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

Neluwa-Liyanage R. Indika (), Nawoda Hewage, Hapu-Arachchige C. Harshana, Udara D. Senarathne, Anusha Kaneshapillai, Shaampavei Mahendrarajah and Samaraweera-Arachchige M. H. Kumara
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Neluwa-Liyanage R. Indika: Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda 10250, Sri Lanka
Nawoda Hewage: Global Research in Autism & Neurodiversity Consortium
Hapu-Arachchige C. Harshana: Global Research in Autism & Neurodiversity Consortium
Udara D. Senarathne: Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda 10250, Sri Lanka
Anusha Kaneshapillai: Global Research in Autism & Neurodiversity Consortium
Shaampavei Mahendrarajah: Global Research in Autism & Neurodiversity Consortium
Samaraweera-Arachchige M. H. Kumara: Global Research in Autism & Neurodiversity Consortium

Societies, 2025, vol. 15, issue 9, 1-20

Abstract: 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.

Keywords: children with special needs; socio-economic disadvantage; neurodevelopmental disorders; inclusive education; digital health solutions; information technology; community-based rehabilitation; low-resource settings (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A13 A14 P P0 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 Z1 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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