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Autism Information

There is no known single cause for autism, but it is generally accepted that it is caused by abnormalities in brain structure or function. Brain scans show differences in the shape and structure of the brain in children with autism versus neuro-typical children. Researchers are investigating a number of theories, including the link between heredity, genetics and medical problems. In many families, there appears to be a pattern of autism or related disabilities, further supporting a genetic basis to the disorder. While no one gene has been identified as causing autism, researchers are searching for irregular segments of genetic code that children with autism may have inherited. It also appears that some children are born with a susceptibility to autism, but researchers have not yet identified a single "trigger" that causes autism to develop.
Other researchers are investigating the possibility that under certain conditions, a cluster of unstable genes may interfere with brain development, resulting in autism. Still other researchers are investigating problems during pregnancy or delivery as well as environmental factors, such as viral infections, metabolic imbalances, and exposure to environmental chemicals.

Testing for LD kids

If a parent or a child's teacher sees that a child may have trouble learning, the parents should probably pursue a learning disabilities assessment. First, have the child's hearing and vision tested. Perhaps they just need a hearing aid or a pair of glasses. If hearing and vision are fine, then the child should receive a learning disabilities evaluation.

Parents have a federally mandated right to request a learning disabilities evaluation for their child at the school district's expense. The most widely used model to test for a learning disability is the "discrepancy model." If your state uses this approach, your child will receive an educational evaluation, consisting of academic achievement testing, and a psychological evaluation, consisting of an IQ test. If a discrepancy exists between the results of the two evaluations, particularly if a child has a high IQ but performs poorly on the achievement tests, the child may have a learning disability.

A child who does not show an IQ/ Achievement discrepancy may still qualify for services if he or she performs poorly in one or more academic areas. Each state does things a little differently, so check with your local school district to get the details on how a child qualifies for special help and what help is available if a child does not meet the criteria for a learning disability.

An EDUCATIONAL EVALUATION may be performed by a school psychologist or by a private professional trained to test for learning disabilities.

A PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION (IQ test) must be administered by a licensed psychologist.

Downs Syndrome

Downs Syndrome Information

Named after John Langdon Down, the first physician to identify the syndrome, Down syndrome is the most frequent gentic cause of mild to moderate mental retardation and associated medical problems and occurs in one out of 800 live births, in all races and economic groups.
Here are some physical features that are associated with downs syndrome:Flat face with an upward slant to the eye, short neck, and abnormally shaped ears, deep crease in the palm of the hand, white spots on the iris of the eye, poor muscle tone, loose ligaments
and small hands and feet. Downs also has some other health factors such as hearing difficulties, eyesight problems, intestinal problems and heart disease. As women age it is more likely for their babies to have a higher chance of developing downs. By the age of 42, 1 in 60 new borns will be a downs baby. While the children grow up, most of the kids go through early intervention services and are able to receive a great education. After receiving a great education many individuals with downs are able to create a longer and fulfilling lives. The average life expectancy for individuals with downs is around the age of 50.

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