Terms

Failure to Thrive (FTT) Low Birth Weight (LBW) Cerebral Palsy (CP) Respiratory Distress

Syndrome (RDS) Cyanosis Bluish color

skin and lips Bronchopulmonary

dysplasia (BPD)

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER)neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)

Pediatric intensive care unit (PICU)

Some Developmental Disabilities

Cerebral palsy Mental retardation Communication

disorders autism deafness

Chronic childhood neurological disorders

– Seizures– Degenerative CNS – Myopathies (MS)

Causes of Developmental Disabilities

Congenital– Genetic– Infections– Toxic/metabolic– other

Acquired– Head trauma– Perinatal– Infections– Toxic/metabolic– Other diseases

High Risk Babies

Born prematurely– 3 or more weeks before the

end of 38 weeks of pregnancy-or who weigh less that 5 ½ lbs (2,500 grams)

– Less than 3 ½ lbs or (1,500 grams(VLBW)

Broad array of problems at birth

– BPD, RDS, cynanosis– Gastrointestinal problems– hernias

VLBW –severe anemia

IDEA-Individuals with Disabilities Act

Public Law 99-457– 0-3– developmentally delayed– biologically at risk– natural environments

Illnesses and Medical Conditions with hospitalization

Birth Injuries

Jaundice

Umbilical Hernia

Eye Infections

Ear Infections

Upper Respiratory Infections (URI)

Sepsis

Fractures

Illnesses and Medical Conditions with hospitalization

Down Syndrome Neural Tube Defects (NTDs) Heart Defects Speech and Language Difficulties Seizures Near Drowning Burns Poisoning Choking

Components in Service Delivery

Medical Setting The Family/Home Setting The School/Educational Setting

Technology Assistance

Intravenous Lines (IV) Suctioning Tube feeding Monitors Oxygen Ventilators

Issues for the Hospitalized Child

Infants Toddlers Preschoolers

Issues for Infants with Medical Needs

Disruption in normal routines (fussiness and irritability

Immediate response to pain needs and seeks comfort (comfort strategies demonstrated)

Stranger anxiety begins (around 6 months)

Toddler with Medical Needs

Separation Anxiety Fear of Strangers Immediate response to pain and unfamiliarity Regression in skills (motor, language, Potty

training)

Preschoolers with Medical Needs

Separation anxiety Anxiety about intrusions and mutilation Anxiety aroused by egocentric thought,

fantasies, magical thinking Fear of punishment aroused by guilt ( child

may feel that he or she is the cause of illness

The Family

Parents Grandparents Siblings

Stress

Stress Model

Stress in Parents

Anxiety about caregiver role

Equipment and other children’s cries

Behavioral changes Appearance and health

of child in NICU/PICU

Spouse/family members’ health

Spending more time with spouse

Financial strain in providing basic needs

Stressors in Mothers

Child’s diagnosis period Repeated hospitalization Daily management and

child rearing Medical difficulties and

withdrawal episodes

Stressors in Fathers

Understanding the child’s diagnosis

Child’s pain

Stressors in Siblings

Feeling lonely Observing stress in

parents Increased

responsibilities Change in residence Feeling ill

Stressors in Grandparents

Inability to advise parents with caregiving

Lack of information about disability or disease

Cultural Factors and Caregivers

Differences in Communication Methods

Differences in Meaning of Disability

Differences in Perceptions of Medical and Educational Staff

Traditional Healing Practices

Traditional Healing Practices

Traditional Healing Practices

Good? Or Bad?

Cultural Health Practices

Closely linked to beliefs and family values Folk medicine Spirits Unity of nature Preventive

Recommendations for Early Childhood Educators

Recognize the need for communication and collaboration of services and professionals that work with the young child

Seek out best communication method for family members and utilize it

Assist in developing parent workshops on stress management, resources and services

Assist child in maintaining normal developmental patterns Be sensitive to cultural and ethical differences in illness,

disability and the family