Raising a child can have profound effects on marriages and relationships between parents. For parents of a disabled child, the effects may be heightened because the child’s care needs can introduce unique challenges into the romantic partnership. This is not to say that these relationships are doomed to fail. Many parents of children with disabilities...
Disability
Thousands of Americans with disabilities have undergone sterilization procedures without providing informed consent. Beginning in the early 1900s, supporters of the eugenics movement sought to sterilize those with cognitive impairments in order to “cleanse” the human gene pool of “undesirable” traits. This was sanctioned by many state governments, as well as the U.S. Supreme Court...
Going to the movies can be stressful for children with autism, sensory processing disorders, or developmental disabilities. Things like theater lighting, the volume of the movie, and having to sit still quietly may cause distress. This often causes families with children with developmental disabilities to leave a movie early or decide against going to the...
People with cerebral palsy and other conditions that affect motor control often struggle to use traditional dining utensils and dishware. Spastic reflexes, muscle weakness, and limited range of motion can make it difficult to eat and drink without spilling. Some people with motor impairments require assistance from others at mealtimes. Adaptive eating utensils and dishware...
With the first day of summer right around the corner, Michiganders begin to flock from all over to their state’s famous beaches, state parks, and cities. But traveling with a child or a loved on in a wheelchair can make planning a summer adventure a bit more complex. Here are some of Michigan’s most popular vacation...
The Importance of Catching Developmental Delays Early Children with developmental delays of any kind (especially those due to hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy and other preventable birth injuries) require significant support in early childhood and throughout life. As soon as parents suspect developmental delays, they should consult with a pediatrician or specialist to determine the best plan...