PCA TRAINING PROGRAM

Module VI

Understanding Developmental Disabilities

Definition of Developmental Disabilities Disabilities that are present at birth or emerge during childhood. This is a chronic condition that restricts physical or mental ability. It prevents a child from developing physically or mentally at a normal rate.

List ways in which developmental disabilities affect normal development Self care Communication Skills Movement Self direction (control over life) Potential for independent life Potential for financial independence

Types of Developmental Disabilities Mental Retardation Cerebral Palsy Autism Neurological Impairments Multiple Disabilities

Levels of Functioning Mild Moderate Severe Profound

How developmental disabilities effect growth and development Mental Retardation This is the most common developmental disorder. Depending on the degree, they have below average mental functioning, they develop at a below average rate and experience difficulty learning and adjusting socially. They have the same emotional and physical needs that others have

Down Syndrome Persons with down syndrome experience different degrees of mental retardation along with physical symptoms. Typically they have a smaller skull, a flattened nose, short fingers, and a wide space between the first two fingers of each hand and the first two toes of each foot. Persons with down syndrome can be fairly independent.

Cerebral Palsy Persons have suffered brain damage either while in the uterus or during birth. Damage to the brain causes disorganized or abnormal development. Muscle coordination and nerves are affected. They may lack control of the head, have difficulty using the arms and hands, have poor balance or posture, be either stiff and spastic or limp and flaccid.

Causes of developmental disabilities Congenital-chromosomal or genetic defects (Down’s Syndrome) Acquired Infections during pregnancy Brain damage during delivery Alcohol, drug abuse or poor nutrition during pregnancy Premature birth (low birth weight) Lead poisoning

Differences from Mental Illness Developmental disabilities are permanent, mental illness may be temporary Developmental disabilities occur before the age of 22, mental illness can occur at any time in a person’s lifetime

Developmental Disabilities and Home Care Developmental disabilities at home Help client perform ADLs by dividing task into smaller units Praise and encourage often A child with developmental disabilities Help teach the client to perform ADL’s Promote independence, but also assist client with activities that are difficult. Repeat words you use to make sure they understand.

An adult with developmental disabilities Assist with ADL’s as needed Encourage self-care Encourage socialization Assist with housekeeping duties Give emotional support and physical assistance when needed Expectations and attitudes Family Culture Individual

Philosophy and Current trends in the field Address the person, not the disability Focus on independence, productivity and integration Promote self-determination and community participation

Care Needs Disability is not an illness though it may increase care needs Five basic needs Required skills Personal care Child care Communication Observing and recording

The role of the HHA in each of the following disabilities: Developmental disabilities- being a role model for the family Mental retardation- meeting emotional and physical needs Down syndrome- praising and encouraging Cerebral palsy- physical and mental disabilities Spina bifida- bladder care and family support and acceptance MD and ALS- muscle weakness and positioning MS- being patient and preventing falls Parkinson’s- protecting client from falls and assisting with ADLs

Spinal cord and head injuries- paresis, paralysis, quadriplegia, and paraplegia (safety and skin care) Hearing impairment, including signs and effective communication techniques Vision impairment, including farsightedness, nearsightedness, cataracts, glaucoma and caring techniques for the blind client Amputation, including phantom sensation and prosthesis care.

Performance Standards Speak to all people politely Include people in conversations; speak wit them, not about them Use positive verbal and non-verbal communication; avoid being negative Explain things in a way that people can understand and observe how the information is received

Encourage people to think by asking questions rather than giving commands Encourage individuals to do as much as possible for themselves rather than doing for them Include people in making decisions and provide choices when possible Respect differences in an individual’s desires, needs and values Consider others’ feelings an concerns, even if different from your own

Home Care Workers should report the following: Inability to perform a task previously able to do Skin problems or changes Emotional changes (depression, moodiness, weight loss or gain, fatigue, or withdrawal)

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