Early intervention for young children with special educational needs in Hong Kong SAR: A Chinese perspective

Abstract

<p>This chapter describes the context and overall approach to education and services for persons with disabilities and their families in Hong Kong. Strengths and limitations of existing policies and practices are discussed, and a brief history of early childhood intervention (ECI) and current support services is provided. Consideration is given to the challenges faced in meeting the specific needs of children with particular types of disability, and the teaching approaches that are most appropriate. The attitude and training of parents as participants in the success of early intervention and inclusion is discussed in detail. Examples are provided of three successful programmes in Hong Kong, namely (i) a parent training programme for kindergarten children with special needs, (ii) the Think Bright Programme, an early cognitive intervention using mediated learning for preschoolers with developmental delay, and (iii) the Happy Parenting Programme that teaches effective behaviour management and other skills to parents of preschool children with disabilities. The chapter concludes with recommendations for future developments to strengthen early intervention for children with special educational needs and disabilities in Hong Kong.<br></p>