601 likes | 2.91k Views
Children with Disabilities. Types and Characteristics. 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.
E N D
Children with Disabilities Types and Characteristics
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 • Physical • Mental / Cognitive • Emotional • Health Related
Physical Disabilities • May be: • Congenital (defect or damage to a developing fetus) • Result of Injury • Result 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 unsure • Early intervention is best • Children with mental disabilities learn and respond best when they know what to expect • Directions should be simple and direct • Show 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 • Guilt • Sadness • Anger • Frustration
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.
End of Lecture Assignment … You have the choice of three different options. Choose one of the three.