Appeal for funds

I have a two-year-old son, Khushru Mehta, who is profoundly deaf in both ears. He has recently been diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder and suffers from global developmental delay. He also has a rare genetic disorder called DOOR syndrome because of which he has underdeveloped fingertips and nails, a recent history of seizures and the possibility of vision retardation later on in life.

His only chance of hearing is with a cochlear implant for which we have undergone extensive assessment through the public health system over a period of eight months. He was ultimately refused funds as the implant program has limited funding annually. They believe Khushru would not be able to make optimum use of the implant due to his additional learning difficulties and should learn visual communication instead.

Khushru Mehta: multiple handicaps

However, I believe my child is a cheerful, affectionate and precious little boy who deserves a fighting chance to improve the quality of his life and that some benefit is better than none at all. Since we fear vision retardation and acceleration of mental retardation later on in life, we need to get a cochlear implant for Khushru, for he will not be able to rely on visual communication alone.

The implant surgery needs to be done before the age of three, and there is extensive follow-up with audiology and habilitation sessions thereafter. Because he would require a lot of speech therapy and coaching in order to learn language and use the implant, I will not be able to work full time for at least the next three to five years. I am a qualified early childhood teacher and have a fair background in psychology. I believe that with hard work and persistence I can help my child to learn language and gain basic auditory-verbal communication once he has a cochlear implant.

The surgery, implant itself and the follow-up are very expensive. The approximate cost of the entire procedure, over a period of two to three years, would be over 90,000 New Zealand dollars for each ear. We have another little baby who is just three months old, and my husband is the only earning member at present. We are looking for financial aid to ensure that our child has the best possible chance to deal with his disability and gain a chance to hear. Meanwhile, I am continuing my efforts at gaining funding through the public health system for at least one implant. We would be grateful for any assistance, which may be sent to Frian Mehta, 47A Litten Road, Cockle Bay, Howick, Auckland, New Zealand. Tel: 09-5343508 and 027-2744424, e-mail: frianwadia@xtra.co.nz

FRIAN MEHTA

Auckland, New Zealand