IT IS Kids in Pain Week (23-29 Sep), and Chronic Pain Australia is raising awareness about the one in five children living with the difficult condition.
With only six paediatric pain clinics nationwide, many children face waiting times of up to three years for treatment, severely impacting their development.
Dr Joshua Pate, a researcher and pain scientist, underscored the issue, saying, "the latest data shows that there are roughly five kids in every class facing the challenges of chronic pain".
"And the school absence data is staggering: an average of 22%, that's about nine weeks of school missed per year."
Kids in Pain Week will feature expert webinars and a virtual event for families, offering resources, expert insights, and activities for children living with pain.
Chairperson of Chronic Pain Australia, Nicolette Ellis, said that children's pain has to be taken more seriously.
Many children face disbelief because chronic pain is often associated with older age and wear and tear, said Ellis.
However, children's pain is just as real and debilitating as adult pain, but it is complicated by communication challenges and unique developmental needs.
Chronic Pain Australia stated it is working to dispel this misconception - pain affects all ages, and more must be done to support children.
"Just because children are smaller people doesn't mean their pain is any less," said Ellis.
She also highlighted the need for expanded paediatric pain services.
"This Kids in Pain Week, we are calling on governments and the community not to minimise chronic pain in our most vulnerable.
"Without timely diagnoses and treatment, chronic pain can disrupt children's schooling and play, leading to long-term developmental issues that persist into adulthood," commented Ellis. JG
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