Children with permanent bilateral deafness and their parents should benefit from an early intervention program before the age of one, according to the “good practice recommendations” published by the High Authority for Health (HAS). These recommendations aim to maintain and develop communication between the child and those around him, to promote the development of the language of the deaf child and to prevent his psychological disorders.
According to the recommendations of the HAS, the early care of the deaf child and the support of the entourage allow the child to acquire “a state of physical, psychological and social well-being” with his family. , but also within society.
Concerning the educational project of the deaf child, the HAS recommends a “stimulation and an auditory education before the two years” to allow the child to acquire a level of spoken language higher than those who have not benefited from this. hearing training.
According to the HAS, the sign language linguistic environment offered before the age of five is important for deaf children to achieve a level of written language and a level of sign language superior to those obtained by children who have learned sign language while the spoken language was not acquired.
Finally, gaze disturbances, frequent unexplained crying, sleep or appetite disturbances, exaggerated restlessness, or even sudden changes in behavior can be signs of “difficulties” or “mental distress” of the patient. sick child.
