Home Visits

Home Visit Best Practices: Using the Elevate AIDET Principle Acknowledge all family members. Knock, smile, make eye contact, and be pleasant. Introduce yourself and your role.  Duration. At the start, state how long the overall visit will take, and during the visit you may want to state the length of particular tasks. Explain all processes… Read more Home Visits

Accompanying an Individual to the Doctor

What is the reason for today’s visit? Adults with intellectual or other developmental disabilities may have difficulties explaining their symptoms or expressing pain, so the health care provider may have trouble determining the presence of an illness or injury. Having a direct support professional who knows the patient, knows how the patient communicates, and knows… Read more Accompanying an Individual to the Doctor

Confidentiality in Research

Confidentiality in Research at the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (VKC) The people who make up the VKC interact with individuals and families through research, clinical services, information and referral, and community involvement activities. Throughout these many forms of interaction, sharing of personal and private information is inevitable. In recognition of the many disciplines within the VKC… Read more Confidentiality in Research

Selecting a Behavioral Services Provider

When choosing a behavioral provider there are areas of consideration that will help you to make an effective selection. It is important to un­derstand the provider’s governing philosophy on behavior intervention and their qualifications. Searching and Qualifications A good place to start a search is by asking other families for recommendations. Autism support agencies often… Read more Selecting a Behavioral Services Provider

Angelman Syndrome

Angelman syndrome is a genetic disorder that causes developmental delay and neurological problems. Angelman syndrome is thought to occur in about 1 in 15,000 births. The United States and Canada have an estimated 5,000-10,000 individuals living with Angelman syndrome. What causes Angelman syndrome? Individuals with Angelman syndrome usually are missing a gene on the 15th… Read more Angelman Syndrome

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

ADHD occurs in 8% to 10% of school-age children. Primary characteristics include challenges with staying focused and paying attention, controlling behavior, and managing activity level. ADHD is about 3 times more common in boys than in girls and occurs across all racial, ethnic, and social groups.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention… Read more Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)