Category: Special Needs

Healthcare Extension and Accessibility for Developmentally disabled and Underserved Population Act of 2018

In The News, Intellectual Disability 08/16/2018 admin

The Healthcare Extension and Accessibility for Developmentally disabled and Under served Population Act of 2018, or HEADs UP Act, would designate people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) as a Medically Underserved Population (MUP) under the Health Services and Resources Administration (HRSA). People with I/DD experience poorer health, shortened life expectancies, and lack access to even the most basic forms of care when compared to the non-disabled population. A designation as a MUP would help […]

Should You Explain the Diagnosis to the Child?

Autism, eParent Connect, Featured Topics 08/14/201808/06/2018 admin

BY: Tony Attwood, Ph.D. The immediate answer is yes. Clinical experience indicates that it is extremely important that the diagnosis is explained as soon as possible and preferably before inappropriate compensatory mechanisms are developed. The child is then more likely to achieve self-acceptance, without unfair comparisons with other children, and be less likely to develop signs of an anxiety disorder, depression or conduct disorder. When and How do you Explain the Diagnosis? At what age […]

The Challenge of Physical Fitness for People with Autism

Autism, Featured Topics, Wellness 08/11/201808/11/2018 admin

Marina Sarris Interactive Autism Network ian@kennedykrieger.org You’ve probably seen the headlines: studies say that children and adults with autism are at risk for an inactive lifestyle and obesity. While the reasons are subject to debate, it’s clear that people with ASD often face unique challenges to physical fitness. The core features of autism – social, communication and behavior problems – can make joining a game of kickball at recess or playing tag with neighborhood kids […]

Health Disparities for Adults with IDD Make Inclusive Health a Worthy Goal

Education, Featured Topics, Intellectual Disability 08/08/2018 admin

By Janet Shouse Did you know that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities die an average of 16 years earlier than typical Americans? And unlike other Americans, women with IDD die earlier than men with IDD. This is not information any of us really want to hear. So why is this happening? We know that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have a higher rate of co-occurring physical disorders, such as epilepsy, chronic constipation, obesity, […]

What does a student with Asperger Syndrome need in a school program?

Autism, eParent Connect, Featured Topics 08/06/201808/01/2018 admin

BY: LYNDA GELLER, Ph.D. Anyone who knows many children and adults with Asperger Syndrome knows that every person’s manifestation of the condition is very different. While they share significant social disability, some are very successful academically, some struggle with accomplishing work; some have intense intellectual interests that lead them to career paths, and others have intense interests that seem to have no practical use; some have a few friendships, others are desperately alone and lonely. […]