Program for Chinese children with developmental disabilities--the Hong Kong model

Developmental disabilities (DD) are common childhood problems with significant impact on society. Early identification is important as there is potential for improvement through interventional/educational/(re)habilitative measures. There are currently no data revealing this situation in China. We review the current model of identification and management of Chinese children with DD in Hong Kong, a southern city in China. Our model was developed in the early 1960s and our system had been originally adopted from the Western culture due to political reasons, as Hong Kong was a British colony. This was modified over the years to suit our own unique, mixed Eastern and Western culture. With the expanding Western influence in mainland China recently, we hope this integrated model can be implemented in other parts of China.