1. Keep a regular bedtime schedule including weekends and holidays where possible. Children sleep better when they have a consistent bedtime and wake time every day. Staying up late during the weekend and then trying to catch up on sleep by sleeping in can throw off a child’s sleep schedule for several days. 2. Make sure the child knows that they should not disturb other members of their family until after an acceptable time. 3. […]
U.S. education system is failing students with special needs. by Sarah Butrymowicz and Jackie Mader As a teenager, Michael McLaughlin wanted to go to college. He had several disabilities, including dyslexia and bipolar disorder, which threatened to make the road ahead more difficult. He sometimes had trouble paying attention in class and understanding directions. He also had an IQ of 115 — on the upper ranges of what is considered average. With help, he should […]
There are federal and state programs committed to providing additional assistance for families with special needs. As a military family, you also can count on the support of the Exceptional Family Member Program, or EFMP, and Military OneSource special needs specialty consultants. Supplemental Security Income Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, is a federal program that helps to covers the basic needs for people with disabilities who have little or no income. SSI provides cash payments […]
The sexuality of people with Down syndrome is often overlooked. It is still common to believe that they are not interested in sex, and therefore it is unnecessary to talk to them about it. Yet people with Down syndrome have sexual and emotional needs and desires, and they often have the urge to be in a relationship. An appropriate education can enable your child to develop their sexuality in a healthy and satisfying manner. It […]
As recommended by the National Council on Disability (NCD), all U.S. dental schools must now revamp their curricula and training programs to be inclusive of patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD). The Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) recently passed votes requiring dental schools to now train their students in managing treatment of patients with ID/DD. Previously, patients with ID/DD were largely unable to obtain dental care treatment because dental students were simply not required […]
