Education Issues
Commentary
by Molly Lou Conrad
My adult son, Michael, has Asperger's Syndrome, which is a high functioning form of Autism according to some doctors. Michael also has many interests including Origami, designing and constructing Lego Models, computers and the Internet, reading, keeping up to date on movie and Broadway show information, knowledge of the history of toys, playing different musical instruments and performing Magic Tricks.
This Month's Focus: Education Issues
Medical Procedures and Nursing in Schools
The Other Side of Learning: Coming Together for a Common GoalMany children with complex
medical issues require medical procedures during the course of the
school day. These may be as simple as administering a dose of
medication or giving feeds through a feeding tube, or as complex as
monitoring settings on a ventilator. As more children with medical
technology are living longer and living at home, these children are
attending school just like their peers. How to handle their medical
needs is a somewhat tricky issue for many families, and definitely a
source of fear for lots of parents.
by Jennifer A. Peterson
My son Thomas is currently in full-day Kindergarten. He enjoys art, music, computers and gym class. He is reading and comprehending at a level equivalent to the end of First Grade. Thomas looks forward to seeing his classmates each day. After school, he likes to unwind for some time and then transitions to our family's usual homework and bedtime routine. As with any child his age, Thomas is somewhat reluctant to engage in his homework. Sounds like any typical kid, right? What you don't know is the work that it took to get him to this point of success.
Using Technology to Alleviate Boredom---Educationally!
It is an unfortunate truth that many children with complex medical issues or disabilities are bored. Many are confined to a bed or chair for much of the day, especially during periods of worsening health. Still others have very limited physical abilities that restrict playing and exploring on their own. Regardless of the cause, it is undeniable that many kids spend portions of the day completely bored, no matter how hard we try to keep them entertained.
Specialty Article
Metaboiic, Genetic, and Congenital Disorders
The NIH Undiagnosed Diseases Program: Diagnosing Rare Diseases
The National Institutes of Health (NIH), the US agency responsible for medical research, recently began a new program through the Office of Rare Diseases. This program, called the Undiagnosed Diseases Program, invites 50-100 individuals per year with longstanding undiagnosed disorders to the NIH's Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, for further evaluation.
The NIH Undiagnosed Diseases Program: Diagnosing Rare Diseases
The National Institutes of Health (NIH), the US agency responsible for medical research, recently began a new program through the Office of Rare Diseases. This program, called the Undiagnosed Diseases Program, invites 50-100 individuals per year with longstanding undiagnosed disorders to the NIH's Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, for further evaluation.
Feature
Keeping Your Child Out of the Hospital: Treating Serious Illnesses at Home
For certain children who are very medically complex, a primary goal of many families is to keep the child at home as much as possible. This can be difficult when your child experiences frequent serious illnesses that typically would require hospitalization. Some children are routinely admitted every few weeks for fluids or infusions, or are hospitalized for every fever if they have a central line. While standard protocol does suggest admission in these cases, it may be possible for these children to be treated at home with a lot of forethought and the commitment of a specialized doctor.