10 Things Parents of Children with Developmental Disabilities Should Know

Featured: 10 Things Parents of Children with Developmental Disabilities Should Know June 2015 Understanding Developmental Disabilities. Developmental disabilities are a group of conditions with a variety of causes that include language, behavioral, physical and mental impairments. About 15 percent of children aged 3 through 17 years old have one or more disabilities that began during the developmental period of a child’s life and will usually last through their lifetime. Developmental disabilities are divided into specific conditions, including: Autism spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, Down syndrome and others. These types of disabilities may cause limitations in major life activities such as caring for oneself, learning or living independently. Kids with developmental disabilities experience delays in reaching milestones such as taking first steps, smiling and learning to speak, or show other signs. Children should be monitored by their parents and primary care providers for possible developmental disabilities. If you or your child’s doctor has concerns about the child’s growth, he or she should be screened for developmental disabilities at 9, 18 and 24 or 30 months old. Essential Early Interventions. While not all children meet each developmental milestone at the same pace, extreme delays in reaching these markers may be a sign of a developmental disability. Parents should learn the signs of childhood development so they can act early if they are concerned. Families on Medicaid can take advantage of the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment program. Seeking services as soon as possible about possible developmental disabilities means your child will receive essential early interventions. Early interventions are intended for infants and toddlers who have a developmental delay or disability that is determined by evaluating the child. When the early intervention system receives a referral about a child with a suspected disability or delay, there are 45 days to complete critical steps. Learn how your state defines developmental delays so you can get the best possible treatment as soon as possible. Find your state’s early intervention contact to get the process started and familiarize yourself with key terms and language. Special Education and Related Services. Students with developmental disabilities may be eligible for special education and related services that provide Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). The Center for Parent Information and Resources breaks the IEP process down into 10 basic steps. A teacher, parent or doctor noting that a child struggles in the classroom will kick off the referral process for an IEP, during which the student is evaluated with parental consent. The update to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) made parents a member of their child’s education team. Now, within 30 days of your child becoming eligible, you can partner with the school to develop an IEP that outlines goals and supports to help your child succeed. Assistive technology is often used in the classroom to benefit students of all ages with a developmental disability. For more information, Understood.org’s extensive section on school and learning has details on your child’s rights in the classroom, choosing or changing schools, tutoring and more. If you still have questions about special education read “Questions Often Asked by Parents about Special Education Services.”

Police Make Video to Help Teen with Down Syndrome Battling Cancer Meet Taylor Swift

By Kathy Ehrich Dowd from People:

Taylor Swift, we hope you're reading.

A 13-year-old superfan who has Down syndrome and is battling cancer really wants to meet her idol, and a police department that knows a thing or two about the power of the Internet has made a video that they hope will make her dream come true.

Delaware's Dover Police Department made international headlines in January when Officer Jeff Davis was recorded jovially lip-synching to "Shake It Off" while driving his cruiser.

The viral smash earned the approval of the pop star herself, who re-Tweeted the department's video. Her record company even sent the department tickets to the upcoming Taylor Swift concerts in Philadelphia on June 12 and 13.

Fan letters poured into the police department from all around the world, but one standout note hit close to home: The mother of Victoria Marsh of Middletown, Delaware, wrote to the officers and told them about her daughter, a dedicated Swiftie who has Down syndrome and was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer, in December.

SUPPORT THE DRAFT INCLUSIVE EDUCATION POLICY STATEMENT FROM THE U.S. DEPARTMENTS OF EDUCATION AND HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

ATTENTION DOWN SYNDROME ADVOCATES

SUPPORT THE DRAFT INCLUSIVE EDUCATION POLICY STATEMENT FROM THE U.S. DEPARTMENTS OF EDUCATION AND HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

The U.S. Departments of Education and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently released a draft policy statement on the inclusion of young children with disabilities in high-quality inclusive early childhood programs, and they are seeking public comment.  This policy statement will send a message to states and districts that inclusive early education provides significant benefits to all young children, both with and without disabilities. This argument may also be extended toward inclusiveness in all phases of a person’s lifespan.

Princess Diana and her godchild Domenica

from Hellow Magazine:

Princess Diana would be thrilled to have a granddaughter, according to her close friend Rosa Monckton. Shortly after hearing the news that Prince William and Kate Middleton, had welcomed a baby girl, the British businesswoman and campaigner took to Twitter to say how much her late friend would have loved the new arrival.

"How Diana would have loved a grand daughter," she simply wrote to her 2,280 followers.

How Diana would have loved a grand daughter.

— Rosa Monckton (@MoncktonR) May 2, 2015

The 61-year-old, who was the CEO of Asprey & Garrard until 2002, went on to retweet and respond to those who agreed with her on the social media site.

Rosa also uploaded a photo her daughter Domenica Lawson, who has Down's Syndrome, and who Diana was a devoted godmother to until her death in 1997.

Here is Diana with Domenica. pic.twitter.com/NB1LQGz2vw

— Rosa Monckton (@MoncktonR) May 3, 2015

This is not the first time that Rosa has spoken about the kind of grandmother Diana would have been. Back in July 2013 when William and Kate became parents to Prince George, Rosa wrote a piece for the Daily Mail saying Diana would have "relished the role."

'Time stood still': Students elect girl with Down syndrome as prom queen

By Katie Lamb ~ Southeast Missourian

Carley House is always looking for ways to help her family and friends, whether it be caring for them when they're sick or putting a smile on their faces with her sense of humor.

So, at Cape Girardeau Central High School's senior prom April 25, Carley's friends repaid that kindness.
As Carley stood on stage, wearing a long coral dress, her name was announced as this year's prom queen. The crowd roared with excitement.
"It was like time stood still," said Carley's mother, Tamilla House, as she recalled the moment. "When they called her name, it was like my focus was just on her. Like I was right there, up on stage with her, sharing in her excitement."
Carley, 18, has Down syndrome. And while she mostly attends a special needs classroom in high school, she also was in classrooms with all students from kindergarten through junior high.
"This allowed her to form true friendships and unique bonds with many students in her grade," Tamilla said. "Carley has maintained those friendships throughout the years."

A couple weeks before prom, seniors were using social media as a way to encourage others to nominate Carley for prom queen court.
"My heart melted just reading those (posts)," Tamilla said.