Developmental Disabilities By: Evelyn W. Stone, RN.,BSN., M.Ed.

Developmental Disability refers to disabilities affecting daily functioning in three or more of the following areas… Capacity for independent living Economic self sufficiency Learning Mobility Receptive and expressive language Self-care Self-direction

Causes Brain injury before, during or after birth Growth or nutrition problems Abnormalities of chromosomes or genes Babies born long before the expected birth date – also called extreme prematurity Poor diet and healthcare Drug misuse during pregnancy, including drug intake and smoking Child abuse can also have a severe effect on the development of a child, specifically the socio-emotional development

Mental health issues (dual diagnoses) The high likelihood of encountering traumatic events throughout their lifetime 1.Abandonment by loved ones 2.Abuse 3.Bullying and harassment Social restrictions 1.Lack of education 2.Poverty 3.Limited employment opportunities 4.Limited opportunities for fulfilling relationships 5.Boredom

Abuse Physical abuse Neglect Sexual abuse Psychological or emotional abuse Constraint and restrictive practices Financial abuse Legal or civil abuse Systemic abuse Passive neglect

Physical Abuse: Physical force that results in injury, pain or impairment Violence that may result in bodily harm

Physical Indicators of Physical Abuse: Injuries Bruises to the arms, legs or other body parts Patterns of indicators – unexplained falls Sprains Burns Abrasions on arms, legs, or torso Internal injuries evidenced by pain

Behavioral Indicators of Physical Abuse: Explanation of the injury do not fit with the injury Family members provide different explanation of how it happened History of similar injuries Victim is taken to different medical facilities for treatment Delay between onset of injury & seeking medical care

Emotional Abuse: Infliction of emotional suffering Fear Actions that lead to fear of violence Deprivation Loss of dignity Intimidation Powerlessness

Why Emotional Abuse? The perpetrator wants to mold the individual into who he or she thinks that individual should be. Turn the victim into who they are

Psychological Abuse: Willful infliction of mental anguish Humiliation Verbal or nonverbal conduct

Behavioral Indicators: Isolates themselves from others Problems sleeping Exhibits depression and confusion Exhibits unusual behavior – Sucking, biting, rocking

Sexual Abuse: Any form of degradation, manipulation, force or control of sex Forced in to having sex with the abuser Goes hand & hand with physical abuse Forced to have sex with others

Financial Abuse: The abuser uses money as a means of controlling the victim Uses finances to gain power and dominance over the victim Required to do illegal acts for money Victim may be forced to work and perpetrator uses the money

Financial Abuse (continued) Perpetrator may forbid the victim to work The abuser may put bills in the victim’s name Perpetrator refuse to work Victim’s money is used by the perpetrator

Challenging Behavior “Culturally Abnormal Behaviors” 1.Self Injurious behaviors > hitting >biting >head butting 2.Aggressive behavior >hitting others >screaming >spitting >kicking 3.Inappropriate sexualised behavior >public masturbation >groping 4.Behavior directed at property >throwing objects >stealing 5.Stereotyped behaviors >repetitive rocking >echolalia >elective incontinence

Causes of Challenging Behavior Biological Social Environmental Psychological

Services and Support Education and Training At-home and community support Residential accommodation Employment support Day services Advocacy

Conclusion Remember there are many causes of DD Abuse is an issue for those who are vulnerable Remember the advocacy group if there are suspension of neglect or abuse

Other Services Nurse Assistant classes Mental Health Hab Tec classes Mental Illness Medication Aide Medication Administration Blood Borne Pathogens Behavior Management Developmental Disabilities

Other Services There are more classes available. We have a calendar of Continuing Education for the year. Private Consultation for starting a mental health facilitator

Contact Instructor: Evelyn Stone, RN., BSN., M.Ed F Big Oak Court Knightdale, NC (919)