Epilepsy

The epilepsies are a spectrum of brain disorders ranging from severe, life-threatening and disabling, to ones that are much more benign. In epilepsy, the normal pattern of neuronal activity becomes disturbed, causing strange sensations, emotions, and behavior or sometimes convulsions, muscle spasms, and loss of consciousness. The epilepsies have many possible causes and there are several types of seizures. Anything that disturbs the normal pattern of neuron activity—from illness to brain damage to abnormal brain […]

Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is a disorder of movement, muscle tone or posture that is caused by an insult to the immature, developing brain, most often before birth. Signs and symptoms appear during infancy or preschool years. In general, cerebral palsy causes impaired movement associated with exaggerated reflexes, floppiness or rigidity of the limbs and trunk, abnormal posture, involuntary movements, unsteadiness of walking, or some combination of these. One third of all patients with CP are likely […]

Autism

Autism, also known as ASD, is a spectrum of disorders that causes impairment in social interaction, as well as the presence of repetitive, restricted behaviors and interests. It is usually first diagnosed in early childhood. The term spectrum refers to the wide range of symptoms, skills, and levels of impairment that those with ASD can have. Some are mildly impaired by their symptoms, while others are severely disabled. (NIH/The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences […]

Designing a Child-centered and Accessible Home

By Deborah Pierce, AIA, CAPS In the accessible home, disabilities become abilities because barriers cease to exist. This is the possibility of the accessible home. Photos by: Kathy Tarantola Every parent is exceptional! Our kids challenge us to expand our limits – to be more patient, more tactful, more generous, and, when circumstances call for it, fiercer advocates. We juggle our jobs, housekeeping tasks, and care-giving with all the grace and intelligence we can muster. […]