TYPES AND CHARACTERISTICS

Children with Disabilities

Children With Disabilities

Disability—if development or abilities are far below average in one or more areas

The attitude of parents toward a child with a disability shapes that child’s future

Children with Disabilities

Help the child become as independent as possible and accept the limitations they cannot overcome.

Never pity, resent or overprotect as it will hinder emotional and social development.

Children With Disabilities

PhysicalMental / CognitiveEmotionalHealth Related

Physical Disabilities

May be:Congenital (defect or damage to a

developing fetus)Result of InjuryResult of Illness

Physical Disabilities

May also include:Sensory impairments

Visual impairment means total or partial loss of sight. Includes color blindness.

Hearing impairment means total or partial loss of hearing.NOTE: Some do not believe that being

deaf is a disability Deaf culture.

Physical Disabilities

Seek a complete diagnosis as you as you suspect a physical disability

Early diagnosis and treatment help children reach their potential

Physical Disabilities

Keys to help learn independence: special exercises, special equipment, understanding, and patience.

Self-care skills are necessary to independence: eating, dressing, bathing, and using the toilet

Mental Disabilities

Mental disability refers to limitations in the way a person’s mind functions

Mental Disabilities

Diagnoses can be done early but is unsureEarly intervention is best Children with mental disabilities learn and

respond best when they know what to expectDirections should be simple and directShow the child what to do and repeat the

directions many times

Mental Disabilities

The goal is to help them become as independent as possible

Being accepted by others is also very important

Autism

Wide range of behavior

Tend to be focused on one thing to the exclusion of others

Treatment = individual attention, small groups, patience

Taylor Crowe

Learning Disabilities

A limitation in the way a person’s brain sorts and uses information

A specific limitation in acquiring certain types of information

Dyslexia

A disability with reading, often sees letters or words in an order different than they actually appear

1st step diagnosis, ideally before school

Work with a specialist, treat or learn to compensate

ADHD

Less able to focus on an activity for a long period of time, they are easily distracted by other people and activities A lifelong condition that

cannot be cured, but can be treated

For effective treatment both medication and structure (behavior training)

Emotional Disabilities

When a child’s behavior prevents typical development or disturb the lives of family members

Usually becomes more noticeable and disturbing over time.

Parents may feel ashamed to ask for help

Emotional Disabilities

Behavioral Therapist—a professional trained in helping people work through emotional problems.

Choose a therapist you can trust and feel comfortable with

Treatment = spend individual time with the child, or introduce the child to a special activity such as gymnastics or music.

Raising a child with disabilities

GuiltSadnessAngerFrustration

Raising a child with disabilities

As much as possible parents should treat them just like any other children—especially in love and discipline

Raising a child with disabilities

Nondisabled children may feel resentful when the family makes special arrangements for the disabled child

Raising a child with disabilities

What parents can do:

Explain nature of disability

Balance needs of all children

Raising a child with disabilities

Help parents find tools to meet the emotional needs of their children.

Giving the children inner strength, patience, courage, they need to cope with the disabilities

Raising a child with disabilities

Support groups—gather for comfort, advice, and solutions to everyday problems.

Keep parents up to date on research and treatment options.

ASSIGNMENT … YOU HAVE THE CHOICE OF THREE DIFFERENT OPTIONS. CHOOSE

ONE OF THE THREE.

End of Lecture