by James T. Brett Recently, I met a young man with Down syndrome who is in a public school just outside Boston. He spends most of his days in regular classroom settings and receives some extra help through an adult classroom aide. His junior high school experience was a reminder of how much better things are for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, specifically more educational opportunities and better access to jobs, all leading to […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
