How To Detect sensory impairment early

Baby Sheetal was brought home from the hospital with the usual fanfare bestowed on a newborn.

- Dr Indira Mallya

Within a couple of days, visitors started pouring in to congratulate the parents and admire the baby. Among them was a doctor who kept staring anxiously at Sheetal, much to the discomfort of the new mother. After due pacification, the doctor gently broke the news that there seemed to be something wrong with the baby’s eyes. She suggested that it would be most prudent to get a complete eye check-up done immediately.

ROLE OF PARENTS

In such situations, it is normal for parents to worry. Avoid being consumed by anxiety and be glad that it may be an impairment caught at the right time. In most cases, the problem may be set right with imminent paediatric surgery or later, with special glasses. However, it is important to share the problem with the baby’s paediatrician immediately, and not wait for it to get better.

Do remember that if there is no intervention when some part of the body gets impaired, it may turn into a disability if it is not addressed in time.

Newborns show rapid sensory development. It, therefore becomes imperative to see that the baby gets sensory stimulation, and find out from time to time that all is well.

Here are a few home detection strategies (HDS) through a play-way method to make sure the sensory functions are fine. You can try these activities, when you are comfortable with the baby after the initial days of settling in. Waiting for about four weeks should do as it allows the baby to get her eyes better focused and her neck muscles better developed.

SENSE OF SIGHT