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Developmental Disabilities
We naturally think of height and weight, but from birth to 5 years, your child should reach milestones in how he or she plays, learns, speaks and acts. A delay in any of these areas could be a sign of a developmental disability such as autism.
Information on the abuse and neglect of children with cognitive, intellectual and developmental disabilities and how to help prevent and report abuse.
Information on the Administration on Developmental Disabilities, the federal agency which works to empower, protect and advocate on behalf of persons with developmental disabilities. Vist this link for information on what a developmental disability is and where to get help.
Information for families who may be considering adopting children with developmental disabilities such as Down syndrome, cerebral palsy or autism.
Fact sheet from The Arc provides an overview of Alzheimer's and how people with mental retardation (intellectual disabilities) are impacted by the disease. Document is in Word format.
Formerly known as the American Association of Mental Retardation (AAMR), the organization promotes progressive policies, research, effective practices and universal human rights for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on ADHD with links to research and resources.
Resource for parents who suspect that their child may have autism.
Portal through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) providing links to information, research and resources concerning autism.
Advocacy organization dedicated to protecting and advancing the human rights and civil rights of all persons with autism.
Information on the key issues associated with autism spectrum disorders.
Promotes lifelong access and opportunity for all individuals within the autism spectrum, and their families, to be fully participating, included members of their community.
A nonprofit organization run by and for autistics. The organization's leadership is made up entirely of self-advocates on the autism spectrum.
Two types of early interventions designed to reduce symptoms of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in preschoolers may be effective alternatives or additions to medication treatment, according to a recent NIMH-funded study.
For the parents and caregivers of children with disabilities and adults disabled since childhood, this publication describes the Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and health benefits for which a child with a disability might be eligible. Children with some disabilities, including cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, mental retardation and other developmental disabilities may be eligible for immediate payment of SSI benefits.
The mission of Best Buddies is to enhance the lives of people with intellectual disabilities (formerly referred to as mental retardation) by providing opportunities for one-to-one friendships and integrated employment.
Fact sheet from The Arc provides an overview of mental retardation, including Down syndrome and the causes and prevention of intellectual disabilities. Document is in Word format.
Information from the CDC on developmental disabilities. Includes resources related to cerebral palsy, autism and mental retardation (intellectual disabilities).
Explains preventive care for children such as checkup visits, immunizations and tests and exams and provides guidance on related issues.
2002 Report of the Surgeon General's Conference on Health Disparities and Mental Retardation.
An online educational resource offering training opportunities for caregivers, teachers, mentors and counselors of individuals with developmental disabilities.
A guide for volunteers, advocates, self-advocates, and professionals to promote the inclusion of people with cognitive, intellectual and developmental disabilities into the fabric and mainstream of community life.
A Web site devoted to providing information on developmental disabilities (including mental retardation) including signs, diagnosis, IQ range, causes, terminology, support services, special education, camps and books.
Learn ways to identify children who should receive more intensive assessment or diagnosis for potential developmental delays or intellectual disabilities.
Page from the Parent to Parent New Hampshire Web site offers information on dietary intervention for autism and related disorders and provides help with dietary issues, finding appropriate foods locally, recipes and monthly group meetings.
The Supply of Direct Support Professionals Serving Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities and Other Developmental Disabilities: Report to Congress
The EPSDT program is designed to meet the physical, mental health and developmental needs of children living in low-income families.
A report highlighting the efforts of 10 states in providing state-to-local support for developing early childhood systems.
Information on the importance of early detection and screening of children for mental retardation and other developmental disabilities.
Helps local service providers create one-stop centers to assist families of those with developmental disabilities (DD). This Web site is a resource center for Family Support 360 grantees and other organizations serving individuals with DD.
Fragile X syndrome is the leading hereditary cause of developmental disabilities in all populations. The absence of a functional fragile X gene shuts off production of a special protein in the brain needed for normal cognitive development.
This fact sheet from The Arc helps families or caregivers of individuals with cognitive, intellectual or developmental disabilities address issues related to financial planning through the development of a trust. Document is in Word format.
Fact sheet from the Arc addresses common questions regarding Individual Service Coordination for individuals with Mental Retardation. Individual Service Coordination (ISC) is a service that individuals or families may use to obtain needed supports. Document is in Word format.
IACC's primary mission is to facilitate the exchange of information on autism and to coordinate autism-related programs and initiatives. Parents or legal guardians of individuals with autism or other developmental disorders are appointed to the Committee.
A resource dedicated to helping families with children with Autism gain the knowledge to help themselves and bridge the gap between diagnosis and the next steps.
Dedicated to providing information regarding pervasive developmental disorders, such as Autism, this site provides information and links that range from emotions and behavior to nutrition and fitness.
Works to support adults with developmental disabilities to lead a full life by providing community based services, person by person, that will maximize individual development, community inclusion, independence and their contribution to the society in which they live.
Click on a state from the map on this Web site's home page for specific information regarding Medicaid eligibility for people with cognitive disabilities.
Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on intellectual disabilities (formerly referred to as mental retardation) with links to research and resources.
NACDD's mission is to provide support and assistance to member Councils in order to promote a consumer and family centered system of services and supports for individuals with developmental disabilities.
NACBHD is comprised of county and other local authorities charged with governing mental health, addictions and developmental disability services in communities.
Works to educate and empower families affected by autism and other neurological disorders, while advocating on behalf of those who cannot fight for their own rights.
Information on the NCBDDD, part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that works to find causes of birth defects and developmental disabilities, implement prevention strategies and improve the health and wellness of people living with disabilities.
University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research and Service (UCEDD) work with people with disabilities, members of their families and state and local government agencies. Through training, technical assistance, research and information sharing, they build the capacity of communities to sustain all their citizens, including those with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Organization that provides educational and emotional support, promote public and professional awareness and advance research toward improved treatments and a cure for Fragile X, a family of genetic conditions which can impact individuals and families in various ways including learning disabilities and severe cognitive or intellectual disabilities.
NICHD, part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is one of the primary Institutes doing research into various aspects of autism, including its causes, prevalence and treatments. The goal of this site is to provide easy access to the most current information about NICHD research projects, publications, news releases and other activities related to autism and similar disorders.
The MRDD Branch sponsors research and training aimed at preventing mental retardation and related developmental disabilities.
The Centers serve the families of children and young adults from birth to age 22 with all disabilities, including Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy and other developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Fact sheet from the Arc addresses some common questions regarding parents with intellectual disabilities. Document is in Word format.
Information about services for parents who have intellectual, cognitive or developmental disabilities, or who have learning difficulties, from Through the Looking Glass, a national nonprofit organization.
Facilitator's training manuals for person-centered planning for people with developmental disabilities.
Provides information on the signs and symptoms of PDD's such as autism, Asperger's Disorder and Rett Syndrome.
PCPID works to expand educational opportunities, increase access to technology, improve individual and family support, increase employment and economic independence and promote access and integration into community life for people with intellectual disabilities.
An innovative resource on "person-centered" services and supports for people with developmental disabilities.
Web site provides information on the latest research, model programs and policy issues pertaining to people with developmental disabilities as they age.
Research from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) on screening for developmental and intellectual disabilities (formerly referred to as mental retardation) and other health conditions in children.
Information for parents and educators on children with intellectual and other developmental disabilities, including cerebral palsy and autism spectrum disorders.
Provides leadership training, information and resources for people with developmental disabilities and other self-advocates.
A national organization for self-advocates with developmental disabilities and their family members.
Guide from the Department of Defense (DoD) to help military families with special needs children navigate the maze of medical and special education services, community support and benefits and entitlements. The Toolkit is broken down into six colorful modules that can be easily downloaded and printed.
Information from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on state Developmental Disabilities Councils, which are composed of individuals with significant disabilities, parents and family members of people with developmental disabilities and representatives of state agencies that provide services to individuals with developmental disabilities.
Listing of state advocacy agencies for people with developmental disabilities.
Report to the National Institutes of Health on Autism research.
Fact sheet from the Arc addresses the types of technology that can help people with intellectual and other disabilities like Down syndrome and cerebral palsy with communication, mobility and daily living. Document is in Word format.
Information about supports and services for people with mental retardation and other developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Works to enhance the quality of life of individuals and their families/caregivers touched by autism spectrum disorders by providing educational and family support through conferences/seminars and published and electronic mediums.
Information about pervasive developmental disorders including austism and Asperger's syndrome.
