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A Newsletter for Families and Their Children Served by Gulf Central Early Steps
CHARLOTTE, DESOTO, HARDEE, HIGHLANDS, MANATEE AND SARASOTA COUNTIES JULY, AUGUST, SEPTEMBER 2019
FAMILY RESOURCE NEWS
Need Help?
Are you looking for a local support or play group?
Do you need emotional
support or encouragement from another parent of a child with special needs?
Are you interested in
starting a support group or play group but need assistance?
Are you confused about
who to call for assistance with health care, childcare, advocacy, and other types of assistance?
Do you want to attend a
conference, workshop or training that would benefit your child or family but need help with the cost?
Contact us today! Call or email your Family Resource Specialist for additional resources or
support.
(941) 487-5400 [email protected] [email protected]
Resources are available!
2-1-1 is a free and confidential service that helps people find the
local resources they need, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
DIAL 2-1-1 FROM ANY AREA
Fourth of July Tips For a Child With
Sensory Processing Disorder
Independence Day can be a fun and exciting holiday, but for children with Sensory Processing Disorders the festivities can sometimes be more upsetting than entertaining. Firework shows, parades, barbecues, festivals, long days, and large crowds can often times provide too much stimuli for a child with Sensory Processing Disorder, and they can become overwhelmed and dysregulated. But that doesn’t mean your family should avoid festivities. It means your family needs to go to the festivities with a plan! Here are six survival tips to help your child with Sensory Processing Disorder enjoy the Fourth of July: 1. Prepare Your Child for the Day: Children with Sensory Processing Disorder and disabilities tend to do best when they know what to expect. Talk to them about what is going to happen throughout the day. Sometimes creating a social story or a visual aid to help them understand what to expect may be helpful. You may even want to show them a video of a fireworks display, a crowded celebration, or a parade beforehand if you expect these to be particularly difficult for them. 2. Bring Tools to Reduce Stimuli: While it may not be possible to avoid an abundance of stimuli, it may be possible to reduce it. Bring tools such as noise-blocking headphones, sunglasses, fidget toys, and other items that may help your child feel more comfortable in these sensory overwhelming situations. 3. Engage in Heavy Work Activities: Heavy work has been proven to increase attention and calm the senses for many children with Sensory Processing Disorder. Heavy work is characterized by activities that involve the whole body or parts of the body like pushing, pulling, lifting, chewing and squeezing. These actions are all meant to engage the body and, in a sense, organize the nervous system.
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Fourth of July Tips For a Child with Sensory Processing Disorder
1
Know Your Rights 2
Charlotte County Child Seat Safety Classes
3
Parent Friendly Guide to Hypotonia
4
Agency Highlight— The Florida and Virgin Islands DeafBlind Collab-
5
Community Resources and Events
6
Inside this issue:
4. Bring a Safe Space: If possible, bring a safe quiet space for your child to retreat to if they become too overwhelmed with the commotion of the festivities. Something as simple as a small pop up tent, umbrella, or blanket can serve as a portable safe space for your child to take a break from the overwhelming sensory stimulation. 5. Bring Favorite and Familiar Items: When a child with Sensory Processing Disorder is over stimulated with different sights, sounds, and smells familiar toys, games and snacks can provide distraction and comfort. These favorites can also come in handy if your child gets antsy while waiting for an activity, like a parade or firework show, to start. 6. Find an Alternative: For some children with Sensory Processing Disorder, Fourth of July fireworks, parades, and festivals are too overwhelming even with all of these strategies in place. But there are still other ways for your family to enjoy a fun Fourth of July holiday! Here are some alternative sensitive friendly Fourth of July celebration ideas: Host a family party Hold a Red-White-and-Blue dress-up contest Have a water balloon fight Take a beach trip Host a Fourth of the July themed neighborhood bake-
off Have a family Fourth of July movie marathon By Chelsea LaRocca, FRS Sources Adapted From: Celebrating the Fourth of July: Tips for Kids with Sensory Processing Disorders. ABC Law Centers. Reiter & Walsh, PC. July 3, 2018. https://www.abclawcenters.com/blog/2018/07/03/celebrating-the-fourth-of-july-tips-for-kids-with-sensory-processing-disorders/ Peronto, Sara. 6 Tips to Having A Sensory Friendly 4th of July. Friendship Circle Special Needs Resource Blog. Friendship Circle. July 2, 2014. https://www.friendshipcircle.org/blog/2014/07/02/6-tips-to-having-a-sensory-friendly-4th-of-july/
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Upcoming Events: 7/17/19 6:30-7:45 pm 504 Plans and IEP Join us as we go over some essential information for your upcoming IEP and 504 Plan meetings! 7/31/19 6:30-7:45 pm Navigating the new Roads we face. Come together with other families who are dealing with similar situations and share your stories! Shannon Staub Library Mtg Rm #159 4675 Career Ln. North Port FL 34287 For more information and to stay up-to-date on events visit https://clarasclubhouse.org/ or follow Clara’s Clubhouse on Facebook
Know Your Rights
Part C of IDEA is a federal law that provides all the states throughout the nation, the op-portunity to create a statewide system of care for infants and toddlers who are developmentally delayed and their families. This law recognizes the posi-tive impact of early
intervention on the development of young children and their families and recognizes the importance of meeting the develop-mental needs of children early in their lives.
Part C of IDEA outlines rights and procedural safeguards that help your family participate in Early Steps. Procedural Safeguards are the checks and balances that protect your family while in Early Steps. It is very important that you understand your Proce-dural Safeguards. You will be given a written copy of your Proce-dural Safeguards and they must also be verbally explained to you.
Please contact your Service Coordinator or your Family Resource Specialist with any questions or concerns. We are there to help! Call 941-487-5400
Free Classes for Dads:
BE the best DAD you can BE!
2,020 Dad Grads and counting! Are you a good dad who wants to be a Great Dad?
Whether you are a new dad, an expectant dad, a
married dad, a single dad, or stepdad, every dad can become an even
better dad. Course and materials are FREE. Dinner and childcare pro-
vided
Sarasota and North Port Locations
Contact Jack Baker
Call 941.953.5507 ext. 127
Email [email protected]
Register online at www.childrenfirst.net
Charlotte County
Family Support, Training, Assistance, and Re-sources (Family STAR) is the Family to Family Health Information Center (F2F HRC) of Florida and is funded by a grant from the U.S. Depart-ment of Health and Human Services (HHS), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).
This program will assist families of Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN) to make informed decisions about health care for their children, providing: Support, Training, Assis-tance, and Resources
Our goal is that families can be effective partners in health care decision making at all levels and report satisfaction with the services they receive.
Call (800) 825—5736
www.fndusa.org
Awareness
July
Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month
National Cleft and Craniofacial Aware-ness and Prevention Month
August
Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month
World Breastfeeding Week August 1–7
September
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
Muscular Dystrophy awareness month
World Duchenne Awareness Day
September 7
Usher Syndrome Awareness Day
(third Saturday)
Parent Friendly Guide to
Hypotonia
What is hypotonia? Hypotonia means decreased tone in your muscles. Muscle tone is the muscles’ resistance to being stretched during passive movement. What does this mean? It means that at rest, even a relaxed muscle has some tension/contraction. In children with hypotonia, this tension is reduced as compared to children with typical muscle tone. In simple terms, the muscle is too soft and relaxed.
How does hypotonia affect my child? If muscles are too soft and relaxed, children can fatigue faster because movements are more difficult. More effort is required to maintain the muscle contraction. This can affect stability, breathing and/or ability to talk. The important thing to note is that your child isn’t lazy, it’s just difficult to move efficiently.
What does hypotonia look like? Children with hypotonia may have delayed gross motor, fine motor and/or communication milestones. Infants have a floppy or “rag doll” appearance, their hands hang on the sides when being held, may struggle with head control, have slouched posture in sitting, poor balance in walking, hypermobility in joints (overly flexible joints). Poor posture can affect their ability to use the muscles in their mouth and delay speech development.
What is the difference between hypotonia and hypertonia? As explained above, hypotonia is decreased muscle tone. On the other hand, hypertonia is increased tone at rest. This means that the muscle is stiff, and it is difficult to relax. This results in children adapting different abnormal postures. Hypertonia is usually a result of damage to the central nervous system, as well.
How is hypotonia diagnosed? Hypotonia can be a result of genetic conditions like Down syndrome, Prader Willi syndrome, etc., or it can be a result of neurological conditions like cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophies, etc. Congenital hypotonia is a diagnosis of exclusion, when it occurs without an underlying cause. It could be hereditary. Consult your pediatrician if you’re concerned about hypotonia.
Is hypotonia curable? No, hypotonia doesn’t have a cure. It is usually a result of trauma to the central nervous system or genetic abnormalities. It is not something children will outgrow, but they will be able to participate in most age appropriate activities, when ready.
Will my child get stronger? Hypotonia isn’t the same as weakness. Your child can gain strength and have the ability to meet milestones, it may just take them a bit longer. However, getting stronger doesn’t mean the tone will improve.
Does therapy help? Absolutely! Physical therapy can assist your child to improve balance and coordination, gain strength and improve motor planning. Occupational therapy can improve fine motor skills like pointing, picking up small objects and writing. Speech-language therapy can improve communication through oral motor stimulation, breathing, and can address swallowing difficulties, if any.
Where can I get more resources/support? Early intervention is very beneficial in aiding of understanding and treatment of hypotonia. Care.com is a Hypotonia Family Support website where you can connect with other parents of children with hypotonia. https://www.care.com/c/for/hypotonia
Most importantly, remember to celebrate the inch-stones (small victories) rather than focusing on milestones. It’s easy to forget the wonderful things your child CAN do, when the focus is on the things they can’t.
By Shruti Pradhan, PT, DPT Gulf Central Early Steps
Agency Highlight
Quienes somos y Como podemos ayudar?
Colaborativo de la Florida y las Islas Vírgenes Sordo-Ceguera proporcionar consulta y apoyo a niños y jóvenes (edades de nacimiento a través 21 anos) que tienen tanto perdida de la visión y audición (diagnosticado y sospechado). Consultamos con las familias, educado-
res, proveedores de servicios, agencias y equipos educati-vos para apoyar el crecimiento, éxito educativo, necesida-des de comunicación, y accesibilidad para niños y adultos jóvenes sobre su sordo-ceguera. Sordo-Ceguera se define como perdidas de visión y audición combinadas que pueden afectar la comunicación, movilidad, participación y aprendizaje. Muchas personas con sordo-ceguera también pueden tener otras discapaci-dades físicas, intelectuales, y/o otras discapacidades adi-cionales. Nuestro objetivo es ayudar a los niños y jóvenes que con sordo-ceguera a participar y experimentar con las mismas oportunidades de cualquier otro miembro de nuestra comunidad. Sabia Usted?
Sordo-Ceguera es un termino que describe a niños que tienen visión y perdida auditiva
Los niños con sordo-ceguera tienen diferentes cantidades de visión y audición usable
Mas del 90% de los niños con combinada perdida de la visión y audición (sordo-ceguera) tienen otras discapacidades o problemas de salud.
Tener múltiples discapacidades o problemas de salud complejos a menudo mantiene combinado reconocido o dirigidos. Bebes y jóvenes con algunos comporta-mientos puedan combinado perdida de la audición y visión:
Problemas de equilibrio, chocar o tropezar con objetos
Respuestas inconsistentes a sonidos o imágenes visuales
Luz-mirando
Sensibilidades táctiles
Respuesta de sobresalto hiperactiva
Comunicación por morder, golpear a si mismo o a otros, lanzar de objetos, gritando, etc.
DeafBlindness is defined as combined hearing and vision losses that may impact communication, mobility, participation and learning. Many people with DeafBlindness may also have physical, intellectual and/or additional disabilities. Our goal is to help children and young adults who are DeafBlind participate and experience the same opportunities within our community as others.
*Services are free of charge.
*Servicios son gratis.
Did you know? DeafBlindness is a term that describes children who have
both vision and hearing loss Children with DeafBlindness have different amounts of usa-
ble hearing and vision More than 90% of children with combines vision and hearing
loss have additional disabilities or health problems Having multiple disabilities or complex health problems
often keeps combined vision and hearing loss from being recognized or addressed
Infants and toddlers with some of these behaviors may have a combined
vision and hearing loss: Balance problems, bumping into or tripping over objects Inconsistent responses to sounds or visual images Overactive startle response Communication by biting, hitting self or others, throwing
objects, screaming, etc. Tactile sensitivity Light gazing
IS YOUR CHILD SAFE ON EVERY RIDE??? Are you using your car seat correctly? Do you need a seat and can’t get one for a good price? A nationally certified child passenger safety technician teaches all classes and will also assist you as you install your car seat in your vehicle. Visit www.allkids.org/carseats to schedule a Child Passenger Safety Class in your area.
FACE AUTISM, Inc. provides free sensory friendly activities and events for children with autism and their families in Manatee and Sarasota. Bowling, movies, art, music, holiday events, and more!
Contact: [email protected] Or Call 813-240-3044 www.face-autism.org
COMMUNITY RESOURCES AND EVENTS GUIDE
Among an array of fun and educational programs, Forty Carrots offers Free Community Outreach Services including
“Welcome to Our World” & “Partners In Play” classes. For more information visit: www.fortycarrots.org Call 941-365-7716 Or check with your local library.
HIGHLANDS AND HARDEE COUNTIES Client-Centered Individual, Group, and Family Therapy and Treatment By Appointment Only: (863) 248-3311
Adult and Children’s Services Sebring: Outpatient Therapy Avon Park: Outpatient Therapy Lake Placid: Outpatient Therapy Wauchula: Outpatient Therapy & Psychiatric Services
24 HR CRISIS:
(863) 519-3744
Macaroni Kid is an online resource for families looking for events, playgroups and discounts. Sign up to receive their email newsletter.
Sarasota: www.sarasota.macaronikid.com
Manatee: www.bradenton.macaronikid.com
Highlands: www.sebring.macaronikid.com
Charlotte: www.portcharlotte.macaronikid.com
A Ray Of Hope Support Network
Provides support and hope to parents
raising children with special needs.
www.arayofhopesupportnetwork.org On Facebook: www.facebook.com/arayofhopesupportnetwork
Or Email: [email protected]
Got Kids?
Get a Plan! Find community resource information at
www.wholechildmanatee.com
or call 941-749-3059 Fill out a Whole Child Profile/Questionnaire online to help you
and your family plan for a better future. Over 300 resources in Manatee County to
assist you. Complete a Profile on the Internet, at home or on any Public Access
computer. For assistance in filling out a profile call an Advisor today!
Parents as Teachers Free, voluntary home visiting
program for expecting mothers and/or families with a child
24 months or younger. PAT supports parents
as their child’s 1st teacher. For more information please contact
Desoto and Hardee (863)225-9963 Sarasota and Manatee 941-827-2887 ext. 7811
Manasota BUDS exists to provide a supportive forum for families of children with Down syndrome to network and share. Monthly meetings, events, and parent support.
Contact: [email protected] Or call 941-907-0499
www.manasotabuds.org
The Florida Center serves approximately 800 families each year
through the Healthy Families Sarasota, Healthy Families Charlotte, and Healthy Families Desoto/Hardee
programs. For more information, visit
www.thefloridacenter.org or www.healthyfamiliesfla.org
(941) 371-8820
Gulf Central Early Steps is on
Stay up to date on local family-friendly events, news, informative
articles, local resources, fun learning activities, and much more!
We love to hear from our families, so tell us how we’re doing. Feel
free to comment on articles, share ideas, and share your stories.
Search for Gulf Central Early Steps or use our page address:
www.facebook.com/gulfcentralearlysteps
![How to Treat the Child with Hypotonia Presentation[1]](https://img.pdfslide.us/doc/110x75/61fc859d8d33c02b785e2618/how-to-treat-the-child-with-hypotonia-presentation1.jpg)
