AT-RISK CHILDREN AND OTITIS-MEDIA WITH EFFUSION - MANAGEMENT ISSUES FOR THE EARLY-CHILDHOOD SPECIAL EDUCATOR

Otitis media with effusion (OME) is one of the most common illnesses o f early childhood, with a higher prevalence among many children with d isabilities. Accompanying OME is typically a mild to moderate conducti ve hearing loss, which, when recurrent or persistent in early childhoo d, has been linked to late delays in the development of speech, langua ge, and learning. This link has particular importance for children wit h disabilities who are already at risk for speech, language, and learn ing difficulties. This article describes the implications of OME for m anagement of children with disabilities. The results of a survey of ea rly childhood special educators on management of young children with O ME and the role of the early childhood special educator in intervening with children with disabilities who have OME are discussed.