Today is the last day to recognize Down Syndrome Awareness Month.
You can download a free printed copy of the Down syndrome fact sheet, providing information on the types, prevalence, definition, signs and symptoms, and teaching strategies. Further information includes a list of Down syndrome organizations and foundations.
Published by: Irish Mirror
Written by; Marguerite Kiely
The Covid-19 crisis has brought uncertainty into all our lives, with our day-to-day routine severely disrupted.
The autistic community, however, is particularly vulnerable to the huge change, as the loss of structure from their lives can be a source of enormous anxiety and distress.Adam Harris, founder and CEO of AsIAm, has revealed the issues autistic people face at this difficult time and what their parents can do to help.
He explained: “What we have seen over the last few weeks is the complete removal of routine. That’s a real challenge and there is a need to create a new structure as a result.
“For many autistic people going places may be a very important part of their routine. Maybe they go to a certain cafe on a particular day of the week or like to walk in the park every evening.
“All of those opportunities are being removed and it doesn’t just cause upset, it removes the certainty and predictability for the person.” Click here to read the rest of the story.
Hi Everyone, Like most people in the world, the COVID-19 Virus has greatly impacted my own little universe. Living in the epicenter of the virus at last count, almost 4,000 people in my county have tested positive. I too seek ways to live a normal life in these trying times. Its been very challenging to continue to write articles on special needs with so much is going on in the world.
Looking to see how I can help others during this time, I created COVID-19 virus page which I will continue to add more information as we learn more. I advise you to stay tune to both local news and get regular updates from the CDC as they update on a regular basis. If you are a reader from another County, please check on updates from your government on a regular basis.
Please all stay safe during these trying times, continue to help one another and we will come out from this better and stronger.
UNICEF- What parents should know
Community and Faith Based Leaders
Guidance for Schools and Childcare Programs
COVID-19 No Print Social Story
COVID 19 and Social distancing Story
Social Narrative for Autism
Schools can share relevant CDC fact sheets to help students, families, and staff understand COVID-19 along with steps they can take to protect themselves:
Best practices in using telemedicine for ADHD during the COVID-19 pandemic
How to help a child with autism adjust
Supporting families through COVID-19
CDC- Handwashing Training and Education-Includes lessons and activities for all ages including a 30-page PDF and age appropriate handwashing curriculum.
Free Printables– Activities from nourishinteractive.com, includes handwashing worksheets, lesson plans and a math sequencing worksheet that teaches the important steps to good handwashing techniques.
Kids Handwashing Coloring Page– Developed by Lancaster County Health Department including 2 coloring pages and instructions on how to wash your hands properly.
Teach-nology- A lesson plan for kids pre-school age which discusses germs and how germs make people sick.
Why We Wash Our Hands– From Florida Health Department for children ages 3-41/2. The lesson educates children on how to prevent common health problems by developing handwashing skills.
The following articles are links to articles specific to handwashing and the COVID-19 virus:
CDC- Handwashing and Prevention
Free Printable Money WorkSheets
Free Skip Counting by 5″s Worksheet
Published by: ADHD Man of DistrAction
Written by: Kelly Babcock
I’ve had ADHD all my life, I guess. Though, of course, when I was younger it would have been harder to detect, since both childhood and ADHD are afflictions denoted by being not completely developed yet.
The first sad thing about that statement is that it makes people think that we are childish.
The second, but bigger sad thing about that statement is that the childish thing is, though damned insulting, also accurate.
I mean, technically, of course.
There is a freedom of spirit that comes with ADHD that we enjoy and that others are attracted to. We attract people because we are fun and somewhat exciting to be around.
Life is not dull around us. A person with ADHD can be a vortex of activity, a tornado of plans and schemes and attempts at instant gratification, and impetuous sudden decisions to have fun in yet another way.
All of these things are exactly why children have so much fun. Click here to read the rest of the story
St. Patrick’s Day is finally here!! Did you know that St. Patrick’s day celebrates the Roman Catholic feast day of the patron saint of Ireland. One way to celebrate Here are some fun fine motor activities to do with your students. Children and adults with special needs often face challenges with coordination of the small muscles that affect writing, and grasping objects. These activities will help students both strengthen and maintain abilities in fine motor control and dexterity. The following are links to fine motor activities:
20 St. Patrick’s Day activities for kid’s fine motor and sensory skills– Growing hands on kids
33 St. Patrick’s Day crafts for kids that boost fine motor skills– Hands on As We Grow
Charmingly fun St. Patrick’s day fine motor- The Letters of Literacy
St. Patrick’s Day fine motor activities– Pink Oatmeal
St. Patrick Day fine motor activities– Pre K Pages
St. Patrick’s Day fine motor activities– Trillium Montessori
St. Patrick’s Day fine motor activities for kids– Little Bins, Little Hands
St. Patrick’s Day fine motor activities kids will love– STEAMsational
St. Patrick’s Day kids fine motor activities– Mess for Less
Sensory activities serve the purpose of supporting growth in the area of cognitive development and problem-solving. Sensory play focuses on stimulating the senses of touch sight, hearing and movement.
Sensational St. Patrick’s Day Sensory Activities- Letters of Literacy
St. Patrick’s Day sensory bin– Teaching Mama
St. Patrick’s Day Sensory Bin and Activities– Fantastic Fun and Learning
St. Patrick’s Day Sensory Jars– Fun Littles
St. Patrick’s Day sensory play– Fantastic Fun and Learning
St. Patrick’s Day sensory play and craft- No Time For Flashcards
Published by: Philly Voice
Written by: Tracey Romero
Primary care doctors need to more closely monitor the health risks of teenagers with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, particularly in regard to two classic teenage thrills – driving and sex, researchers say.
Children diagnosed with ADHD before age 10 are at increased risk for sexually-transmitted diseases and car accidents, previous research has shown. But a new Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia study found that only 1 in 2 teens with a history of ADHD receives a safe sex talk from their doctor. And far fewer discuss their readiness to drive. “Although doctors do a good job screening for many behavioral health risks, like suicide risk and depression, we need to be more aware of the dangers associated with driving and sexual health,” said Thomas Power, director of CHOP’s Center for Management of ADHD.
“For example, our previous research shows teens with ADHD are more likely to be involved in a car accident particularly in the first month after receiving their driver’s license, so this is definitely an issue that should be discussed with our patients.” Click here to read the rest of the story.
Want to learn more about Cerebral Palsy? The following is a fact sheet that provides information on the facts of cerebral palsy including the definition and the prevalence, signs, types, and causes.
The fact sheet also includes information on teaching strategies and organizational resources.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a group of disorders that affect a person’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture. It is the most common motor disability in childhood. It is estimated that an average of 1 in 345 children in the U.S. have cerebral palsy
The following are facts and statistics worldwide on cerebral palsy:
Resources
Cerebral Palsy Alliance-Australia
Cerebral Palsy Guidance
The Pace Centre Organization
Published by: Fox News
Written by: Meg Gatto
NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – The young dancers at the Martha Mayer School of Dance perfect their craft, nailing every step along the way. While the goal is to blend in with the team, there’s one person in the sea of black leotards who stands out because of what she’s had to overcome to get there. 21-year old Tess Landry is an assistant dance instructor at the Martha Mayer School of Dance. She also has down syndrome. “I love to dance so much and it makes me so happy and i just feel something in my heart from it,” said Landry. Tess’ mother, Angel Landry, said that enrolling her at the Martha Mayer School of Dance 18 years ago was a gamble and that they didn’t know if it would even work. Gina Iserman, co-owner of the School of Dance, however, said that Tess is just like everyone else. Click here to read the rest of the story.
Working with individuals- both children and adults diagnosed with self-injurious behaviors can be challenging at the very least. Some examples of self-injurious behaviors include head banging, handbiting, and excessive scratching. There are many reasons why a student or individual may cause self-injurious behaviors including the inability to communicate needs, the environment, sensory issues and physiological issues. The following are articles on identifying cause of self-injury and ways to prevent it.
Autism, head banging and other self-harming behaviors– Autism Parenting
3 techniques to stop self-injurious behavior of children with autism– Steinberg Behavior Solutions
6 Strategies for Addressing Self-Injurious Behaviors– Wonderbaby
Effective evidence-based strategies to minimize self-injurious behaviors in young children with autism- CSUSB Scholarworks
Essential guide to self-injurious behavior and autism– Research Autism
Head banging, self-injury and aggression in autism– Treat Autism
Self-injurious behavior in people with developmental disabilities-crisis prevention.com
Self-injury in patients with intellectual disabilities- Nursing2020
Understanding and treating self-injurious behavior– Autism Research Institute
Understanding self-injury among autistic individuals- Good Therapy
Understanding and Treating Self-Injurious Behavior
Understanding and Treating Self-Injurious Behavior
