1. PCA TRAINING PROGRAM

2. Module VI

3. Understanding Developmental Disabilities

4. 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.

5. 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

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

7. Levels of Functioning
Mild
Moderate
Severe
Profound

8. 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

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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.

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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.

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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)

22. Complete Quiz