Children with Special Health Care Needs
The Division of General Pediatrics, in keeping with the federal Maternal and Child Health Bureau, defines children with special health care needs (CSHCN) as those who have a chronic physical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional condition and who also require health and related services of a type or amount beyond that required by children generally.
According to the 2005-2006 National Survey of CSHCN, 10% of California children have special health care needs, with the majority having 1 or more conditions on the list below.
| CONDITIONS | % of CSHCN |
| Allergies | 53% |
| Asthma | 38% |
| Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder | 30% |
| Depression, anxiety, or emotional problems | 21% |
| Migraine/frequent headaches | 15% |
| Intellectual disability | 11% |
| Autism spectrum disorder | 5% |
| Joint problems | 4% |
| Seizure disorder | 4% |
| Heart problems | 4% |
| Blood problems | 2% |
| Diabetes | 2% |
| Cerebral Palsy | 2% |
| Down Syndrome | 1% |
| Muscular dystrophy | 0.3% |
| Cystic fibrosis | 0.3% |
Research concerning CSHCN by faculty in the Division of General Pediatrics focuses on:
- the ability of CSHCN, particularly children with asthma, to access health care services using innovative techniques (e.g., telemedicine, internet-based technology)
- the identification and management of psychosocial disorders, including screening, assessment of obstacles to care, and statewide/national variations in care
- the hospital-based management of CSHCN, including assessment of obstacles to care, and statewide/national variations in care
- the use of evidence-based treatments in the care of children with autism
- the design of new systems for delivering preventive and developmental services that address the needs of CSHCN
- the use of a personal health record by families of CSCHCN to improve communication with their providers, coordination of care, and shared decision making
Several faculty members in the Division of General Pediatrics are engaged in research that addresses children with special health care needs:
