Training Of Babies Deformed By Drug

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29912, 28 August 1962, Page 17

Training Of Babies Deformed By Drug

(Special Correspondent N.Z.P.A.)

LONDON, August 26 By the middle of September the number of British babies deformed by thalidomide should be finally established. There should be no more cases after that date, the drug having been banned last November. A statement in the British Medical Journal says that if the effect of the drug to Britain is anything like that in Western Germany, onethird of those affected may be expected to have deformed legs, while eight or nine out of every 10 will have defective arms and hands too. The manner in which thalidomide children are being taught in British hospitals to overcome their handicap is described in another article in “Nursing Mirror.” Children with no arms, for example, are being encouraged to use their toes instead They are learning to write, sew. clean their teeth and feed themselves with their l

feet. They play with toys just like any other children. One little boy. born with only shoulder stumps and tiny leg stumps, now has artificial arms and legs. “Babies themselves must be trained to i ximiun development," the article adds, “making the greatest use of natural abilities helped by suitable artificial aids. The ultimate aim is a full life and a satisfying career to a community which not only accepts but values them and into which th y can feel happily integrated.” The “Nursing Mirror” added: “The shock and suffering of the parents is severe. The«child may sometimes be completely rejected “But most parents are very anxious and willing to help in every way to build a happy life for their child. “They think out problems of apparatus and special clothing and give their children happy holidays at home whenever possible.