What is Childhood Development Screening?

Development screening is a procedure used to identify children of all ages who may show signs of developmental delays. These screenings can allow for earlier detection and intervention for developmentally delayed children. This can improve the health and well being of the child. The earlier the detection the better the outcome for all those involved. There are many opportunities for those children identified with behavioral and/or developmental delays.

In the United States about 17 percent of children have some sort of development or behavioral delay. Less than 50 percent of these children are identified before they begin school. These missed opportunities can cause significant delays and can impact school readiness. Examples of developmental or behavioral disabilities that are screened for include autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and intellectual disabilities. Studies have shown that early detection of all these disorders can benefit greatly from early detection.

Development screenings can be done by various healthcare professionals. They can be done by your healthcare provider at the well child visits done in infancy and toddlerhood. Infants and toddlers between the ages of 0-3 should be monitored for development by a primary care health professional. Early intervention has been shown to provide the best results so emphasis is placed on early identification and treatment. Parents look to their healthcare provider for information and guidance although about 65 percent of pediatricians feel inadequately trained to access developmental status in their patients.

Early identification and intervention for children with developmental delays is mandated by law. States are required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to provide early identification and provide services to infants and toddlers. They are mandated to identify developmental delays, establish conditions associated with the delays and identify children at risk for developmental delays. States are also mandated to refer children, free of charge, for comprehensive evaluation by a team of professionals who then, with the family, develops an individualized plan of services. The National Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center lists early intervention programs by states along with contact information.

Screening tools are not designed to provide a specific diagnosis. A positive screening should be followed up with a more thorough assessment by a specialized professional. Screening tools can be specific for a certain type of disability or a more generalized assessment. If you know what specific type of delay or condition you are looking for it makes it easier to choose the correct healthcare professional to administer the developmental screening.

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The Basis of IQ Testing

There are many reasons why people actually do go out and do IQ testing and one of the main core reasons is to of course gauge the level of their intelligence. However, when we are thinking about this concept, one thing that you need to understand is that the whole precept of IQ testing is not only to test perceived intelligence, but the ability of the brain to solve and calculate within a stipulated time. It really measures just how advanced your brain has come along since the moment that it became aware of the world around it and started learning.

Learning is the one most important factor when you are thinking about the brain and its various mechanics and this is what you really need to pay attention to in the end of the day. IQ testing is done all over the world and the audience that do go for this kind of testing are children, and there is a reason for this. Looking at this in a more than one dimensional way, we can see that IQ testing is indeed the whole deliverable of being able to detect any sort of learning or brain deficiencies that exist within the mind of the child, and this is what you really need to be able to focus on. This is why most child psychologists out there are actually do recommend the whole paradigm of the IQ test and this is what you need to pay most of your attention to.

Where you can do it is really up to the resources that you have around you, and most of the time, there are intellectual centres and psychological practices that allow you to subject either yourself or your child to the whole iq test and this is what is important. There are so many developmental diseases and impairments out there when we are talking about the mind, and what you need to be able to do is ascertain the very fact that when you are doing this, you would also be able to know where the brain stands and what therapies can be recommended if indeed there are any to be recommended at all in the first place.

One of the common misconceptions of the IQ test is that it is purely a barometer for things like intelligence and brain - and this is all down to things like popular culture, and these are the misconceptions that you have to get out of your head. In the end of the day, what you have is a simple formula that allow you to know the normal ranges that you are in, and if you have any extra abilities at all in the first place. For many, IQ testing has become a sort of mainstay in society today, with more and more parents subjecting their kids to the battery of mind tests to ensure that they are normal and are able to learn and execute themselves in function in the world today.

MindMatters Psychology Practice provides depression child treatment support services for children and young adults. They also provide an IQ Testing for children.

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2 Autism Screening Tools That Every Parent Should Know About!

In 2007 the Center for Disease Control's Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network (ADDM) found that 1 in 150 8 year olds in different parts of the country have an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Years ago autism was believed to occur in 4 to 5 per 10,000. This means that the prevalence of autism has increased to epidemic proportions in the last several years. This is the reason why every parent needs to be educated about autism screening tools, in case their child is showing signs of autism. This article will discuss 2 autism screening tools that I find are most effective in diagnosing autism.

Autism is a complex developmental disability that usually appears during the first three years of a child's life. It is defined by a unique set of behaviors and is considered a "spectrum disorder." What this means is that a child can have different symptoms that go across a spectrum.

Autism is often diagnosed by physicians, health care workers, or special education personnel. Two effective screening tools to diagnose autism are the CHAT which stands for the Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, and the CARS which stands for the Childhood Autism Rating Scale. Both will be discussed now, as well as who can use these tools to diagnose autism.

1. CHAT Checklist for Autism in Toddlers is a short questionnaire which is filled out by the parents and a primary health care worker (usually the child's Doctor). The CHAT is recommended to be given to all children at their 18 month check up. The Chat consists of two sections: the first nine items are questions answered by the parents and the last five items are observations made by the primary health care worker.

These items look at behaviors which if absent at 18 months, put a child at risk for a social-communication disorder. These behaviors are: a. joint attention, including pointing to show and looking to where a parent is pointing, and b. pretend play. The items are then scored, and a determination of pass or fail is given. Children who fail are rescreened in one month, and if they fail again should be referred to a specialty Dr. or Clinic for further testing.

2. CARS Childhood Autism Rating Scale is a 15 item behavior Rating Scale that helps to identify children with Autism and to distinguish them from other children with a disability. Professionals such as physicians, special educators (after age 3), school psychologists, speech pathologists and audiologists who have had only minimal exposure to Autism, can easily be trained to use the CARS. This is one of the reasons that I like it so much, it does not take lengthy training before use.

Each of the 15 items covers a particular characteristic, ability, or behavior. The person performing the CARS will ask the parents questions. based on the 15 items. The parents answers will be used to give the child a score.

Children who score above a given point are categorized as having autism.

The CARS also gives a determination if the child has mild, moderate, or severe autism, based on the child's score on the CARS. This is a wonderful bonus for parents because it helps them understand what their child's needs are related to having autism.

By understanding what effective autism screening tools are available, parents will be able to ask their Doctor to use one of the screening tools, if they are concerned. If your child fails either of these tests, you should take them to a specialty clinic or physician, who is experienced in treating children with autism. They should order a complete battery of tests to determine what your child's strengths and weaknesses are, as well as what special education services they need. Do not take these screening tools in lieu of further testing, but it will help you get started. Good Luck!

JoAnn Collins is a mother of two adults with disabilities and has been an education advocate for over 15 years. She has helped hundreds of parents navigate the special education system. She is also the author of the book: Disability Deception; Lies Disability Educators Tell and How Parents Can Beat Them at Their Own Game. For more information go to: http://www.disabilitydeception.com

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Autism Program - Find Summer Camps for Your Child With Autism

It is that time of the year when all schools are closed for the summer and you are left with the unenviable task of conjuring up novel ideas of keeping your children occupied with fun-filled activities that are entertaining and educational as well. Summer holidays can be exciting for parents of typical kids but for parents of children with autism, it is fraught with challenges and unending spell of upsets and meltdowns.

One of the best ways to combat this situation is to find a suitable 'summer camp' that will suit your child's specific needs and leave you to bask in stress free days of summer. In order to narrow your search to find a camp that is supportive, accommodating and fun-filled, you will have to follow these tips;

Begin your research well in advance of the summer holidays. Summer camps are pricey. So you will need time to browse the internet until you find one of your choice after comparing prices, quality of activities, faculty etc. Starting as early as September would be a wise move.

Extended School Year (ESY) is a program allowing your ASD child to avail of services in the summer vacations. A child's regressive behavior in social, behavioral and academic fields would make him eligible for ESY, which qualifies him for free summer program. As the ESY is different in each state and school as well, you will have to find the nature of ESY offered in the camp you choose.

Spread the word around and ask your friends, relatives, acquaintances, colleagues and in your child's school, for information on summer camps. Other parents of autistic children are bound to know of camps and give you references. Alternatively, view the website of ASA (Autism Society of America) for details or post a question to them for specific information.

Scour magazines, newspapers, bulletins, newsletters and camp directories in order to get listings of summer camps for children with autism.

Be a member of 'autism support groups' - There are online autism support groups as well as support groups formed by parents of autistic children going to the same school. You can get useful tips and references from them, about camps around your area or elsewhere.

Find summer camps that allow family involvement and participation in order to get knowledge about different activities that you could later on incorporate in your schedule, when spending time with your child.

YMCA and Variety Club summer camps have schemes with financial subsidies to help families requiring monetary aid. They are also committed about including autistic children in all activities and work hard to fulfill their mission. Make sure the camp you choose follows this policy, when contacting the camp organizers.

Enroll your child in a summer camp to have a good time, enhance his confidence in himself and improve his social and cognitive skills. For a detailed list of summer camps worldwide, visit my blog http://yourkidandyou.blogspot.com/ and learn more about activities for children with autism.

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Autism As a Long-Term Disability

Autism and autism spectrum disorders seem like a relatively new phenomenon. Already, doctors and researchers are realizing that this condition is much more widespread than originally thought. Additionally, studies have found that an estimated three to six out of every 1,000 kids have autism or an autism spectrum disorder, and this number is expected to rise. With this problem becoming more and more prevalent, it is important to question whether or not autism is a long-term disability.

The Social Security Administration, or SSA, defines a long-term disability as an illness or injury that will prevent you from working for at least one year, or it will end in death. With long-term disabilities, the SSA realizes that you may be unable to work and pay for your basic needs, such as food, shelter, and clothing. Additionally, if you were once the breadwinner in your family, you may be unable to provide for your loved ones after you develop a disability. Because of this, the SSA offers disability coverage to help you attain the quality of life that you deserve.

However, not everyone is given disability benefits. In fact, you must apply to the SSA and answer several important questions. You often have to provide medical testimony from your doctor that your illness or disorder interferes with your daily life and prevents you from working. Because this can be complicated, the SSA has compiled a Listing of Impairments that details many different disorders and ailments that often result in disability. Autism and autistic disorders are on this list.

Many parents notice signs of autism before their children reach three years of age. There are some signs of this disorder, such as delayed language development, resistance to cuddling, repetition of words or particular movements, and the ability to retreat into one's own world and ignore everyone else. Additionally, autistic children often struggle with changes to their routines.

Because of this, working can be very difficult for an adult with autism. This is because the problems listed above can translate into a struggle to fit in with society and carry on normal person-to-person interactions. Thus, the SSA's list of disabilities includes autism if the autistic person meets several requirements. First, an individual with autism must have problems with social interaction, communication skills, imagination, and little interest in new activities. Additionally, the person must display issues such as difficulties with concentration or problems with adapting to changes in daily living.

As simple as the requirements on the Listing of Impairments may sound, applying for long-term disability coverage can be a time-consuming and difficult process. To help you with the application, please visit the website of the long-term disability lawyers from the Charles D. Hankey Law Office, P.C., today.

James Witherspoon

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Discover Autism - A Wide Range of Therapy Programs

Sadly, a definitive cure for autism, a disabling neurological disorder, has yet to be found. Affected children can grow up suffering from speech impairment, difficulties in social interaction, abnormal learning and an inability to enjoy many of life's experiences which we all take for granted. It has been shown that early diagnosis and intervention can help to minimize the problem and therapies can give the unfortunate patient a certain measure of independence and show him or her how to cope.

Numerous options are available within a wide variety of therapy programs. Treatment is very much dependent on an individual's needs and most professionals agree that it is best started no later than the age of two. Sometimes a combination of treatments and programs will yield the best results, but it should be known that the condition generally requires treatment for the life of the patient and the caregiver should maintain flexibility of approach.

Generally speaking, treatments and therapy programs can be broken down into four distinct areas - behavioral, supplemental, dietary and medical. Some of these represent established programs, whilst others are experimental and it is important to remember that there are a lot of avenues to explore as the chase for the definitive cure goes on.

Behavioral therapies deal with modification techniques, to assist the patient to gain job skills and to enable them to function in their environment. For example, Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA, entails the teaching of skill oriented activities. Patients are rewarded as they learn fun skills and their behavior skills develop. This is a highly structured program, with intensive one-on-one interaction between a child and a therapist. This form of treatment is generally suggested to be the most effective, but many critics think that the approach is somewhat "robotic" and does not encourage the child to be spontaneous in adapting to the real world.

As opposed to applied behavior analysis, pivotal response therapy is considered to be more natural, taking place in a more relaxed environment, and supporters of this method believe that this approach can trigger a ripple effect to other behaviors, achieving a better all round result.

When it comes to supplemental therapies, many people with autism respond favorably to sensory stimulation. Patients are encouraged to hold objects with various textures or listen to music, for example. The Tomatis method entails the playing of a loop of music to a child for several hours a day with the goal of improving attention and concentration.

Language programs are of the utmost importance. Sometimes a program is introduced enabling patients to interact through the use of visual stimulants, such as pictures, enabling the child to communicate wants and needs through image exchange.

When it comes to dietary therapies, some professionals advocate that children with autism should be placed on special diets, basically casein or gluten free. Studies have shown that a high percentage of children with the affliction suffer from chronic gastrointestinal issues. Gluten, found in wheat products, and casein, found in milk products, are the culprits. Whilst this form of treatment calls for significant dietary control, many other experts caution against its' effectiveness.

Medical treatments for autism include the use of vaccines and some more, particularly controversial therapies, including chelation, which involves the injection of a form of acid into the blood to remove or improve metabolic functioning. Others advocate the use of antidepressant drugs such as Prozac to treat certain behavior problems associated with autism, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder or to help in controlling tantrums.

Autism is diagnosed in approximately one out of every 150 children. It is generally accepted that early diagnosis and intervention is crucial to enable the child to gain social skills, behavior skills and experience a release from isolation.

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Children with Sensory Needs - The Misunderstood Five Percent of the General Population

Many children, perhaps your own, exhibit difficulty processing sensory information including: touch, taste, smell, vision, and hearing. As many as 5% of the school age population exhibit characteristics of sensory processing disorder (SPD), sometimes known as sensory integration disorder.

Further, many children with autism, ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder), learning disabilities have SPD coexisting or underlying these conditions. Research has shown that as many as 40% of children with ADHD display symptoms of SPD.

If you are a parent of a child with special needs, perhaps you are struggling with the added stresses this can have on the family.

• Your family relationships may be affected.
• Siblings may be envious of the extra attention provided to the child with special needs.
• Mothers may feel that fathers are not involved.
• Fathers may feel unfairly blamed, when in their opinion, they are struggling to support the family.
• Extended relatives, while intending to provide support, may instead offer conflicting advice, or just not understand the needs of the child and the family.
• An already tight family budget may be stretched even greater to cover the added expenses associated with providing the best possible care for the child with special needs, and the family as a whole.

Only by sharing information and working together can we have adequate recognition and support for those impacted by SPD. Search the internet. Resources exist on the internet through non-proft foundations, and parent connections groups. It is my hope that all children grow up with the courage and wisdom to share their natural talents for the betterment of the world,

...express understanding and respect for humanity

...appreciate and extend the work done by previous generations of people.

Christopher R. Auer, MA is the author of Parenting a Child with Sensory Processing Disorder: A Family Guide to Understanding and Supporting Your Sensory Sensitive Child (New Harbinger, 2006) Additional information at http://www.spdresources.com or email spdresources@comcast.net

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