Children with disabilities present to primary care providers with the same childhood illnesses of their typical peers, but the presenting signs and symptoms may be quite different.

Medical personnel who care for these children need to be acutely aware of these differences in order to accurately and efficiently diag­nosis and treat the acute illness. It is important that the primary care providers understand the disease­specific complications and how they may present.

Referring to previous medical records can be helpful in determining the unique issues for a particular child. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) provides specialized forms for families and medical personnel to maintain an up-to-date record of a child's medical history, current medications, past medical complica­tions and how they typically present, and a treatment plan based on presenting signs and symptoms (45). An up-to-date form can provide medical care providers information in a critical situation. The following sec­tion reviews specific acute and chronic complications and strategies for the primary care provider when approaching a child with special health care needs in order to facilitate an appropriate diagnosis and treat­ment plan.

More on the topic Children with disabilities present to primary care providers with the same childhood illnesses of their typical peers, but the presenting signs and symptoms may be quite different.:

1. TECHNICAL FACTORS OF NEEDLE ELECTROMYOGRAPHY
2. Present Scenario