Notice: The information contained and resources recommended on this website are for general information and educational purposes only and in their entirety do not necessarily reflect the beliefs of the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite. The resources listed here have been found helpful, in parts or in their entirety, by some individuals at times. They are recommended to be used with discretion and are not a substitute for professional, medical advice, treatment, or diagnosis. We do not necessarily endorse links listed on some of these recommended websites.
Resources for Developmental Disabilities
There are 5 types of developmental disabilities: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Intellectual Disability, Attention Deficit Disorder and Learning Disabilities. These disorders manifest with impairments in physical, learning, language, or behavior areas. Each of them are also rated on a spectrum.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism spectrum disorder includes conditions that were previously considered separate — autism, Asperger’s syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder and an unspecified form of pervasive developmental disorder. Some people still use the term “Asperger’s syndrome,” which is generally thought to be at the mild end of autism spectrum disorder.
Autism spectrum disorder begins in early childhood and eventually causes problems functioning in society — socially, in school and at work, for example. Often children show symptoms of autism within the first year. A small number of children appear to develop normally in the first year, and then go through a period of regression between 18 and 24 months of age when they develop autism symptoms.
While there is no cure for autism spectrum disorder, intensive, early treatment can make a big difference in the lives of many children. – Mayo Clinic
Books
Educating the Young Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder by Michael Abraham
This 64-page book guides teachers through all steps of introducing a student with ASD into the classroom and developing a welcoming classroom, fostering social development and communication, and moving forward with the curriculum. The book also includes a special section for parents.
The New Social Story Book by Carol Grey
Since the early ‘90s, Carol Gray’s world-famous Social Stories have helped thousands of children with autism spectrum disorders. Developed through years of experience, these strategically written stories explain social situations in ways children and adults with autism understand while teaching social skills needed to be successful at home, school, work, and in the community.
People with autism have difficulty with social skills. One way to teach these skills is through social stories. Carol Grey was a pioneer in this field. The price of her book could be somewhat prohibitive and iyou can try your hand at writing your own custom stories. The following website teaches you how.
Social Stories https://carolgraysocialstories.com/social-stories/what-is-it/
Uniquely Human by Dr Barry Prizant
Autism therapy typically focuses on ridding individuals of “autistic” symptoms such as difficulties interacting socially, communication problems, sensory challenges, and repetitive behavior patterns. Instead of classifying “autistic” behaviors as signs of pathology, Dr. Prizant sees them as part of a range of strategies to cope with a world that feels chaotic and overwhelming. Rather than curb these behaviors, it’s better to enhance abilities, build on strengths, and offer supports that will lead to more desirable behavior and a better quality of life.
Websites
www.centerforautism.com The world’s largest Autism treatment provider
www.autismcanada.org Autism Canada is the only Canadian autism advocacy organization with a national perspective on the issues currently facing those with ASD, their families and other stakeholders.
Cerebral Palsy
Books
Out of My Mind by Sharon M Draper
Eleven-year-old Melody is not like most people. She can’t walk. She can’t talk. She can’t write. All because she has cerebral palsy. But she also has a photographic memory; she can remember every detail of everything she has ever experienced. She’s the smartest kid in her whole school, but NO ONE knows it. Most people—her teachers, her doctors, her classmates—dismiss her as mentally challenged because she can’t tell them otherwise. But Melody refuses to be defined by her disability. And she’s determined to let everyone know it…somehow.
Why Do You Walk That Way? by Amy Cole
Amy was born with cerebral palsy and grew up with many medical appointments and ER visits. She has faced many challenges with everyday activities and walked with a limp her entire life. Despite these difficulties, she has chosen to live with joy and perseverance. She relates the struggles she faced as a child and how her support system and optimistic mindset helped her push forward and live life to the fullest.
Websites
www.cpresource.org Helping you make better decisions and informed choices in your cerebral palsy journey.
Intellectual Disability
The most common types of intellectual disabilities include autism, Down syndrome, fragile x syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome, and Prader-Willi syndrome. See above info for Autism. FASD is addressed on our Resources page, under Children from Hard Places.
Books
Whole Child Reading by Natalie Hale
Discover the keys to teaching children and adults with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities how to read for meaning.
Supporting Positive Behavior in Children and Teens with Down Syndrome by David Stein This book examines how the brain of a person with Down syndrome works, how those differences impact behavior, and why bad behavior should not be viewed as a willful act. Governed by this new awareness, parents are in a better position to change and manage their child’s behavior
Websites
www.ndss.org The National Down Syndrome Society envisions a world in which all people with Down syndrome have the opportunity to enhance their quality of life, realize their life aspirations, and become valued members of welcoming communities.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurological disorder that impacts the parts of the brain that help us plan, focus on, and execute tasks. ADHD symptoms vary by sub-type — inattentive, hyperactive, or combined
Books
Empower ADHD Kids! by Becky White
Help children with ADHD in kindergarten through grade 6 be their best! Step-by-step plans that help teachers and parents teach practical strategies for mastering learning and social competencies to children with ADHD. The activities provide a strong working knowledge of the characteristics of ADHD. The book includes goal-setting techniques, strategies to help children focus, problem-solving strategies, and ideas to help children with ADHD realize their strengths.
Pay Attention Please! by Sherrill B Flora
Help students in pre-kindergarten–5 work out their wiggles using “Pay Attention, Please!” This 64-page book helps students with ADHD and students who are otherwise wiggly and overly busy learn how to pay better attention and focus for longer periods of time.
Scattered Minds by Gabor Maté
In this breakthrough guide to understanding, treating, and healing Attention Deficit Disorder, Dr. Gabor Maté, an adult with ADD and the father of three ADD children, shares information on:
· The external factors that trigger ADD/ADHD
· How to create an environment that promotes health and healing
· Ritalin and other drugs
· ADD adults
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD) has remained a controversial topic in recent years. Whereas other books on the subject describe the condition as inherited, Dr. Maté believes that our social and emotional environments play a key role in both the cause of and cure for this condition.
You Mean I’m not Lazy, Stupid or Crazy? by Kate Kelly and Peggy Ramundo
One of the bestselling books on attention deficit disorder (ADD) ever written. There is a great deal of literature about children with ADD. But what do you do if you have ADD and aren’t a child anymore? This indispensable reference—the first of its kind written for adults with ADD by adults with ADD—focuses on the experiences of adults, offering updated information, practical how-tos and moral support to help readers deal with ADD. It also explains the diagnostic process that distinguishes ADD symptoms from normal lapses in memory, lack of concentration or impulsive behavior.
Articles
Learning to Thrive with ADHD
I’m the student that gets in trouble multiple times every week for misbehaving or not paying attention. I try so hard. Sometimes I succeed, but often I get distracted, cause a commotion, or misbehave. I’m the little girl that can’t sit still at the supper table without jiggling or moving. I’m the dad that never calls my child by the right name. I’m the mom that forgets to do that important thing. I’m that boy that was making good grades and then one day I totally failed the test. I’m the boy that suddenly does that off the wall thing in the classroom. I’m that youth that interrupts the person talking, to say what I have to say, then I feel dumb about it.
Websites
A trusted website for families and adults living with ADHD and related conditions, and for the professionals who work with them.
www.ldrfa.org
Helping bridge the gap between possibilities and realities for those with learning disabilities and attention deficit disorders.
Other Information
Learning Disabilities
Books
Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
Ally has been smart enough to fool a lot of smart people. Every time she lands in a new school, she is able to hide her inability to read by creating clever yet disruptive distractions. She is afraid to ask for help; after all, how can you cure dumb? However, her newest teacher Mr. Daniels sees the bright, creative kid underneath the trouble maker. With his help, Ally learns not to be so hard on herself and that dyslexia is nothing to be ashamed of. As her confidence grows, Ally feels free to be herself and the world starts opening up with possibilities. She discovers that there’s a lot more to her—and to everyone—than a label, and that great minds don’t always think alike.
General Information
Tools
Visual schedules
A visual schedule is a tool that gives the child information about what is happening, the sequence of events, what changes may be occurring, or when it is time to stop an activity and move on to another. A visual schedule may include objects, pictures, and/or written words. It can be as simple as a scrap paper with some hastily drawn pictures or as complex as small, laminated pictures with Velcro to stick them to a strip on the wall. Fantastic for morning and bedtime routines, school schedules, and more.
Available on Amazon or Etsy or make your own.
Time Timers
Excellent tool to help children understand the passage of time visually. Recommended for parents and all teachers—especially special education and K-12 teachers. The countdown clock can help those with special needs. As the time elapses, the bright red disc disappears. The visual design aspect of this timer helps ease transitions and encourages independence and increased productivity for people of all abilities. Available on Amazon and also as a free app for your device.
Books
The Out-of-Sync Child by Carol Kranowitz and Lucy Jane Miller
The groundbreaking book that explains Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) Offers comprehensive, clear information for parents and professionals–and a drug-free treatment approach for children. This revised edition includes new sections on vision and hearing, picky eaters, and coexisting disorders such as autism and ADHD, among other topics.
The Out-of-Sync Child Has Fun by Carol Kranowitz and Lucy Jane Miller
Carol Stock Kranowitz continues her significant work with this companion volume, which presents more than one hundred playful activities specially designed for kids with SPD. Also very helpful in working with children with other disorders which can affect the sensory systems.
Each activity in this inspiring and practical book is SAFE—Sensory-motor, Appropriate, Fun and Easy—to help develop and organize a child’s brain and body. Whether your child faces challenges with touch, balance, movement, body position, vision, hearing, smell, and taste, motor planning, or other sensory problems, this book presents lively and engaging ways to bring fun and play to everyday situations.
Sensory Processing 101 by Dayna Abraham, Claire Heffron, Pamela Braley, Lauren Drobnjak
This easy-to-read guide is your starting point to gain a better understanding of sensory processing and the body’s sensory systems. You may have heard of Sensory Processing Disorder, but this book is designed to help all children – not just those with a sensory disorder.
Websites
www.understood.org
A website dedicated to shaping a world where millions of people who learn and think differently can thrive at home, at school and at work.
www.sensorymom.com
Resources, validation and support for the moms and dads (and teachers) out there
navigating the bumpy and bewildering road of a SPD diagnosis and/or many other parenting challenges.
www.childmind.org
The Child Mind Institute is an independent, national nonprofit dedicated to transforming the lives of children and families struggling with mental health and learning disorders.
www.woodbinehouse.com
A whole website dedicated to books to help you on your journey.
Woodbine House was founded by the father of a child with Down syndrome who hoped to give other parents access to the type of practical, empathetic information he had struggled to find for himself. Their mission has grown to encompass publishing accessible, empowering books for families, teachers, and professionals who are seeking guidance and support in helping children and adults with any disability achieve their potential. They strive to be a trusted source of accurate, positive, and up-to-date information and provide this information in books that are created by parents and professionals who have dedicated their lives to making the world a better place for people with disabilities.
www.thechaosandtheclutter.com
Sharla is a mom of seven, five of whom have special needs. She wants to help you find blessings and joy amid the chaos and the clutter.
Learning to Thrive with ADHD
I’m the student that gets in trouble multiple times every week for misbehaving or not paying attention. I try so hard. Sometimes I succeed, but often I get distracted, cause a commotion, or misbehave. I’m the little girl that can’t sit still at the supper table without jiggling or moving. I’m the dad that never calls my child by the right name. I’m the mom that forgets to do that important thing. I’m that boy that was making good grades and then one day I totally failed the test. I’m the boy that suddenly does that off the wall thing in the classroom. I’m that youth that interrupts the person talking, to say what I have to say, then I feel dumb about it.
Professionals that study our brains and how we think, call it ADHD, which stands for Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder. Attention deficit is poor wording because we have an abundance of attention. We are just challenged to control it. It’s not really accurate to call it a disorder because it truly is a mix of assets and liabilities. Sometimes it is a superpower of energy, insight, creativity, spontaneity, courage, focus, and generosity. But other times it is a disabling shadow that prevents concentration, hinders our time management, sabotages our memory, makes it difficult to follow a conversation, and causes us to act out. There is no direct connection between the diagnosis and someone’s IQ but many with ADHD are above average in intelligence. Now, to be clear, not nearly everyone who is easily distracted or hyper has ADHD. However, many of the tools we talk about later will serve you in overcoming the challenges associated with these tendencies.
ADHD is defined as a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development (DSM-5 APA).
“Inattentive and Distractible” shows up as difficulty in sustained attention, difficulty in listening to others, challenges in attention to detail, poor organizational skills, and poor study skills. These people are also easily distracted and forgetful.
“Hyperactive and Impulsive” shows up as an individual that seems to be in constant motion, running and climbing, at times with no apparent goal except motion. He has difficulty remaining in his seat and when he is in his seat, he fidgets with his hands or squirms. These individuals fidget excessively, talk excessively, have difficulty engaging in quiet activities, and lose or forget things repeatedly. They have an inability to stay on task, and shift from one task to another without bringing any to completion.
ADHD is a spectrum disorder. Some individuals have very mild symptoms while for others it can keep them from living a normal life. A simple explanation of what is happening in their nervous system is that a person with ADHD typically needs more stimulation for their nerves to communicate effectively. Also, ADHD is often associated with lower levels of nerve chemicals, predominantly dopamine. This is one of the reasons why a person with ADHD has a more difficult time focusing, but is also why, when they are stimulated, it can release their superpower.
For a child growing up with ADHD, it can be so confusing knowing that their behavior is not always approved of and feeling unable to change. It is a lot like having a powerful car or truck with a very inadequate braking system. It isn’t that parents or teachers should justify the behavior, it’s just that often the child needs some tools and support when dealing with these challenges. Supporting your distracted or hyperactive child is vitally important for their development. See the list below for some great tools to support your child. If the non-medication solutions are ineffective, your pediatrician is a great place to get a medical diagnosis.
Typically, you don’t outgrow ADHD. As you get older some of the symptoms may subside, but many with the diagnosis, continue to have symptoms to a greater or lesser degree. Sometimes it shows up differently once you enter the workforce. If you have ADHD and weren’t diagnosed as a child, you might not get help until you are a youth or adult. I have spoken with several individuals that never really understood themselves until they received help as an adult. Someone with ADHD usually has a few things they can focus on well, especially if it’s something they are very interested in.
One of the challenges faced by children and adults with ADHD is what I will call “scratching the itch”. Because of a hyperactive brain and the challenge to control what is focused on, those with ADHD can be more prone to addictive, risky, or radical behavior. They find something that truly stimulates them, something that they can easily focus on, and this can be a powerful positive or negative force. When aimed in the right direction, it shows the “superpower” of ADHD. They will be inventive, spontaneous, and can accomplish much in a short time. When it comes out in a negative way, it can have a destructive effect on a person and be challenging for relationships, friendships, and marriages.
I had my own battle staying focused and paying attention beginning when I was a young child. I regularly found myself interrupting people who were halfway through a sentence. I had to work hard to pay attention to speakers unless their content was extremely stimulating. It was difficult to focus on some sports or on schoolwork that wasn’t challenging. I didn’t understand what was happening, I just felt like something was missing inside. For me, it wouldn’t be until later in adulthood before I fully understand my ADHD. Without knowing why I was the way I was, I developed tools to manage my life. I created a very precise calendar to help manage my life. I found spots to set my wallet, glasses, and keys every time, or I would lose them. But then I would have a paper to write, a difficult mental task at work, and no matter how hard I tried, I could not clear the fog from my brain. Finally, with the support of my wife, I began to research ADHD as well as seek some professional help. I did find help. I still deal with some mild symptoms, but between the tools I use to manage my life and a small dose of a stimulant drug, my ADHD is very manageable. I still forget new acquaintance’s names even though they repeat them multiple times, and my brain still gets locked up occasionally. People still give me a bad time about talking too much and I still catch myself interrupting those I visit with. But I’m learning…
Tools for managing ADHD
The following list includes some of the tools that have helped me. I hope they can be of help to you. The first five don’t require a professional diagnosis or a prescription to use effectively.
1. Exercise.
When you exercise, your brain releases chemicals including dopamine, which help with attention and clear thinking. The stimulant medicines that are often used to treat ADHD, work by increasing the availability of dopamine in the brain, so it makes sense that a workout can have many of the same effects as stimulant drugs.
2. Rest.
Rest is important for everyone, but especially those with hyperactive brains. Unfortunately, often our brains want to be hyperactive about the time we want to go to sleep. To relax your or your child’s brain at bedtime: First, cut back on sugar and caffeine for a couple of hours leading up to bedtime. Second, cut back screen time at the end of the evening. Next, create a set of bedtime rituals that tells your brain it’s almost bedtime (for children, this might be a story, a song, a prayer, brushing their teeth, and a goodnight hug/kiss.) Finally, create a dark, comfortable environment for sleeping. Waking up rested can contribute to your brain working at its best.
3. A good start to the day.
Another area of importance is getting up on time so you or your child is not rushed. Take the time to get some protein in your/their system to get the energy to face the challenges of the day. Try to keep the morning as drama free as possible. Arriving at school or work with a clear mind and lots of energy sets you up to be successful in whatever the challenge is.
4. Structure.
Use tools to stay on task. Use calendars to organize your tasks throughout the day. Write a short list of the three most important things to accomplish that day. Use timers to keep you efficiently working and focused (work focused for 25 minutes then take 3-5 off). Learn to take a minute to breathe, clear your mind. Create landing pads, a place where you ALWAYS set your glasses, wallet, keys, etc. Have an organized file system so everything has a logical place to land.
5. A healthy environment.
Some children can’t manage the kinds of tools listed above without support, and need an adult to help provide a calm, structured environment with one clear task to work on at a time. Keep your or your child’s workspace completely clear except for that ONE thing that is being worked on. Some studies report significant improvement by adjusting diet such as lowering sugar, caffeine, and artificial food coloring intake. As we learn to use the tools above, we learn to create a healthy environment for ourselves.
6. Medication.
80% of children and 70% of adults diagnosed with ADHD who take their prescribed medication notice a significant improvement in symptoms. For the other 20-30% medication is not effective. While ADHD medication can be abused, it can have a significant positive effect on overcoming your attention and hyperactive challenges. Some of us have been extremely careful because of the over-prescribing of these types of medications for children, however we shouldn’t let those who abuse medication be the reason that we don’t get help for our children.
7. A Combination Solution.
Medication or any one of the tools listed above are rarely a complete or long-term solution individually. The most successful solutions for managing ADHD involve using multiples of the solutions listed above.
Successfully living with ADHD involves cultivating your strengths while managing the challenges. Learn to understand the tasks and work you are good at. Focus on exercising your strengths. Because ADHD is often hereditary, it is important for parents with ADHD to face it and deal with it. This can be a tremendous support to their children. Often learning to thrive means accepting that your brain operates a little differently than some of your friends and family. If you or someone you love is struggling with being attentive, staying focused, or being hyperactive, I want to let you know, there is hope!
A NOTE TO TEACHERS AND OTHER EDUCATORS:
Miss Schmidt, a teacher with abundant experience in dealing with challenging children, explained how positive reinforcement works so much more effectively than always calling these children down. The child needs to understand they are responsible for their actions, without blame or demeaning comments. It is of utmost importance to truly care about these children to effectively make a difference. A good start to the day makes a significant difference in students having a good day at school, as do getting up on time, eating a good breakfast, and having adequate time to get ready. Once in the classroom, children with ADHD can easily get overwhelmed if they have too much to manage, too many different rules, too many subjects, too many distractions. Try to help them focus on one thing at a time. Also, children with ADHD are already living with self-doubt and need their parents, teachers, and others to believe in them and to let them know “You’re worth something, you’re a good person, I believe in you.”
Benny Friesen
bennyfriesen@gmail.com