Disability, youth sport, and clinical care of the youth Para athlete

Abstract

Abstract The number of youths with a disability is on the rise, with the prevalence being higher in poorer households, indigenous populations, and ethnic minorities. This creates an increased demand for opportunities to participate and compete in Para sport. The Paralympic Movement provides opportunities for Para athletes to compete at the top level. Sport provides many benefits which include improved quality of life and psychological well-being, and completing activities of daily living with ease. Sport should specifically focus on improving independence, overall health, and enjoyment. Yet, despite its many benefits, not enough youth with disabilities participate in regular exercise or sport. Youth with disabilities face many barriers in partaking and competing in sport. These barriers and challenges include lack of finances (lack of transportation and sponsorships), lack of access (inadequate spaces and opportunities), and low confidence as well as marginalisation (stereotyping and discrimination). Medical care of youth athletes with disabilities is complex and this is because youth Para athletes are considered ‘a special population within a special population’. The medical team is often confronted with different challenges including conditions specific to the youth athlete but also specific to the Para athlete. Clinical pearls and pitfalls are presented in this chapter to assist the clinician in the management of athletes with the more common disabilities: spinal cord injury, limb deficiency, cerebral palsy, and visual impairment. Awareness of these aspects is important to provide a holistic approach in managing youth Para athletes.