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RESOURCES |
COMMON TYPES OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
A developmental disability is
a severe, chronic disability that is manifested before age 22 and is
likely to continue indefinitely. Listed here are some common types of
developmental disabilities and organizations where additional
information on each one may be obtained.
Note: The inclusion of a website
on this list should not be considered an endorsement of it by the
Belmont County Board of Developmental Disabilities.
AUTISM
“Autism is a bio-neurological developmental disability that generally
appears before the age of 3. Autism impacts the normal development of
the brain in the areas of social interaction, communication skills, and
cognitive function. Individuals with autism typically have difficulties
in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure
or play activities.” (Source: National Autism Association)
National Autism Association
http://www.nationalautismassociation.org/index.php
Autism Society of
Autism Speaks
First Signs
National
Asperger Syndrome Information and Support
Asperger Syndrome Education Network (
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CEREBRAL PALSY
Cerebral Palsy is a “ term used to describe a
chronic condition affecting body and/or limb movement and the control of
muscle tone and coordination. It is caused by damage to one or more
specific areas of the brain during periods of brain development; there
is usually no damage to the sensory or motor nerves controlling the
muscles. The brain damage is not progressive; however, the
characteristics of disabilities resulting from brain damage often change
over time.” (Source: United Cerebral Palsy)
United Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy and Special Needs Children’s
Organization
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/dd/ddcp.htm
Other
http://www.1800wheelchair.com/news/post/cerebral-palsy-information.aspx
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DIABETES
American Diabetes Association
Diabetes Public Health Resource
Health through the Internet
National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse
www.diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/resources
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DOWN SYNDROME
Down Syndrome (trisomy 21) is a
chromosomal disorder caused by the presence of an extra 21st
chromosome. It is characterized by a combination of major and minor
differences in structure. It is often associated with some impairment of
cognitive ability and physical growth, as well as facial appearance.
National Down Syndrome Society
Health Related problems related to Down Syndrome
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EPILEPSY
Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes people to have recurring
seizures.
Epilepsy Foundation
www.epilepsyfoundation.org/answerplace/faq.cfm
Nutrition
www.epilepsyfoundation.org/answerplace/Medical/treatment/diet
Medication
www.epilepsyfoundation.org/answerplace/Medical/treatment/medications/
Syndromes
www.epilepsyfoundation.org/about/types/syndromes/index.cfm
Nat’l
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
www.mayoclinic.com/print/epilepsy/DS00342/DSECTION=all&METHOD=PRINT
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FETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROME
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a pattern of mental and physical defects
which develops in some unborn babies when the mother drinks alcohol
during pregnancy.
National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
http://www.fascenter.samhsa.gov/
Family Resource Institute
http://www.fetalalcoholsyndrome.org/
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fas/default.htm
Organization of Teratology Information Services
www.otispregnancy.org/otis_downloads.asp
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FRAGILE X SYNDROME
“Fragile X Syndrome (FXS), the most common cause of
inherited mental
impairment. This impairment can range from learning disabilities to more
severe cognitive or intellectual disabilities. FXS is the most common
known cause of autism or "autistic-like" behaviors. Symptoms also
can include characteristic physical and behavioral features and delays
in speech and language development.”
(Source: National Fragile X Foundation)
National Fragile X Foundation
National
www.nichd.nih.gov/publicatoins/pubs/fragileX/index.htm
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INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY
“Intellectual disability is a disability characterized by significant
limitations both in intellectual functioning and in adaptive behavior as
expressed in conceptual, social, and practical adaptive skills.” (Source: AAIDD)
“The
term intellectual disability covers the same population of individuals
who were diagnosed previously with mental retardation in number, kind,
level, type, and duration of the disability and the need of people with
this disability for individualized services and supports. Furthermore,
every individual who is or was eligible for a diagnosis of mental
retardation is eligible for a diagnosis of intellectual disability.” (Source: AAIDD)
American Association of Intellectual & DD
ARC
The Council for Exceptional Children
http://www.nichcy.org/index.html
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TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is caused by a blow or jolt to the head or
a penetrating head injury that disrupts the function of the brain.
National Institutes of Health
www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/tbi/tbi.htm
Centers for Disease Control
Brain Injury Association of
INTERVENTION
American Occupational Therapy Association - TBI – Effects and
Intervention
www.aota.org/Consumers/Tips/Conditions/TBI/35199.aspx
TBI PREVENTION
Reuters Health - Helmets Protect Skiers, Snowboarders from Head
Injury
www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_62260.html
CDC Heads Up: Preventing Brain Injuries
www.cdc.gov/ncipc/pub_res/tbi-toolkit/patients/preventing/htm
FOR CHILDREN
National Institutes of Health – Shaken Baby Syndrome
www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/shakenbaby/shakenbaby.htm
Think First National Injury Prevention Foundation
SENIORS
Centers for Disease Control – Preventing TBI in
Older Adults
www.cdc.gov/braininjuryinseniors/images/pdfs/PreventingBrainInjury_Booklet-508-080227.pdf
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PRADER-WILLI SYNDROME (PWS)
Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is the most common known genetic cause of
life-threatening obesity in children.
Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is an uncommon genetic disorder. It causes
poor muscle tone, low levels of sex hormones and a constant feeling of
hunger. The part of the brain that controls feelings of fullness or
hunger does not work properly in people with PWS. They overeat, leading
to obesity.
Babies with PWS are usually floppy, with poor muscle tone, and have
trouble sucking. Later, other signs appear. These include
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Short stature
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Poor motor skills
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Weight gain
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Underdeveloped sex organs
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Mild mental retardation and learning disabilities
Prader-Willi Syndrome Association (
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