A developmental disorder affecting communication and behavior, with a broad range of symptoms.
Parental Advice
Key Tips for Parents:
- Establish consistent daily routines to provide security
- Use visual schedules and clear, simple language
- Celebrate small achievements and focus on strengths
- Create a sensory-friendly environment at home
- Join support groups to connect with other parents
- Work closely with therapists and implement strategies at home
Remember: Every child with autism is unique. What works for one may not work for another. Be patient and celebrate progress, no matter how small.
A genetic condition causing developmental delays and intellectual disabilities.
Parental Advice
Supporting Your Child:
- Start early intervention programs as soon as possible
- Encourage independence in daily tasks
- Use repetition and hands-on learning activities
- Maintain high expectations while being patient
- Regular health check-ups are essential
- Promote social interaction with peers
Remember: Children with Down syndrome can achieve incredible milestones with love, support, and appropriate interventions.
Conditions like dyslexia or dyscalculia that affect how a person understands or uses information.
Parental Advice
Home Support Strategies:
- Focus on strengths and build confidence
- Break tasks into smaller, manageable steps
- Use multi-sensory learning approaches
- Provide extra time for assignments
- Communicate regularly with teachers
- Use assistive technology when appropriate
Remember: Learning disabilities don't reflect intelligence. Many successful people have learning disabilities.
A neurodevelopmental disorder affecting attention, impulsivity, inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
Parental Advice
Managing ADHD at Home:
- Create structure with consistent schedules
- Set clear rules and expectations
- Use positive reinforcement frequently
- Provide opportunities for physical activity
- Minimize distractions during homework time
- Practice patience and avoid negative labels
Remember: ADHD children often have wonderful creativity and energy. Channel it positively!
A learning disability that affects the ability to write, impacting handwriting, spelling, and composition.
Parental Advice
Writing Support Tips:
- Practice fine motor skills through play (puzzles, building blocks)
- Use pencil grips and adaptive writing tools
- Allow use of computers/tablets for longer assignments
- Focus on content over handwriting quality
- Practice writing for short periods daily
- Encourage verbal expression of ideas first
Remember: Technology can be a great equalizer. Typing skills are valuable too!
Significant limitations in intellectual functioning and in adaptive behavior.
Parental Advice
Supporting Development:
- Set realistic, achievable goals
- Use concrete examples and hands-on learning
- Teach life skills systematically
- Provide plenty of practice and repetition
- Encourage social relationships
- Advocate for appropriate educational support
Remember: Focus on what your child can do, not what they can't. Progress is progress!
A group of disorders that affect a person's ability to move and maintain balance and posture.
Parental Advice
Daily Support:
- Follow therapy exercises at home consistently
- Use adaptive equipment as recommended
- Encourage participation in modified activities
- Make home environment accessible
- Regular medical follow-ups are crucial
- Promote independence where possible
Remember: Physical limitations don't limit potential. Many people with CP lead fulfilling, independent lives.
Difficulty producing speech sounds correctly or smoothly, including stuttering.
Parental Advice
Communication Support:
- Be patient and give time to speak
- Model correct speech without correcting directly
- Practice speech exercises recommended by therapist
- Read aloud together daily
- Avoid finishing sentences for them
- Reduce pressure and maintain eye contact
Remember: Your patience and encouragement are the best medicine for speech development.
Partial or total inability to hear, ranging from mild to profound deafness.
Parental Advice
Communication Tips:
- Face your child when speaking
- Use visual cues and gestures
- Ensure hearing aids/devices are properly maintained
- Learn and use sign language as a family
- Minimize background noise
- Advocate for accommodations in school
Remember: Deaf culture is rich and vibrant. Your child can thrive with the right support!
Reduced or complete inability to see, impacting learning and daily activities.
Parental Advice
Supporting Independence:
- Teach orientation and mobility skills
- Use tactile and auditory learning materials
- Keep home environment organized and consistent
- Encourage exploration safely
- Consider Braille learning if appropriate
- Use assistive technology (screen readers, etc.)
Remember: Vision loss doesn't limit intelligence or ability. With the right tools, anything is possible!
Conditions caused by abnormalities in a person's DNA, often presenting with a variety of symptoms.
Parental Advice
General Guidance:
- Work closely with medical team for specific needs
- Join support groups for your child's specific condition
- Stay informed about latest treatments
- Maintain detailed health records
- Focus on quality of life and capabilities
- Connect with other families facing similar challenges
Remember: You're not alone. Support networks can be invaluable.
A group of diseases that cause progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass.
Parental Advice
Care Strategies:
- Maintain physical therapy routines
- Adapt activities as abilities change
- Use mobility aids without hesitation
- Ensure adequate nutrition
- Regular cardiology check-ups are important
- Focus on emotional well-being
Remember: While challenging, many people with MD lead meaningful lives. Support and love matter most.
A learning disorder involving difficulty reading due to problems identifying speech sounds and learning how they relate to letters and words.
Parental Advice
Reading Support:
- Use multi-sensory reading programs
- Read together and use audiobooks
- Focus on comprehension, not just reading speed
- Celebrate effort, not just results
- Use colored overlays if they help
- Remind them of successful people with dyslexia
Remember: Dyslexia is about how the brain processes information, not intelligence. Many brilliant minds have dyslexia!
Difficulty organizing and responding to sensory information, leading to challenges with daily activities.
Parental Advice
Sensory Strategies:
- Create a sensory-friendly home environment
- Use sensory tools (weighted blankets, fidgets)
- Establish calming routines
- Respect sensory preferences and triggers
- Give warnings before transitions
- Work with occupational therapist on a sensory diet
Remember: What seems like "bad behavior" may be sensory overload. Understanding is key.
Intense fear of social situations, leading to avoidance and distress.
Parental Advice
Building Confidence:
- Never force social situations; encourage gently
- Practice social skills through role-play
- Start with small, comfortable social interactions
- Teach coping strategies (deep breathing, positive self-talk)
- Consider professional counseling
- Validate their feelings while encouraging growth
Remember: Social anxiety is real. Patience and gradual exposure work better than pressure.
Exhibiting one or more of the following characteristics over a long period and to a marked degree that adversely affects a child's educational performance.
Parental Advice
Emotional Support:
- Maintain consistent, predictable environment
- Use clear, calm communication
- Teach emotional regulation skills
- Work with mental health professionals
- Create safe spaces for emotional expression
- Practice self-care as a parent
Remember: Emotional challenges are valid. Professional support combined with family love makes a difference.
Damage to the brain caused by an external force, leading to temporary or permanent cognitive, physical, and emotional impairments.
Parental Advice
Recovery Support:
- Follow medical team's rehabilitation plan
- Be patient with recovery process
- Provide structure and routine
- Watch for changes in behavior or symptoms
- Adjust expectations based on abilities
- Seek counseling for family if needed
Remember: Recovery from TBI varies greatly. Small improvements are victories worth celebrating.
A birth defect in which there is incomplete closing of the spine and membranes around the spinal cord.
Parental Advice
Care Guidelines:
- Regular medical check-ups are essential
- Encourage maximum independence
- Maintain skin care routine
- Support mobility with appropriate aids
- Watch for signs of shunt malfunction (if applicable)
- Promote social inclusion
Remember: Many people with spina bifida lead active, independent lives. Early intervention is key!
A neurological disorder characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements and vocalizations called tics.
Parental Advice
Managing Tics:
- Don't ask child to suppress tics (increases stress)
- Educate family, friends, and teachers
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Focus on abilities, not tics
- Consider behavioral therapy (CBIT)
- Support self-esteem and confidence
Remember: Tics often lessen with age. Understanding and acceptance help more than trying to stop them.
A group of disorders characterized by delays in the development of many basic skills, especially the ability to socialize with others, communicate, and use imagination.
Parental Advice
Development Support:
- Start early intervention immediately
- Use structured, predictable routines
- Break skills into small steps
- Use visual supports extensively
- Facilitate peer interactions in structured ways
- Celebrate all progress
Remember: With consistent support and intervention, children with PDD can make significant progress.
A pattern of disobedient, hostile, and defiant behavior toward authority figures.
Parental Advice
Behavior Management:
- Stay calm and consistent in responses
- Pick your battles wisely
- Use positive reinforcement for good behavior
- Set clear, reasonable limits
- Work with therapist on parenting strategies
- Take care of your own mental health
Remember: ODD is challenging but treatable. Professional help and parenting support make a big difference.
