Neurological
Disorders – Intervention
By
Jodie, Kelsey, Christianne, and Tanya
As per Winzer (2008)
Physical and neurological disabilities are primarily
medical and therapeutic conditions, so intervention stretches far beyond the
academic and educational. No single
professional can effectively fill the multiple needs of all these children;
they receive help from educators, physicians and medical specialists,
occupational and physical therapists, speech and language pathologists,
counsellors, and others.
Medical
Medical interventions cover a broad spectrum of
treatments. For example children with
cerebral palsy and spina bifida can receive surgery to ease contractures and
correct dislocations. For children with
epilepsy, drug programs such as anticonvulsant therapy are available to help
reduce seizures with the fewest possible drugs and side effects. Children with Tourette syndrome may be
treated with SSRIs or antihypersensitive medications such as Clonidin.
Therapy
Physical, occupational, and speech and language
therapies are indicated for many children with neurological and orthopedic
disabilities. Therapies are most
commonly associated with sensorimotor development, postural control, activities
for daily living, environmental adaptations, and augmentative communication.
Technical Aids
The huge range of equipment now available for
individuals with disabilities is making a significant difference in life
quality by affording more control of events in the environment. Devices and equipment range from the very
simple, such as adapted spoons and switch-adapted, battery-operated toys, to
the very complex, such as computerized environmental control systems.
Adaptive
(assistive) equipment:
Any device designed or
modified to lead individuals with disabilities to independence. Any item, piece
of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf,
modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve
functional capabilities of a child with a disability.
Prosthetic
devices:
Used to replace lost
functions and/or provide support. They
duplicate normal body movements as nearly as possible while restraining normal
functions as little as possible.
Much specialized equipment is used for support in
mobility and standing. Included are leg
casts and braces, ankle/foot equipment, crutches, walkers, and wheelchairs.
Educational Intervention
Inclusion in the general classroom is appropriate
for almost the full range of students with neurological disabilities. Special class placement may still be provided
for students who have additional severe problems with perception, cognition, or
language.
Winzer, M. (2008). Children with exceptionalities in
Canadian classrooms (8th ed.). Toronto,
Canada:
Pearson Prentice Hall, pp. 423-456
I have a friend who's son has Tourette's and they have decided against medication. They found when this child is kept active that the signs of his Tourette's are almost non existent. This child does well during the day but at night is when the little quirks show up. They range from snorting, making noises at inappropriate times, rolling of the eyes, shrugging of the shoulders etc. The little quirks seem to change, they usually only last for a couple weeks and then they change. The quirks also seem to show up when they are in an environment they feel most comfortable in.
ReplyDeleteIt's very typical for people with Tourette's to keep their tics and behaviours in check in situations like school or work (see Oliver Sacks "An Anthropologist On Mars" about a surgeon with Tourette's) and then "let go" at the end of the day. Depending on the severity of the behaviours and the degree to which they interfere with day to day functioning and communication, some opt for medication, while simply accept and incorporate them into the way they function day to day.
DeleteMy friends son has all the typical symptoms and behaviours of Tourette's. Her brother was diagnosed at an early age with Tourette's as well. This year, he has had such a difficult time at school, partly because a diagnoses is yet to be made. He receives no support and this year his ticks, sniffing and other odd behaviours have returned full force. She believes this is due to the fact that he has had a very strict, old fashioned teacher with little understanding of what is going on with him. The doctor has put him on anxiety medication to try and help settle his ticks until a diagnoses is made.
DeleteHere is a success story, (my favourite kind) re: Tourette's. I had coffee today with a lady with whom I volunteer. Her grandson who is now in his 20's, was diagnosed with Tourette's when he was in kindergarten. He was put on a variety of strong medications throughout his childhood, and checked regularly due to the many side effects these drugs could cause. He now has graduated from college and has just received a well paying job. He is currently off all of the medication, and as an adult, can control the symptoms of Tourette's. According to the grandmother, as an adult you are able to learn to control the tics much more than as a child. Would be nice if children could be taught to do this as well. Though I am sure it would depend on the severity of the symptoms.
DeleteI have yet to see this in any of the schools I have had a placement in or volunteered in, but in the US many young children with epilepsy are now being paired with dogs that are somehow able to 'sense' when a child is going to have a seizure. My sister's child is in a class with a girl who suffers from epilepsy and she has one of these epilepsy dogs. Its an amazing intervention tool (more of a 'warning' tool) and the dog does wonders for the little girls self-esteem too!
ReplyDeleteThere is a significant body of evidence supporting the value and positive effects of therapy involving animal companions, not only with epileptic people, but also for those with autism and among the elderly suffering from Alzheimer's. One of your classmates is doing her research paper on just this topic ... with her permission I'll share what she finds with everyone else.
DeleteThat would be awesome! I actually take my standard poodle, Jasper with me when I'm doing hospice work. He's visited clients' home and long term living centres. Its amazing what petting an animal can do to make someone feel good.
DeleteThese services dogs also created a bond with the students with autism helping them to learn how to create relationships as they often times struggle but find unconditional love in their service dog, the bond created is unbelievable.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was volunteering at Kids Ability I was working with a little boy that was 5 years of age that has Cerebral Palsy-Paraplegia. He was so independent and got around so well in his wheelchair. He always brought a smile to my face.
ReplyDeleteWe have a son who has ADHD, Aspergers, and O.D.D. He has been on medication for a few years now, though just recently he has formed tics quite frequently. He has a really hard time when he needs to concentrate and focus on something due to his diagnosis and the tics interfering with his daily lifestyle. I have spoke with many people in regards to this issue and haven't really gotten any answers clarified yet. Work in progress... He has many incidents wherein he exposes a lot of anger, aggression, and high anxiety when he simply can't figure something out. Majority of these times the tics seem to come back a lot and bring out much more frustration for him. If anyone has any suggestions please feel free to throw some my way. Thank you.
ReplyDelete