Scientists in California have identified areas where children are almost twice as likely to have autism, with these children mostly having highly educated parents. This could be because of better access to medical experts that can diagnose the disorder.
For individuals with autism, visiting the doctor can be a distressing experience. Furthermore, for parents of children with autism, accessing health care for their children can be difficult. Recently, however, attempts to address this have been increasing.
There are currently 76,000 citizens with more severe forms of autism in the state of California, representing a 28-fold increase since 1987, according to a new report released today by the Autism Society San Francisco Bay Area.
The Jeena Teens and Young Adults are excited to work and partner with the non-profit, Inclusive Volunteering.Volunteers (IV). Inclusive Volunteering provides opportunities to volunteer, even to those who lack access to volunteering through the traditional channels. Our typical peers often take this access for granted, available to them if they choose to volunteer. Being differently-abled puts a whole new light on this access. We have varying degrees of (dis)abilities on multiple fronts, be they physical, mental, emotional and social challenges, which make this a greater challenge for us. Many of us desire to volunteer yet find volunteering in the traditional sense out of our reach.
Relationship Development Intervention Relationship development intervention (RDI) is an intervention therapy that addresses the core deficits of autism - dynamic thinking and social communication.
How does the sense of body in space impact your child's sleep? What can you do to help your child sleep?
Your sensitive child may experience the world differently. A few things you can do to minimize conflict and misunderstanding.
Q4 dance classes start on Wednesday, Sept 7th This is a performance session for the MKDC Showcase which will be on Saturday Nov 5th.
Most individuals with autism think in pictures. They use the visual centers of their brains to think and process information. This visual way of thinking supports language and communication, but seems to never replace it fully.
An overview of The Tomatis Method written by Occupational Therapist Valerie DeJean.
Navratri Hungama Saturday October 15th 2011 Time 7:00 to Midnight East Valley YMCA Gym 1975 S White Road, San Jose, CA For details contact Selvi Pragasam at 408-238-4034 or Lavanya Gopal at 408-270-3998 www.india-fusiondance.com Proceeds benefit Jeena and IFDA Special Needs Peer Interaction Program
This article explains how to make visual schedules at home, using the materials that are around you every day.
Visual schedules are a core strategy used with people with autism. They help them make sense out of a confusing world. A visual schedule tells them what is happening, what will happen, and allows them to create purposeful activity. A schedule must be visual because people with autism do not think primarily in words.
IHSS, or In-Home Supportive Services, is an alternative to out-of-home care such as a nursing home or group home. It covers the following types of services: Personal care (bathing, grooming, feeding, bladder/bowel etc.), light housework (cleaning, meal preparation, laundry etc.) and for individuals with mental impairment, also covers protective supervision. Click the read more link to find more information about IHSS....
Some great websites for parents and teachers regarding information on specific topics and/or general information regarding Speech and Language development.
Music Therapy utilizes music as a tool to help accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship. As a Registered Music Therapist with a Master's Degree in Special Education, I use music to restore, maintain and improve specific skills. I typically target the development of cognitive, motor, perceptual, social and communication skills.
EEG Biofeedback is a learning strategy that enables persons to alter their brain waves. When information about a person's own brain wave characteristics is made available to him, he can learn to change them. You can think of it as exercise for the brain.
Why treatment should be adapted to the child first, and his condition second Sunday, April 10th, 2011, by Natan Gendelman When a child is diagnosed with cerebral palsy or any other neurological disorder, people often accept that there will be certain things which he can and cannot do. Yet, what we often forget is that that this is a child which we are labeling; a child who possess his own character, will, dreams, opinions and personality. Each person thinks, communicates and makes choices in his own unique way, and that is something that both the medical and therapeutic worlds cannot predict. In fact, I think that trying to do so would be a huge, grave mistake, and I apologize to those who do not think this way.
In the years fifty, in Czechoslovakia, Vaclàv Vojta, a neurologist concerned by the motor rehabilitation, began the long way from the first empirical attempts to the current therapeutic concept. This evolution has continued in Germany where V. Vojta had emigrated in1968.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is an A.M.A. recognized medical treatment which enhances the body's natural healing process by inhalation of 100% oxygen in a total body chamber where atmospheric pressure is increased and controlled.
MME is a treatment method that consists of the application of high (3000 to 5000 gauss) direct current fields. An MME device consists of two very large and strong electromagnets with the patient lying in a focal point between the two electromagnets.
The Feldenkrais Method, a unique approach to movement reeducation, focuses on how movement is organized by the neuromuscular system. The Method teaches better use of your entire body, and reduces unnecessary stress and strain, so you move with greater ease, comfort, and coordination.
MEDEK is a therapeutic intervention for the development of gross motor skills in children with movement disorders.
Auditory Integration Training was designed to normalize hearing and the way the brain processes information. Invented by Guy Berard, M.D., French ENT specialist, to rehabilitate disorders of the auditory system, it utilizes an electronic amplifier with variable frequency and amplitude modulation capabilities. What is produced is very gentle holistic music that is listened to over headphones twice a day for ten days. Each session is 30-minutes. A summary of various case histories with samples of hearing screenings before and after AIT can be found in Dr. Berard's book, Hearing Equals Behavior, published by Keats.
The Adeli suit, designed by the Russian space program for cosmonauts to maintain muscle tone in a weightless environment, it's been modified to help people with cerebral palsy.
The term of "hippotherapy" from the Greek word "hippos" for horse, literally means treatment with the help of the horse. Hippotherapy has been used as a form of treatment in Europe for more than 30 years and it continues to grow in popularity as the therapeutic value of the horse is recognized throughout the medical community. In hippotherapy, the horse influences the patient, rather than the patient influencing the horse.
Discussing the benefits that the sport of gymnastics provides for children with special needs as well as a different approach to Speech Language Therapy.
AutismGames.org serves as a resource of games that young children with Autism Spectrum Disorders can play. Video models of games are provided that parents/caregivers can view and learn from including: tips and strategies for making games more educational, fun, and so much more!
Date: Saturday August 6th, 2011 Time: Kickoff is at 7:30 PM Teams: San Jose Earthquakes is hosting the Portland Timbers Location: Buck Shaw Stadium at Santa Clara University. Address is 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara 95050 RSVP required - Only 20 tickets. For Jeena Parent Members Only.
Arya, Beejal, Paul and Shanti talk about being "Special Parents". They say "No one enjoys a free moment more or laughs at a bad situation more or cheers their child's smallest steps more loudly than a special needs parent."
How well do you know your fauna ? Peek at the Animal Trivia - by 10 year old Jeena Tween Vishnu Raghavan
7.9 year old Jayasurya Naveen (Surya) shares about his life and little adventures This has been my dream to share with “Jeena” a little about my life and little adventures. No, this is not a Wimpy kid diary, but my life diary. Jeena is the “Place of Opportunity” for me to share, perform and get stronger with my peers. Before I share my experiences with you, I would like to thank Jeena, all the Doctors, Nurses, Therapists, school staff and IEP team, respite care providers, and of course last but not least, my loving parents. All the people who worked with me gave me lots of love, care, hope, strength, and confidence.
Justin's mom Diane recounts an experience at a Therapist's office. "What is Normal?" indeed!
Article written by Jeena mom Uma Raghavan for Jeena Yahan 2011 Brochure. "I have spent some time reflecting on the past decade, now that our twins are 10 years old. It has been a time of lots of blessings and growth...."
An Article written by Mr K.R.Venkatesha, President, KPAMRC for Jeena yahan 2011 Brochure. He talks about his 42 year old son Ravi, "the Darling Child" of the entire household.
From Jeena Yahan 2011 Brochure : Editor's Note, Founder's Note , Program and Participant list
12 year old Brenden Pragasam talks about his brother Aidan. Brenden says "When Aidan is happy, he will give me his favorite DVD or computer game as a thank you for taking care of him. That is his way of showing how much he cares for me"
10 year old Srihari Narayanan made this crossword for JY2011 Brochure
Jeena Teen Ozzie Dana's shares his Favorite Poem and Jokes. "So early it’s still almost dark out. I’m near the window with coffee, and the usual early morning stuff that passes for thought..."
14 year old Jeena Teen Niral Gandhi provides some lighter moments for the Jeena Yahan 2011 Brochure :)
A poem by Jeena Dad Harish Dangat. "Perhaps the gods were tired and luck was short..."
As a result of the 1969 Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Act, Department of Developmental Services (DDS), CA created twenty-one Regional Centers to coordinate lifelong services and supports for individuals with developmental disabilities. This article provides links to the regional centers, services offered, client's rights and complaints process. Article refers to links provided by Department of Developmental Services in the web site.
Jeena empowers individuals with developmental disabilities and their family so as to enhance their quality of life. Our programs focus on building productive capacity, emotional regulation through friendships and sports and providing information and supports to parents. We are a self-help group of parents. Jeena is a culturally sensitive group. We are primarily parents of South-Asian Community. Everyone is welcome to participate in classes, workshops and events at Jeena.
An Article by Shanti Kurada about bringing the RDI Training to Jeena Parents. Shanti says "There was a tremendous amount of personal sharing. Everyone’s children became ‘our children’, as we cheered their little steps forward."
11 year old Anisha Hangal talks about "Dancing at Jeena'!. She loves Bollywood songs and loves to group dance with her friends at Jeena.
"I am on the very outskirts of Jeena, yet I am always inspired by the strength and determination of the people and the spirit of Jeena." - Shikha Kalra writes in an article for Jeena Yahan 2011 Brochure.
A group of Jeena Parents write about how they became friends at Jeena. “We were feeling very distraught with the diagnosis and wanted to get in touch with a community,” remembers Sujaya, Anika’s mom. "When we did visit Jeena, we were surprised to see how parents and kids enjoyed despite their disabilities."
One of our Moms -Elizabeth Paturi shares her experiences about attending a class at Jeena. She says "Classes like these and other fun, networking events organized by Jeena have been invaluable experiences for my family."
Jeena Dad Bala Sreekandath writes "... the most memorable Jeena moments I always cherish are the ones from the 'Annual Jeena Summer Camp'."
An article written by the parents of 10 year old Srihari Narayana for Jeena Yahan 2011 Brochure. They say "We can't construct a triangle with two sides: the school and the parents. We need the third side: Jeena."
The Parks and Recreation Dept of many cities offer Therapeutic Services Programs/classes for Individuals with Disabilities.
This is from zerotothree.org web site under resources for parents. It is a tip sheet on skill sets for a toddler and what you can do to help support these skills. Around 18 months, children start developing control over their bladder and bowel movement, this article has good suggestions for potty training.
Weekend Playgroups at Jeena offered by Si Si Peude Behavioral Intervention Inc Ages 3-7 and 8-12
Hari Srinivasan, one of our Jeena Teens (dx with Autism), won a National Gold Award in 2009 from Scholastic Inc, for his personal essay. His essay was published in the Book "The Best of Teen Writing 2009" with a forward by Elie Wiesel. Nobel Peace Laureate
Nirali Gandhi is a 14 year old Jeena Teen. This is an article she wrote for the Jeena Yahaan 2011 Brochure.
List of Private Schools in Bay Area that offer Special Education Programs
Summer Session starts July 16th and continues for 6 classes until August 27th. Classes will be held on Saturdays at 11:30am Registration: Can need to be made online at http://indian-fusiondance.com/register.html. We have openings in the summer session as of now. Where: East Valley YMCA, White Road, San Jose CA
The Tomatis Method is a european based program that has been around for over 60 years. The Tomatis Method uses the therapeutic application of sound to treat specific symptoms associated with Autism, ADHD, Auditory Processing Disorders, Speech Delays, and learning delays. The focus of The tomatis method is directed to re-educating the ear and auditory pathways. This is accomplished through the modification and modulation of sound. Auditory Re-education is based upon the neurological effect of sound upon the nervous system. Changes in the brain take place from the direct application of sound frequencies which is applied through specialized headphones connected to specialized machines.
One session only Sunday, July 17 3 - 3:30 - Toddlers 3:45 - 4:15 - Preschoolers 4:30 - 5:00- K - 5th grade OPEN to JeenaParents only. Registration Required.
Saturdays at 11 AM. Timings sometimes vary, to accommodate everyone's schedules. At Jeena Center, Milpitas. Contact: khmurugan@hotmail.com and sanjana@peopledynamicsintl.com Classes are one hour long given in group with 2-3 teachers taking class.
An overview of Homeschooling options in California from a Special-Needs context,
One of the ways to homeschool your child is through a Public Charter School. This website gives a comprehensive list of the public charters schools in California that offer homeschool programs.
Hari Srinivasan is a 16 year old Jeena Teen (Dx Autism) and a prolific writer. His posts with insights on Autism and Disability follow.
Whether you are fully homeschooling or just teaching them as an addition to school, our kids enjoy the challenge and often can more than match their typical peers. This is a parent perspective on two of the available Math Curriculum, Thinkwell and Teaching Textbooks.
Many of the parents I work with become very anxious as their child approaches impending adulthood. Typically around age 17, I like to sit down with a client and their family and run through a few items it is important for them to consider as the “magic number 18” approaches...
Notes from the AAC and AT Workshop conducted on 23 Mar 2011
Jeena is organizing a summer camp in August offered by Si Se Puede Behavioral Intervention.
Date: First 3 weeks of August
Venue: Jeena, Milpitas CA
Cost: Varies, see event page
This event promises a day of fun with The Taylor Family Foundation at Camp Arroyo
Date: Aug 14th, 2011
Time: 10am to 5pm
Venue: Camp Arroyo, Livermore, CA
Cost: Free
Registration: Attendees must register.
Contact: events@jeena.org
A B S T R AC T The developmental, individual-difference, relationship based model (DIR), a theoretical and applied framework for comprehensive intervention, examines the functional developmental capacities of children in the context of their unique biologically based processing profile and their family relationships and interactive patterns. As a functional approach, it uses the complex interactions between biology and experience to understand behavior and articulates the developmental capacities that provide the foundation for higher order symbolic thinking and relating. During spontaneous ‘floor time’ play sessions, adults follow the child’s lead utilizing affectively toned interactions through gestures and words to move the child up the symbolic ladder by first establishing a foundation of shared attention, engagement, simple and complex gestures, and problem solving to usher the child into the world of ideas and abstract thinking. This process is illustrated by a case example of a young boy on the autism spectrum interacting with his father during ‘floor time’ over a 3 year period.
This is a family’s journey through the years (from two and half to 11 years and on..). This should give you an idea about what to expect. If you want to learn the technical details of what is AAC, please take a look at the links below. They provide excellent details about the systems available This article discusses the process we went throughfor the acquisition of the Traditional AAC devices. These are expensive and it will take lot of time and effort to acquire. You have to go through lot of evaluations and approvals. Also discussed are the alternatives to the traditional AAC. This is the most cost effective and the stress free way to get the AAC device using hugely popular iDevices (ipod/itouch). But there are limitations in using this based on the child’s need. This may work very well for the kids who doesn’t have motor issues such as kids on the spectrum but may not be a good solution for the others. Check with your SLP> before buying these devices. Most of the SLP’s are not familiar with the software available or not interested in working on these devices.
Most forms of mental retardation are recognized early in a child’s life, as children fail to achieve standard developmental milestones at appropriate ages or clearly display unusual behaviors. Mental retardation is diagnosed in the 2% to 3% of children who score the lowest on a standard IQ test and are delayed to the same extent in such life skills as self-care, selfdirection, and the use of academic skills. Eighty-five percent of children with mental retardation fall into the mild range, with IQ scores from 50 to 70. Experts use these lower IQ scores to label a child as mildly, moderately, severely, or profoundly retarded. The majority of children with below-average IQ scores are not considered to be mentally retarded, but below average, with test scores between 70 and 89.
Jeena has been named to a new list of top-rated nonprofits by GreatNonprofits, the leading provider of user reviews for nonprofit organizations. The top-rated Disability Nonprofits list is composed of organizations that have received at least ten positive reviews from stakeholders, such as volunteers, donors, or clients. The reviews were posted as part of the Disability Awareness Campaign 2010 conducted by GreatNonprofits, in partnership with Guidestar and a coalition of nonprofit organizations.
For decades, large number of infants and toddlers have been identified by occupational therapy clinicians as having sensory-related disorders. These disturbances have been termed sensory integration dysfunction.
There is an accumulating literature describing sensory processing in young children and suggesting the importance of this knowledge for understanding the characteristics of vulnerable children. Professionals and families need a working knowledge about sensory processing because it enables them to understand and interpret children’s behaviors and to tailor everyday life routines so that children may have successful and satisfying experiences. This article reviews Dunn’s model of sensory processing, and summarizes both typical and special population evidences that demonstrate support for the model.
About the Disorder ------------ Young children with this disorder struggle to regulate their emotions and behaviors as well as their motor abilities in response to sensory stimulation. The sensory stimulation can include touch, sight, sound, taste, smell, sensation of movement in space, and awareness of the position of one’s body in space. A child’s struggle with these sensory inputs leads to impairment in their development and functioning. These children have trouble maintaining a calm, alert, or affectedly positive state.
There's been a lot of news recently about efforts to detect signs of autism in children earlier — even before age 2, which is when doctors typically make the first diagnosis based on toddlers' behavior and development. Now a new study sheds light on another key issue — why autistic children tend to develop larger brains than those without the condition.
A switch adapted battery operated toy is a toy that has been modified so that a child with a disability can press a switch and activate the toy. The necessary modifications are easy for most adults with just a few tools and supplies from your local electronics store or some hardware stores. To make your battery operated toy work with a single switch, you need to make a copper wafer that "interrupts" the flow of electricity from the battery to the motor, lights, or sound of the toy. You then plug your switch into the phone jack connected to the copper wafer. To activate the toy, you touch the switch and close the circuit of electricity, which causes to toy to turn on.
The following are only suggestions and will not necessarily apply to all children. Determining if or how to apply these strategies should be based on the child’s age, communication skills, cognitive skills, and ability to handle frustration and anxiety. Work closely with your ASD Case Manager and/or other professionals to determine which would be appropriate.
This website is an excellent resource for older students/adults with special needs. It is a step by step guide to reach employment goal. It starts with an an assessment, job search and resume writing, interview tips and more importantly how to keep a job. This is the first site we have seen with such a comprehensive information. It has videos to show types of jobs and skills required for each job. Overall invaluable resource not only for the students but also for the parents to plan their future and for teacher to guide them. A must read for all the parents with special needs kids especially those with kids in high school but it is better to start at middle schools.
Eureca is an intensive physical therapy program where children with motor delay are given a chance to reach their potential.Eureca institute offeres a comprehensive Nerological rehabilitation program for children with neuromuscular disabilities.
Reiki is the Japanese word for universal life energy: Rei is the universal transcendental spirit or essence and ki is the vital life force energy. All living beings are born with this energy and transfer it from one another when laying the hands upon someone.
Jin shin is an ancient healing art which uses simultaneous contact with specific points on the body to clear out energy blockages. The hands of the therapist act as jumper cables which clear out the blockage and allow the body to resume its own healthy energy flow.
Watsu, or Water Shiatsu, is a new form of physical and emotional therapy practiced in warm water, using elements of various massage and mobilization techniques. Watsu is a unique form of aquatic massage that is opening new horizons in the field of bodywork.
Rolfing is the name given to the system of body manipulation originated by Dr. Ida P. Rolf, PhD in biochemistry. Dr. Rolf had a child who had a health problem, and searched for a way, outside of conventional medicine, to solve it
Infant Massage is a holistic and natural way to promote infant health, improve parenting skills, deepen bonding, strengthen family bonds, and to create a future generation that is more caring and compassionate.
G Therapy is a pioneering treatment for a variety of Neuro-developmental disabilities like Cerebral Palsy, Mental Subnormality, etc. Invented by Dr. Gunvant Oswal, an integrated practitioner in Ayurveda and Allopathy, the treatment involves intake of a special combination of herbal extracts in potentised form and salts of body. Today management of such patients mainly depends upon assistive technology - speech therapy, behavioral therapy, occupational therapy, counseling, symptomatic drug therapy for convulsions, involuntary movements etc. and surgery for corrective measures.
Metabolic Amino Acid Therapy now used extensively in Russia, is a method of treating brain damage and brain abnormality developed by Professor Alexander Khokhtov, a Russian Professor of biochemistry and neurology .
Acupuncture is an ancient oriental healing art in which a doctor places needles in various points on the body surface. These needles are placed along 'energy meridians' and help to break up energy blockages so that a healthy flow of energy may resume. Chinese medicine holds that interruptions in the body's energy flow cause a myriad of ailments, particularly if they are not addressed for long periods of time. By releasing energy blockages which are congesting certain joints or organs, relief is achieved. By the same token, resuming energy supplies to organs which were being deprived allows overall health to be regained.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) guarantees all children with disability from birth through 21 years of age to a “free appropriate public education”. This article highlights the process of acquiring special education services for children age 3 or older. (For children less than 3 years of age, please refer to the IFSP). More specifically, what is an IEP, who can be involved, and how to develop a good individual education plan. We have extensively used the Parents Helping Parents Training for IEP and “Educating Children with Disability” booklet by Channing L. Bete Co., as our source of information along with some personal experience.
This article talks about facilitating oral motor development in children with oral motor/sensory deficits.
Parent Child Interaction Therapy is a parent-training program developed by Dr.Sheila Eyeberg and colleagues to treat children with conduct problem behavior and their families. The treatment is designed to help parents build a warm and responsive relationship with their child and to help parents manage their child's behavior more effectively. Parent child Interaction Therapy is based on the assumption that improving the parent child interaction will result in improvement in both child and family functioning.
Your child may benefit from GFCF Diet if you see one or more of these signs: 1) When the child self limits his diet especially to milk and wheat( its like a biological addiction) 2) When the child eats unusually large or small amount of food. Large amount may suggest that child thinks eating makes him feel good because of opiates, so he should eat.Small amount suggest many foods make him sick so he tries to avoid eating. 3) Extremely dry skin. 4) Migraine 5) Red cheeks and ears. 6) Abnormal bowel movement. 7) Abnormal sleep patterns. 8) Seizures
By Linda Groves Gillespie and Nancy L. Seibel What is self-regulation and why is it important? In the report From Neurons to Neighborhoods: The Science of Early Childhood Development, Shonkoff and Phillips (2000) define self-regulation as a child’s ability to gain control of bodily functions, manage powerful emotions, and maintain focus and attention. The growth of self-regulation is a cornerstone of early childhood development and is visible in all areas of behavior (Shonkoff & Phillips 2000). When caring for an infant or toddler, parents and caregivers act as extensions of or supports for the child’s internal ability to regulate. The adults put a young baby’s pacifier back in her mouth, provide a soft blanket for a toddler falling asleep, and use consistent routines to support self regulation by helping very young children know what to expect. Feeding is one example of a daily routine that adults structure for infants and toddlers. The feeding process requires several aspects of self-regulation. Physically, it requires a baby to suck, swallow, and breathe. Emotionally, a baby’s cries signal her distressed reaction to hunger. Cognitively, a baby attends to the task of feeding long enough to become full. Imagine the three scenarios that follow.
Six Core Strengths for Healthy Child Development By Bruce D. Perry, M.D., Ph.D. The Child Trauma Academy This series is designed as supplemental material for The ChildTrauma Academy’s video/DVD series Understanding Traumatized and Maltreated Children: The Core Concepts. These materials have been developed by the ChildTrauma Academy to assist parents, caregivers, teachers and various professionals working with maltreated and traumatized children. Continuing Education credits can be given for reviewing these materials. Please refer to the Introduction chapter for more information about additional supplemental resources and CEU credits.
Mom, Jayashree Srikanth lists the top ten things to remember when you are considering home schooling for your child.
A first hand account of the pros and cons of home schooling by moms.
Accupressure is a science that deals with the human body and the flow of natural energy within the body. It is a science, and there is nothing supernatural or magical about acupressure. This medical science is practiced with the use of only one human tool: the thumb. Pressure is applied on different 'pressure points' on the body, stimulating the corresponding glands of the body.
Children with cerebral palsy have an impairment in the area of the brain that controls movement and muscle tone. Many of these youngsters have normal intelligence, even though they have difficulty with motor control and movement. The condition causes different types of motor disability, which can vary from quite mild and barely noticeable to very profound. Depending on the severity of the problem, a child with cerebral palsy may simply be a little clumsy or awkward, or he may be unable to walk. Cerebral palsy is caused by malformation or damage to the brain, usually during pregnancy, but occasionally during delivery, or immediately after birth.
Tics are rapid, repetitive movements or vocal utterances. They may be motor (like excessive eye blinking) or vocal (such as a habitual cough or chronic repetitive throat clearing noises), chronic (continuing throughout childhood), or transient (lasting less than 1–2 years). In children who eventually develop tic disorders and ADHD, the ADHD usually develops 2 to 3 years before the tics.
A child with ADHD and a coexisting disruptive behavior disorder is likely to be similar to children with ADHD alone in terms of intelligence, medical history, and neurological development. Disruptive behavior disorders are among the easiest to identify of all coexisting conditions because they involve behaviors that are readily seen such as temper tantrums, physical aggression such as attacking other children, excessive argumentativeness, stealing, and other forms of defiance or resistance to authority. He is probably no more impulsive than children with ADHD alone, although if he has conduct disorder, his teachers or other adults may misinterpret his aggressive behavior as ADHD-type impulsiveness.
The number of children with PDD and ADHD is difficult to determine because children with PDD alone often have elements of impulsiveness and hyperactivity. A child with PDD may also have mental retardation, but even if he does not, his PDD is likely to prevent him from participating fully socially and in many school and home activities.
Communication disorders—conditions that interfere with communications with others in everyday life—involve not only the ability to appreciate language sounds (phonologic awareness) but also to acquire, recall, and use vocabulary (semantics) and to deal with word order and appropriately form or comprehend sentences (syntax).
Motor skills disorder, also known as developmental coordination disorder, is diagnosed when motor skills problems significantly interfere with academic achievement or activities of daily living. Motor skills disorder involves a developmental delay of movement and posture that leaves children with coordination substantially below that of others of their age and intelligence level.
Learning disabilities are generally thought of as a child’s failure to develop specific academic skills at the expected level in spite of adequate intelligence and education.
Parents typically don't know, for instance, that once their child reaches adulthood at 18, the law does not allow anyone else to make medical decisions for them without a legal document in place naming a medical guardian, Vogel says. Otherwise, if the disabled adult is developmentally incapable, the hospital or the state will make those decisions. There's a growing effort to make parents aware of special-needs planning, including workshops sponsored by support and advocacy groups, school districts, and financial-service companies.
