Early diagnosis and intervention is important for children with intellectual disability - Konusi

Litia Konusi of Inclusive Fiji says early diagnosis and intervention is important for children with intellectual disability.

Inclusive Fiji is a non-governmental organisation that is working to improve the lives of children with intellectual disabilities. 

Konusi says it is necessary for an early diagnosis to take place so that correct advice can be given to parents on how to take care of their children.

She also says that appropriate government policies need to be looked at to see how the issue of intellectual disability can be addressed, especially in schools.

She says as a mother of an intellectually disabled child, she believes there is a lack of qualified teachers to address the needs of an intellectually disabled child.

She adds that there are universities that offer special education but it is almost theoretical and there is a need to look at that and know how to deal with intellectually disabled children practically.

Konusi also adds that there is a need for special scholarships to be created so that teachers can be sent abroad to get the right qualification.

She also adds that people with intellectual disability are more vulnerable to sexual violence as physically disabled people will not be able to defend themselves while the intellectually disabled can be taken advantage of.

Konusi also adds that Inclusive Fiji is trying to bring in the police and the hospitals so that children with an intellectual disability are better protected.