Put on the Puzzle Ribbon and support Autism Awareness Month

What is Autism Awareness Month? How does a puzzle ribbon figure into celebrating this event? Autism Awareness Month is celebrated every April, allowing families impacted by autism and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to say they are affected by autism. The Autism Society, along with DDD NJ is working to increase the public's awareness of this condition.

The puzzle ribbon is one of the most visible symbols people can put on their clothing. It symbolizes the daily life of people with autism, as well as the successes they achieve. “How does pinning on a puzzle ribbon help those affected by autism?” This is a good question. By wearing the puzzle pin, those who wear it help to increase the public’s awareness of autism, one by one. Because of its recognizability, they show their support of children with autism when they pin it to their clothing.

As of the time of this article, autism impacts one in 88 children – in America. Impact of Autism on Families Children with autism are not always aware of safety issues or how they can protect themselves. Capitol Care, a behavioral health program for individuals with mental health disorders works to make safety a major part of the residential services offered to families affected by autism. DDD NJ knows that some of the behaviors related to autism may increase the level of danger to children with autism. If a child experiences a behavioral melt-down in public, those who have never had to deal with autism may not know how to deal with the behaviors or what to do to keep the child safe. For this reason, staff members work with family members, teachers, neighbors, caretakers and extended family to develop safety-related actions as responses to possible situations in the community. 

In the home, children are at increased risk of accidents and injuries. For this reason, the Autism Safety Project has developed strategies aimed at children and adults with autism. One of these resources is a video and related workbook that young adults, older teenagers and parents use. Called “Safe Signals,” the program teaches fire safety and burn prevention. Children with autism learn to respond to vinyl clings as they learn safety messages in the home. Because autism impacts the entire family, it is important for the general public to learn about this condition so they can take positive action and spread the message, increasing awareness throughout the community.

Everyone who learns about autism can contact their state and federal representatives, asking them to “vote 4 autism” when bills are presented. Men, women, youth and older teens can also participate in autism awareness-related events alongside DDD NJ during Autism Awareness Month. Because children with autism are not always able to sit in a darkened theater to watch a movie, this is one way of increasing awareness of this condition. The Autism Society has begun to work with AMC Theatres to present movies that are sensory-friendly to these families – a way for children with autism to take part in a simple pleasure.

Why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Monitors Developmental Disorders

State Funded Organizations to Help Individuals with Developmental Disabilities A developmental disability is characterized as a chronic mental and/or physical disability diagnosed prior to 22 years of age, and impact activities like learning, mobility, language, independent living and self help. Good news is that such individuals can also live healthy, happy lives. The CDC (Center for Disease Control) monitors and keeps track of the population estimate of school aged children facing any type of developmental disabilities.

Several disorders coming within the periphery of developmental disabilities are:
· Cerebral palsy
· Autism spectrum disorders
· Intellectual disabilities
· Spina bifida
· Epilepsy
· Traumatic brain injuries
· Neurological impairment

 The CDC’s monitored results help in supporting the funding of state and local schedules conducted especially for developmentally disabled children. Such children usually need financial assistance, and also medical and educational services throughout their lives. CDC makes the going more productive and healthier for them by conducting specific schedules. DDD NJ since its origin in 1959 has grown significantly and is funding services to thousands of individuals facing developmental disability. The DDD NJ provides funding for facilities like community residences, group homes, and supervised apartments to the eligible individuals. Capitol Care, Inc. is funded by the Division of Developmental Disabilities in New Jersey. Capitol Care in New Jersey and Alabama aim to meet the comprehensive behavioral health needs of individuals with developmental disabilities. They believe that mental health plays a crucial role in an individual’s quality of life and hence has developed a comprehensive recovery program for individuals having developmental disabilities and/or mentally illness. Using the strength of the individual, this agency tries to enhance his/her personal development and aims to achieve the highest level of wellness possible.

 In New Jersey, Capitol Care offers residential treatment in natural surroundings. Individuals enrolled for their developmental disabilities get therapeutic, clinical and person centered residential treatment from a caring and skilled team. The staff is well trained in the different clinical areas needed to provide assistance in the health and well-being of the individuals. It aims to make them independent through its compassionate, patient, dedicated approach. Its focus is on helping the individuals to develop skills in personal development, life management, goal setting, and community integration.

 To request more information about screening, eligibility and admissions at the New Jersey, visit www.capitol-care.org and www.capitolcaresouth.com for Alabama.

Developmental Disabilities Services in NJ and AL - What Is Available

Coping with developmental disabilities can be very difficult. Having to send a loved one to receive extra attention is something which needs to be weighed with a great amount of thought and rigor. When you’re faced with this prospect, you should choose a trusted name that is going to let your loved one move at their own speed to optimal recovery. DDD NJ and Behavioral Health AL destination, Capitol Care and Capitol Care South are a distinguished name in behavioral health programs and services.

• Philosophy

Capitol Care has facilities in New Jersey and Capitol Care South in Alabama. At both locations the treatment philosophy is simple; to help every individual take ownership of their life by empowering them in their recovery. Whether it’s out-patient treatment, residential care in their New Jersey facility of a lifelong condition, or other treatment, the team at Capitol Care looks at everyone as individuals with their own story. This breath of individualized care is a refreshing and upbeat attitude towards those with developmental disabilities.

• Core Beliefs

The core beliefs guide the mission of Capitol Care and Capitol Care South. It’s these values which allow individuals to harness their own strength and re-discover life. These core beliefs include informed choice and empowerment; two things which individuals and their families receiving their care cherish. Another important core belief is that inclusion is the right of all people. This attitude is reflected in Capitol Care’s success. Finally, the team at Capitol Care strives to achieve responsible and flexible supports with outcomes. Capitol Care and Capitol Care South want all individuals to be able to live their lives with happiness and independence.

• Residential Services

Having to choose a residential services provider for your family member can be tough; you want them to be taken care of the same as they would at home. People of all ages with developmental disabilities often need special care. You want to be sure that the space your loved one will be living will work towards their recovery and happiness in living out their days.
Capitol Care has DDD NJ residential services located in a natural setting for the developmentally disabled. Their setting offers patient focused care for all their residents. With up to 24 hour staffing and a hands on approach to daily living, the Capitol Care team has been instrumental in creating individualized paths for residents with developmental disabilities. In a safe and secure setting, the therapy and treatment teams help set realistic, attainable, measurable goals which each individual can look to and be proud of.

• Adult Day Services

The adult day service portion of treatment at Capitol Care provides DDD NJ approved treatment for folks with developmental disabilities. Monday through Friday from 9AM-3PM individuals are assigned with a clinical specialist who will help them develop skills in community integration. Adult day services treatment at Capitol Care assists individuals in personal development, life skills, and goal setting.

What Exactly Are Developmental Disabilities? DDD NJ Tips

Developmental disabilities are chronic birth impairments that manifest among people at any stage before the age of 22. They may be physical or mental issues that will weigh down a child’s intellectual ability, social interactions and behavioral skills. There are varying degrees of developmental disorders, ranging from mild to severe conditions. Many of the symptoms rather than the conditions themselves are treatable.

Individuals with developmental disabilities can still lead a productive, rewarding, and social life if they receive special individualized attention. New Jersey residents should be able to benefit from Capitol Care, a DDDNJ (Department of Developmental Disabilities, New Jersey) certified behavioral health agency that cares for those diagnosed with chronic mental impairment.

Below are some of the most common developmental disabilities:

Autism
Persons with Autistic spectrum disorders will exhibit unusual interests, language delays and poor social and communication skills along with low intellectual ability. Asperger Syndrome is a milder form of autism characterized by poor motor coordination and impairment in behavioral and social interactions.

Cerebral Palsy
Those with C.P. have low muscle movement and coordination. Other signs include pain in the joints and muscles, abnormal speech, intellectual disadvantage (for some), and seizures. The condition may occur before, during or just after birth due to extreme malnutrition, health trauma, brain injury, or infections such as meningitis.

Intellectual Disabilities
These are usually as a result of chromosomal and defects such as Rett syndrome, – common in girls – Fragile x Syndrome, and Down syndrome. Children have a hard time learning and communicating, and their general development is much slower compared to other kids of their age.

Spina Bifida
Spinda Bifida is caused by the inability of the spine to completely close during the first month of pregnancy.  They are often paralyzed and require wheelchairs, have trouble swallowing and may be impaired in their learning.

Epilepsy
This condition may be caused by traumatic brain injury at or before infancy and could be chronic or treatable. Persons with Epilepsy are faced with unpredictable, random convulsions, in which they breathe and shake violently, posing great danger to themselves if eating or operating a machine.  

Capitol Care has a specially-structured treatment program that caters for each individual’s needs as diagnosed, and include special schooling and peer support programs to enhance trust and the support needed for recovery and social fulfillment; all this in a safe environment. Their ultimate mission is to promote self-determination and the well-being of these individuals to help them live to their full potential.

Autistic Kids Grow Up - Then What Happens?

PEOPLE WITH AUTISM REQUIRE CONTINUING CARE

One of the most difficult decisions of a family with a child with autism is how to adapt as they grow older. 

An individual with autism must deal with the same language issues, repetitive behaviors and difficulty dealing with social interaction they faced when growing up. Some people with autism make progress after intensive physical and behavioral therapy, but many struggle with basic activities on a daily basis. Most of them need some kind of help for their entire adult life.
Life is more difficult for individuals with autism who find routine activities to be challenging and have problems dealing with anything that is unfamiliar. Many parents worry what will happen to their children with autism after they are gone.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that one in 110 children has an autism spectrum disorder. While there are programs to help them as children, there is less help available for individuals with disabilities once they become adults. Most government-sponsored therapeutic programs end when they turn 21, leaving them with few choices. There are few residential facilities available, but fortunately things are beginning to change. Awareness of autism has grown exponentially since the early 1990’s thanks to the Internet and better knowledge of the disorder.

Capitol Care, Inc. in New Jersey offers several Autism NJ programs designed to help people facing Autism as well as other developmental disabilities and mental illness in their state. Through the New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Disability Services, Capitol Care, Inc. has an innovative residential program that allows individuals with disabilities to live in a comfortable and safe environment. The trained staff provides hands on supervision while setting realistic goals.  

Capitol Care, Inc. also offers adult day and individual support programs in New Jersey aimed at helping individuals with disabilities live in an independent environment. All services provide education in setting personal goals and development, including life skills and management and community integration. 

What makes these programs more effective than past efforts is the emphasis on assisting people with autism set specific goals. Therapeutic services cover the kind of life skills that can help an individual with disabilities develop independent skills such as shopping, cooking, and hygiene issues.

More agencies are launching programs like the “Transition Tool Kit” by Autism Speaks, an advocacy group. The service deals with housing, employment, and available public benefits.
When it comes to employment, a person with autism can perform a job that involves repetition quite well. Many have found success in these type of jobs and become solid contributors to society.

Increased awareness and studies are leading to a better understanding of autism and what can be done to improve the lives of people with the disorder. 

For more information, please visit www.capitol-care.org or call 973-426-1447.