Breaking the Cycle

Holistic Digital Solutions for Overlooked Challenges of Children with Special Needs in Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Communities

Bibliographic Data

ID13024827
AuthorsNeluwa-Liyanage R Indika (0000-0001-7963-234X, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, corresponding author), Nawoda Hewage (0000-0002-3558-4320, Queensland University of Technology), Hapu-Arachchige Harshana (Autism Consortium), Udara D Senarathne (0000-0003-2329-6871, University of Sri Jayewardenepura), Anusha Kaneshapillai (Open University of Sri Lanka), Shaampavei Mahendrarajah (0000-0002-9577-621X, National Hospital of Sri Lanka), Samaraweera-Arachchige Kumara (University of Sri Jayewardenepura)
Year2025
Volume15
Issue9
Pages234-234
Publication date2025-08-22
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueSocieties (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2075-4698 • E-ISSN: 2075-4698
PublisherMDPI AG (PUBLISHER • IT)
DOI10.3390/soc15090234
OpenAlexW4413427744
LanguageEN
References cited46

In socio-economically disadvantaged communities, the challenges faced by children with special needs are often overshadowed by more visible issues such as poverty, family instability, and substance abuse. Children, especially those with special needs, are particularly vulnerable in these settings as they are disproportionately impacted by intersecting adversities, including neglect, exploitation, and limited access to education and healthcare. These adversities create a vicious cycle, where disability exacerbates financial hardship, and in turn, economic deprivation negatively impacts early childhood development, further entrenching disability. Conventional models, which require physical presence and focus primarily on diagnosis and treatment within clinical settings, often fail to address the broader social, environmental, and contextual complexities of disability. We propose an Information Technology-based Exit Pathway as an innovative, scalable solution to disrupt this cycle. Anchored in the five pillars of the Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) matrix of Health, Education, Livelihood, Social, and Empowerment, the model envisions a multi-level digital platform that facilitates coordinated support across individual, familial, educational, community, regional, and national levels. By improving access to services, fostering inclusive networks, and enabling early intervention, the proposed approach aims to promote equity, social inclusion, and sustainable development for children with special needs in marginalized communities

Disadvantaged · Economic growth · Economics · Environmental planning · Geography · Sociology · Autism Spectrum Disorder Research · Computer Science · Family and Disability Support Research · Innovative Approaches in Technology and Social Development · Psychology

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Open DOIOpen Access