"Introduction to Developmental Disabilities"
by Michael S. True, M.Ed
This overview of Developmental Disabilities has been created for administrators and individuals seeking a basic knowledge of DD issues. Information includes definitions of the broader term used in federal law, as well as, five of the most common conditions encountered in residential and day program settings. Each area is discussed with easy-to-understand descriptions and information designed to promote positive interactions between consumer and care provider or skill trainer.
This read-along training material can be presented in a group setting or given privately to an individual needing to enhance current knowledge and skills. Packet kits include questions for discussion, a pre and post test, and test key.
Subtopics in this packet include: Intro to DD, Mental Retardation, Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy, Autism, and Neurological Impairments. Each subtopic has its own individual discussion questions. The entire packet is complete with a pre-post test and test key. NOW INCLUDES SPANISH VERSION!
Objectives:
At the end of this unit participants will be able to:
1.Know the specific conditions used to define Developmental Disabilities
2. Know and use general information about the following conditions: Mental Retardation, Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy, Autism, and Neurological Impairments
3. Identify and discuss key elements of treatment and precautionary measures associated with each of the five conditions.
Sample Text:
"What are developmental disabilities?
People with developmental disabilities may have one or more of a wide range of diagnoses or conditions. Many conditions can be developmental disabilities if the onset is early and the disability severe enough to interfere with several major life functions. Section 102(5) of the federal Developmental Disabilities Act (P.L. 101-496) defines the term developmental disability as:
a severe, chronic disability of a person 5 years of age or older which:
a) is attributable to a mental or physical impairment or combination of mental and physical impairments;
b) is manifested before the person attains age 22,
c) is likely to continue indefinitely, and results in substantial functional limitations in three or more of the following areas of major life activity:
1) self care
2) receptive and expressive language
3) learning..."
"Causes of Developmental Disabilities
Developmental disabilities can be caused by any condition which impairs the brain before birth, during birth, or during the developmental years. There are hundreds of causes for developmental disabilities, but in many cases the specific cause remains unknown. It is important for you to understand that most of your clients are disabled through no fault of the parents or their own..."
"Mental retardation is not something you have, like blue eyes or a bad heart. Nor is it something you are, like being short or thin. It is not a medical disorder ... nor is it a mental disorder. Mental retardation refers to a particular state of functioning that begins in childhood and in which limitations in intelligence coexist with related limitations in adaptive skills." (Mental Retardation: Definition- Classification. and Systems of Supports, 10th Edition. AAMR)..."
"Cerebral palsy is not a disease. It is a type of developmental disability caused by damage to the brain before, during, or after birth. It results in the loss of control over voluntary muscles in the body. It occurs in about 2 out of every 1,000 births and many times the exact cause of the brain damage is unknown. Depending upon the location and amount of brain damage, a person's cerebral palsy can involve all four limbs (quadriplegia), the lower part of the body (paraplegia) or it may be limited to just one limb or one side of the body (hemiplegia). The brain damage makes it hard for the person to control their muscles, causing muscle spasms, lack of coordination, poor balance, stiffness, or other problems..."
"Epilepsy includes a group of conditions characterized by recurring convulsions, or seizures. The word "epilepsy" comes from the Greek word for seizures, and seizures are the primary symptom of all forms of epilepsy. Seizures are caused by abnormal chemical-electrical discharges of the brain. These discharges bring about a sudden disturbance, which may be a loss of consciousness, a disturbance of the mind, an excess of or a lack of muscle tone, convulsive movements, a disorder of sensation, or irregularities in the automatic functions of the body..."
"Autism is a communication and behavior disorder that usually appears during the first three years of life. It occurs in approximately 5 out of every 10,000 births, and is four times more common in boys than in girls. Autism has been found throughout the world in families of all racial, ethnic, and social backgrounds. In most cases the cause, or causes, of autism are still unknown, but are believed to be some type of neurological impairment in the brain. Autism can occur by itself; or in connection with other disorders that affect brain function. Some developmentally disabled persons with autism might also have epilepsy or mental retardation..."
"There are three main types of neurological impairment- childhood aphasia, minimal brain dysfunction, and learning disability. To be considered developmentally disabled due to neurological impairment an individual would have to exhibit significant dysfunction in two or more skills affecting communication, perception, cognition, memory, attention, motor control and appropriate social behaviors..."
Discussion Questions: (sample)
In addition to significantly below average intellectual functioning, what other limitations are required in order to have a diagnosis of mental retardation?
Pre and Post Test(sample)
Multiple Choice - circle best answer
11. The condition known as Ataxic Cerebral Palsy involves:
A. Low muscle tone
B. Fluctuating muscle tone
C. Increased spastic muscle tone
D. All of the above
12. A person with autism:
A. May not look handicapped
B. May be unable to communicate verbally
C. May have altered ways of relating to their environment
D. All of the above
Test also includes Multiple Choice and Matching questions for a total of 15.
The complete packet contains 33 pages of content in 6 individual disability-specific files, a two page competency test, (pre-post), and test key, (8 1/2" x 11" pages when printed from files.) All Files include Spanish versions.
All text files are formatted in Microsoft Word and will be sent by way of email unless otherwise agreed upon. This training packet consists of 6 primary files (16 in total), and is currently priced at $174.95. These files are available for UNLIMITED** use in making your own packets in-house and can be used as often as you like within your program without further cost to you!
To purchase: Use my Paypay or Venmo accounts – username: mstrue1@hotmail.com (Michael True) - Provide Training Packet Title: "An Introduction to Developmental Disabilities" and include recipient's email address.
For personal assistance or for any questions you may have, contact me:
Michael True C/O TruEnergy Enterprises
At: mstrue1@hotmail.com - or phone: 504-906-9343
(ALL PACKET FILES WILL BE MAILED WITHIN 48 HOURS OF RECEIPT OF PAYMENT
**Use of the "An Introduction to Developmental Disabilities"© 2002-2024 packet is subject to all Copyright Laws. Possession of the Authorized Microsoft Word files constitutes permission to copy the training materials for use in only the program(s) or service(s) to which the buyer is associated at the time of purchase. Transfer of data for use in other programs or services without prior consent of the author is strictly prohibited. Michael S. True, Author and TruEnergy Enterprises - All Rights Reserved.
If this product, (7 Microsoft Word files) is defective as a result of corrupted files, it may be replaced for up to 30 days from the date of purchase without further charge to the purchaser. Simply contact me and a replacement set will be sent upon verification of the original purchase.
"An Introduction to Developmental Disabilities" is also available as part of the special promo below...
Choosing of our 6-Pac (6 Individual Staff Development Packets), or MultiPac (12 Individual Staff Development Packets), CAN SAVE YOU UP TO 60% off individual packet prices! Each of the twelve topics are covered masterfully in self-contained MSWORD files that include Questions for Discussion, tests, and Administrative Supplements. Two economic ways to enhance your staff development program today!
Twelve Topics for the New Direct Care Provider collection
or the
Six Topics for the New Direct Care Provider collection
(Click on Title Above for More Details)
To make payment: use my
Paypal or Venmo accounts
mstrue1@hotmail.com = my username...
(C) 2002-2024 Michael S. True - TruEnergy Enterprises (All rights reserved)