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Recent stories of police brutality against individuals with disabilities demonstrate need for change in training programs

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Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DDs), cerebral palsy (CP), hearing and vision difficulties, and other disabilities can struggle with communication. They may have difficulties with problem-solving skills. They can also have difficulty following rules and obeying laws (1). They may struggle with interpersonal relationships, social responsibility, and general social skills. Or they may just…

4 Kids Shows and Movies Featuring Characters with Disabilities

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Children with disabilities often are severely underrepresented in movies, books, and pop-culture. If they are featured, the portrayal can often be inaccurate and the character is often played by a person who does not have an intellectual, developmental, or physical disability. In recent years the film and television industry has been making strides towards more…

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)

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The STAR Institute for Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) defines sensory processing as “the way the nervous system receives messages from the senses and turns them into appropriate motor and behavioral responses” (1). SPD occurs when these sensory signals are not detected by the brain or are not matched with the correct responses. This can cause…

Sensory-Friendly Movies and Entertainment

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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…

Large Head Circumference At Birth Increases Risk of White Matter Damage and Cerebral Palsy

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One of the major risk factors for cerebral palsy (CP) is damage to the brain’s white matter. In preterm infants, white matter damage often stems from asphyxia (oxygen deprivation), but in term infants the cause of damage may occasionally be difficult to determine. However, new research by Arne Jensen and Bert Holmer, published in Obstetrics…

Dental Care for Children with Disabilities

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For many parents of children with disabilities, pediatric dental care may be low on their list of concerns. However, children with disabilities are almost twice as likely to develop oral health problems. This is not simply a result of parental distraction – a variety of physical, behavioral, and emotional conditions can play a role (1)….