What causes Prader-Willi syndrome? Most individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) have a deletion of several genes on chromosome 15. The deletion occurs in the chromosome 15 contributed by the father. If an individual does not have a deletion, he or she may have two chromosome 15s, both of which have been contributed by the mother.… Read more Prader-Willi Syndrome
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Positive Parenting
Positive Parenting is a way to parent your child that focuses more on your child’s positive behaviors rather than on your child’s problem behaviors. Things to do: Praise your child and tell him exactly what you like about his behavior. “I like how you cleaned up your toys!” Ignore minor negative behaviors such as whining… Read more Positive Parenting
Peer-Based Intervention and Autism Spectrum Disorders (for teachers)
Peer-based interventions are evidence-based practices that teach strategies to typically developing peers for facilitating social interactions with children on the autism spectrum. Peer-based interventions can be used to target communication skills, interpersonal skills, and play skills. The effects of these types of interventions often are beneficial for both the student with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)… Read more Peer-Based Intervention and Autism Spectrum Disorders (for teachers)
Parenting a Child With a Disability
The Day the World Changed When parents first learn that their child has a disability, they may experience feelings of grief. Parents often describe a sense of sadness and a feeling that the dreams they held for their child have been lost. Grief has many stages and may include a wide range of negative feelings.… Read more Parenting a Child With a Disability
Getting Outdoors
Children and adults with disabilities and their families will benefit from time spent outside in a number of ways. Research has shown children who regularly play outdoors tend to be less stressed and more creative, which ultimately can lead to happier, healthier, and more confident children. Time in nature also can encourage a sense of… Read more Getting Outdoors
Oral Health for Children With Disabilities
Taking good care of the teeth and gums is critical to a person’s overall health. Healthy teeth and gums allow people to chew food, speak properly, avoid pain and tooth loss, smile, and feel good about themselves. Children with disabilities are almost twice as likely to have unmet oral health care needs than their peers… Read more Oral Health for Children With Disabilities
Nutrition and Children With Disabilities
What nutritional concerns are common in children with disabilities? Many children with disabilities have health issues that can impact their nutritional well-being and eating habits. This makes meeting your child’s nutritional needs even more important. Some issues that might affect your child include: Slower oral-motor development Larger tongues, smaller teeth, challenges with chewing Food texture… Read more Nutrition and Children With Disabilities
Connecting Individuals With Disabilities With Meaningful Employment (for Faith Communities)
The overall unemployment rate for individuals with disabilities is 10.1% (U.S. Dept. of Labor, Feb. 2022), and according to a report from the President’s Committee for People With Intellectual Disabilities (2004), individuals with severe disabilities, such as an intellectual disability or autism, the unemployment rate fluctuates between 80-90%. It is clear that individuals with disabilities… Read more Connecting Individuals With Disabilities With Meaningful Employment (for Faith Communities)
Autism Tip Sheet (for Librarians)
What is autism? Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the early brain development of 1 out of 36 children. The primary characteristics of an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are: Impaired social relating and reciprocity. Impaired use of multiple nonverbal behaviors such as eye contact, facial expression, and gestures. Failure to develop peer relationships or… Read more Autism Tip Sheet (for Librarians)
Including Students with Multiple/Severe Disabilities in the General Education Classroom
Meaningful Participation Every student has the right to actively participate in natural settings within their school and community. In education, inclusion means educating students with disabilities among their peers without disabilities to the greatest extent possible. Inclusion in the general education classroom provides all students the opportunity to participate, learn, and feel a sense of… Read more Including Students with Multiple/Severe Disabilities in the General Education Classroom