SOME ASPECTS OF THE EARLY EDUCATION OF HANDICAPPED-CHILDREN IN SWITZERLAND

Early education for young handicapped children is an aid both for the children and their parents. It has been propagated for centuries, and due to a serious research-programme it has also been developed and institutionalized in Switzerland during the last twelve years. The whole of Switzerland is included in this programme. The results of the investigation presented hereby are as follows: 65 % of the children are reached after their third year of age only, and only 80 % are referred by doctors. Of the 1.2 % severely handicapped the 4- to 6-year-old children are well represented, the 0- to 3-year-old children as well as the 2.8 % slightly handicapped 0- to 6-year-old children are badly represented. Combined methods are proposed for improving the early detection of the Mentally Handicapped. The fact that early education for young Mentally Handicapped is necessary and important has been proved by thorough scientific research. The aim and method of early education for young mentally handicapped children (diagnosis, education, councelling of parents) are sketchily represented. The principal aim is: improvement of the parental competence concerning the education of mentally handicapped children. © 1979 Schweiz Gesellschaft für Sozial- und Präventivmedizin.