Category: Featured Topics

Study Finds Facial Analysis Software Able to Identify Patients with Williams-Beuren Syndrome

Featured Topics, Healthcare, Intellectual Disability, Rare Genetic Disorders 06/01/201805/27/2018 admin

A new study has shown that researchers have successfully used facial analysis technology and clinical information to successfully identify patients with Williams-Beuren syndrome, a rare condition that causes cardiovascular problems and intellectual disability. Though Williams-Beuren syndrome is a genetic condition, most case are not inherited. It affects about 1 in 7,500 to 10,000 people. People with the condition have distinctive facial features including puffiness around the eyes, a short nose with a broad tip, full […]

Understanding Your Child’s Medications

eParent Connect, Featured Topics, Healthcare 05/31/201805/28/2018 admin

By Caitlin Hoff As a parent or caretaker of a child with special needs, it can sometimes be overwhelming to speak with doctors or healthcare professionals. In the beginning, the medical jargon can seem like a foreign language preventing you from fully understanding the situation your child is in. It can be incredibly overwhelming when you simply want to know that your child is safe and in good hands. Over time, however, this dialogue will […]

Let’s Get Moving! Providing movement within a wheelchair seating system

eParent Connect, Featured Topics, Mobility 05/25/201805/25/2018 admin

by Michelle L. Lange, OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS  One disadvantage of wheelchair seating is that it doesn’t move. As a result, the child doesn’t move – unless they move out of an optimal position. Lack of movement leaves the child in a static sitting position for extended periods of time. This can lead to range of motion losses, increased pressure, agitation, fatigue, and discomfort. Movement, on the other hand, can decrease agitation, increase alertness, provide sensory […]

Children with special needs can be an asset to society – our cafe proves it

ADHA, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Dyslexia, eParent Connect, Epilepsy, Featured Topics, Intellectual Disability, Learning Disabilities 05/23/201805/21/2018 admin

BY Lucy Beattie When I was approached about working in a special needs school my first thoughts were, I’m not sure I could do that, I’m not sure I want to work with unresponsive children, in an environment full of medical needs and where children dribble as they eat, in a school at the top of the hill that most local residents don’t even realise is there. Having now worked in Three Ways school for […]

Swimming Lessons May Be A Life-saver For Children With Autism

Autism, eParent Connect, Featured Topics 05/15/201805/15/2018 admin

By Tim Newman A recent study investigating injury mortality in people with autism spectrum disorders delivers some surprising and disturbing results. According to the authors, swimming lessons for children with an autism diagnosis should be a priority. Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are characterized by a difficulty with social interactions, communication problems, and repetitive behaviors. They are estimated to affect around 1 in 68 children. Above and beyond the symptoms of ASD, individuals with a diagnosis […]