Mental Retardation affects people by delays in learning and difficulty in applying learning. Mental retardation can result from a variety of factors, among them premature birth, genetic abnormalities, malnutrition, exposure to toxic agents and social deprivation.
Cerebral Palsy is a group of conditions that result in limited or abnormal functioning in the parts of the brain that control movement. Cp usually is caused by brain injury before or during birth. People with CP primarily have difficulty with muscular coordination. They also may have seizures or be unable to see, speak, hear or learn as other people do. United Cerebral Palsy (UCPA) offers a web site at, www.mychildwithoutlimits.org. that provides information and resources for parents on early intervention, treatment options, education planning, family support and much more.
Epilepsy applies to numerous nervous system disorders that result in abnormal electrical discharges of brain cells. This produces seizures that may cause convulsive movements, or partial or total loss of consciousness. With medication, most people with this condition lead normal lives.
Autism is a lifelong neurological disorder that affects a person’s ability to communicate, reason and interact with others. It is a spectrum disorder that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees, and is often found in combination with other disabilities. There are 5 disorders under the Pervasive Development Disorder (PPD).
Rett’s Disorder where children begin developing regularly during the first 5 to 18 months of life. Then the child’s head circumference begins to shrink, Social, motor, language and cognitive skills that the child has acquired degenerate. The child develops unique hand movements: wringing hands, repetitive washing and placing them in their mouth.
Autistic Disorder occurs when a child has difficulties in social interaction and understanding, language skills and repetitive behaviors or interests. These differences must be evident before the age of three.
Childhood Disintegrative Disorder occurs when children between the ages of 2 and 10 regress in language, motor and social abilities. They will display the three traits of autism: difficulties with social and language skills and repetitive behaviors or interests.
Asperger Disorder is characterized by a person having difficulties with social interactions and repetitive behavior or interests. The person will have an IQ in the normal or above normal range. They may have great vocabulary but difficulty conversing.
Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not otherwise Specified(PPD-NOS) People exhibit sings from other disorders in this category but do not exactly fit based on the established characteristics.
Autism and Your Church by Barb Newman is an excellent resource for nurturing the spiritual growth of people with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Available at www.Friendship.org or 1-888-866-8966.
In WNY: Autistic Services, 4444 Bryant Stratton Way in Williamsville provides a lending library of resources www.autisticservices.org or a community site www.friendsofasi.org
Monica Moshenko, coordinates a website to educate people about autism. Visit www.disabilitynewsradio.com
Traumatic brain injury is caused by an injury to the brain and central nervous system that considerably limits a person’s development, understanding, memory, attention span, fine muscle control, use of language or ability to adjust to new situations.
Baker Victory Services Educational Services has an Early Childhood Program provides early intervention and services for children from birth through age two, and preschool services for children ages three to five. Care may include: speech/language therapy, occupational/physical therapy, family education, and/or special education. Services may be provided in the home, day care, or preschool. Full- or half-day special education is offered in an integrated setting. Therapies aim to treat delays early, allowing youths to reach a level of skills appropriate to their age. A key component to any treatment is family involvement. Parents are instructed about their child's specific areas of delay, and on the best ways to help. The Early Childhood Program's work is centered around the "whole child," including both instruction and play time. The focus is not just on academics, but on appropriate ways to interact with others, solve problems, and resolve conflicts with other children. Visit www.bakervictoryservices.org or call (716) 828-9560 for more information.
National Apostolate for Inclusion Ministry is a national group that supports inclusion of persons with mental retardation into the Catholic Church Visit www.NAFIM.org for more information.
We are blessed with an amazing number of service providers in Western New York, explore what is available at www.ddawny.org