving and informative series of slides from their Kiran NGO Program. He demonstrated pictorially the various team members and their activities of intervention in a rural environment. They also have integrated a primary schooling, farming, various art activities and many more supportive activities to both the children and their family.

They also have an active vocational training program helping transition from disability to creative ability. This training can include: wood-toy workshop, bakery, horticulture, export/import, cartooning, electrical repair, and training of future staff members.

Staff development is also considered and time is given to further to help the personnel.