1. Types and Characteristics
Disabled Children
Types and Characteristics

2. Children With Disabilities
Disability—if their development or abilities are far below average in one or more areas
The attitude of parents toward a child with a disability shapes that child’s future

3. Physical Disabilities
Seek a complete diagnosis as you as you suspect a physical disability
Early diagnosis and treatment help children reach their potential
Keys to helping them learn independence: special exercises. Special equipment, understanding, and patience.
Self-care skills are necessary to independence: eating, dressing, bathing, and using the toilet

4. Mental Disabilities
Mental disability refers to limitations in the way a person’s mind functions

5. Mental Disabilities Diagnoses can be done early but is unsure
Early intervention is best
Children with mental disabilities learn and respond best when they know what to expect
Directions should be simple and direct
Show the child what to do and repeat the directions many times

6. Mental Disabilities
The goal is to help them become as independent as possible
Being accepted by others is also very important

7. Autism Wide range of behavior
Tend to be focused on one thing to the exclusion of others
Treatment = individual attention, small groups, patience

8. Learning Disabilities
A limitation in the way a person’s brain sorts and uses information
A specific limitation in acquiring certain types of information

9. Dyslexia
A disability with reading, often sees letters or words in an order than they actually appear
1st step diagnosis, ideally before school
Work with a specialist, treat or learn to compensate

10. ADHD
Less able to focus on an activity for a long period of time, they are easily distracted by other people and activities
A lifelong condition that cannot be cured, but can be treated
For effective treatment both medication and structure (behavior training)

11. Emotional Disabilities
When a child’s behavior prevents typical development or disturb the lives of family members
Usually becomes more noticeable and disturbing over time.
Parents may feel ashamed to ask for help

12. Emotional Disabilities
Behavioral Therapist—a professional trained in helping people work through emotional problems.
Choose a therapist you can trust and feel comfortable with
Treatment= spend individual time with the child, or introduce the child to a special activity such as gymnastics or music.

13. Raising a child with disabilities
Guilt
Sadness
Anger
Frustration

14. Raising a child with disabilities
As much as possible parents should treat them just like any other children—especially in love and discipline

15. Raising a child with disabilities
Nondisabled children may feel resentful when the family makes special arrangements for the disabled child

16. Raising a child with disabilities
What parents can do:
explain nature of disability
Balance needs of all children

17. Raising a child with disabilities
Support groups—gather for comfort, advice, and solutions to everyday problems.
Keep parents up to date on research and treatment options.

18. Raising a child with disabilities
Also help parents find tools to meet the emotional needs of their children.
Giving the children inner strength, patience, courage, they need to cope with the disabilities