Resources
Grasping Genetics
By: Kayla Lashinger
Did you know that inherited genes are responsible for an astounding 80% of autism risk? That’s why the genetics of your child with special needs is so important to understand! Genes hold power in so much including determining origin of the disability as well as in understanding associated conditions such as sleep issues, epilepsy, and feeding problems.
Here, we have an introduction to important concepts and new scientific findings, but everyone has a unique genetic code; that’s why the best way to get results specific to YOU is by visiting a genetic counselor and/or a medical geneticist. The world of genetics is growing each day as research expands, so check back often for updates that could help your child and the special needs community to reach their best!
Below are links to help you start to learn about how Genetics can impact your Autism Journey:
Inherited Variants
Autism genetics, explained
Genetic Causes and Modifiers of Autism Spectrum Disorder
The Autism Genetic Resource Exchange
CRISPR is a type of gene therapy that can be used to make changes in DNA
REgional
Abilities Workshop, Inc is proud to produce Bright Feats Special Needs Directory. Providing information about local community services, support to families and useful to businesses needing to convey their unique services to the special needs community.
Having children with special needs requires navigating through the complex maze of the healthcare and educational systems, we recognize the support families require in identifying helpful and necessary resources for their children.
Through personal experience we connect with many community organizations and families and understand there is a demand for a resource directory specifically designed for families with children that have special needs. We empathize how overwhelming it can be as each new challenge and diagnosis is discovered.
National
As part of of dedication to families from all around the country and world, Abilities Workshop, Inc has designed SearchABLE. This is a unique search engine that is designed to help parents and professionals find resources for the special needs community. You may search a geographic area and filter the results based on what service you are seeking.
This program allows you to not only find what you need, but also have the opportunity to leave ratings and reviews based on your experiences. This comprehensive database provides links at the bottom of the search page for additional tools, helping you find the answers for you and your family more easily.
Alphabet Soup
By: Carmen Brown
Navigating the special Needs World can be challenging, especially with so many acronyms, below is a partial list of the most common, please click "More Acronyms" for a more complete list.
Diagnoses:
ADD– Attention Deficit Disorder
ADHD – Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
ASD – Autism Spectrum Disorder
CP – Cerebral Palsy
DD – Developmental Disabilities or
Developmentally Delayed
ID/DD – Intellectual Disability /
Developmental Disability
LD – Learning Disability
MI – Mental Illness
TBI – Traumatic Brain Injury
Federal Agencies:
ACF – Admin. for Children & Families
ADD – Admin. on Developmental
Disabilities
AHCA – The Agency for Health Care Administration
APD – Agency for Persons with
Disabilities
CMS – Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services
DCF – Dept of Children and Families
DOE – Department of Education
HHS – Dept of Health & Human Services
PCP – Person-Centered Support Plan
SSA – Social Security Administration
State Agencies
SSDI – Social Security Disability
SSI – Supplemental Security Income
Other Bureaucratic Shorthand
AAPD – American Association of People with Disabilities
ADA – American with Disabilities Act
EI – Early Intervention
ESE – Exceptional Student Education
FAPE – Free Appropriate Public
Education
HIPAA – Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
ICAN – Increasing Capabilities Access Network
IDEA – Individuals with Disabilities
Education Improvement Act
IEP – Individual Education Program
NCD – National Council on Disability
NOD – National Org. on Disability
OT – Occupational Therapy
PT – Physical Therapy
RBT – Registered Behavior Therapist
SEA – State Education Agency
SLP – Speech-Language Pathology
UCP – United Cerebral Palsy