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.

Mental Health In The Winter Months: Tips About Seasonal Affective Disorder

The winter blues may not seem like such a big deal, but for some people the cold weather and short days of winter pose a constant problem. The proper name for ongoing seasonal depression is seasonal affective disorder or SAD. Some people suffer from SAD for months on end, particularly in areas where sunny days are limited in fall and winter months. Anyone suffering from SAD living in the northeast should know there are New Jersey Mental Health centers that help people deal with seasonal affective disorder specifically.

Causes of SAD

Seasonal affective disorder is caused by a lack of sunlight during the fall and winter months, though a small percentage of SAD sufferers experience symptoms with the onset of summer. Decreased sunlight can lead to a disruption of one's circadian rhythms, which in turn interferes with sleep patterns. It may also lower serotonin and melatonin levels in the body, which can result in mood swings, changes in appetite, and even depression. Other symptoms of SAD include anxiety, feelings of hopelessness, oversleeping, weight gain, and trouble concentrating.

Managing SAD and Its Symptoms

Seeing a specialist in mental health in New Jersey, or wherever the SAD sufferer happens to live, is a good first step towards managing this disorder. SAD sufferers should know the practitioner providing care for their mental health in New Jersey or elsewhere may prescribe medication to treat their symptoms. Those dealing with depression should be sure to stick with their course of treatment to combat the effects of SAD.

Since a lack of sunlight is typically at the root of the problem, exposing the body to additional light throughout the fall and winter can make quite a difference. A simple solution is to keep blinds and curtains open during daylight hours, and to spend time outside on sunny days. Sunless days can be made brighter with a sun lamp designed especially for counteracting the effects of SAD. People with SAD far from the equator often break up the winter by vacationing in a warm, sunny location to make up for some of the sun they are missing. As with any form of depression, the symptoms of SAD can be lessened with regular exercise and a healthy diet as well.

There is a range of alternative remedies recommended for SAD. St. John's wort is often used for depression in general and may work for people with SAD in particular. Other supplements, like SAM-e (S-adenosylmethionine), are supposed to help replace the chemicals that naturally decrease during the short days of winter. Those considering treating SAD this way should check with their health care provider first.

Finding Mental Health Resources

Anyone who thinks they may be suffering from SAD should contact a mental health care provider right away. Residents of NJ should be able to find a New Jersey Mental Health facility that can help SAD sufferers make positive and effective changes in their lives.

The Family Guide to Bipolar Disorder: New Jersey

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that commonly affects both men and women. Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that affects a person’s mood and energy. It typically develops in a person during his late teens or early adulthood, but can even begin in small children. In kids, bipolar symptoms are often expressed by intense emotional states that are either overly excited states, or depressive states. The good news for the families of people suffering from bipolar disorder is that there are treatment options. For people living in New Jersey,mental health options are available with Capitol Care.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, over half of those with bipolar disorder have cases that started before the age of 25. Although this disorder begins in many children, the severity of the symptoms, often do not come out until a person is an adult. Symptoms of bipolar disorder vary based on the person, age and severity of the disorder. For some children, bipolar comes out in the form of acting overly silly, having an extremely short temper, being extremely sad for a long period of time, losing interest in normal activities and feeling worthless. Numerous behavioral changes also occur with bipolar, such as feeling tired, having trouble focusing, complaining about body aches, losing or gaining a lot of weight, feeling a loss of energy and experiencing suicidal thoughts. As a person ages, the symptoms generally worsen. Adults with bipolar disorder typically have problems performing normal daily tasks. With treatment, however, people with this disorder are often able to carry on normal, productive lives.

People, who suspect that a loved one has this, should seek help from experts. Capitol Care is an organization that specializes in treating New Jersey residents with bipolar. This organization focuses on diagnosing behavioral health issues and other mental illnesses, and treating it. They offer numerous locations all throughout the state, making it convenient for all residents of New Jersey.

Capitol Care takes a different approach for treatment and recovery for people diagnosed with bipolar disorder. They have helped many people over the years, and have a great percentage of success. This organization’s philosophy focuses on the lifelong recovery journey of the individuals who they help. They take each case on an individual basis, and realize that no two cases are identical. Capitol Care believes in four core beliefs: informed choice, empowerment, inclusion is the right of all people and responsive and flexible supports with outcomes.

Living with someone with bipolar disorder is extremely stressful, and many people cannot do it alone. It is not only difficult for the person suffering; it is difficult for other family members as well and can cause strain on a family. Capitol Care understands how difficult this is, and they are there to help. They have a tremendous amount of experience with this, and are trained to use medical and clinical methods for diagnosing and treating people with this. 

Non- Prescription Plan For Managing Bipolar Disorder

There's no shortage of medical interventions to choose from when it comes to managing Bipolar Disorders.  Taking medication is the key to reducing the frequency and severity of mood episodes, but it is not the only treatment option. Bipolar medications are most effective when used in conjunction with therapy and healthy lifestyle choices, including diet, exercise, and developing a social support network. These factors can affect the amount of medication required and play an important role in managing symptoms of mania and depression without causing intolerable side effects.

NJ Behavioral Health provider Capitol Care believes in integrating non-prescription drug ways to cope with Bipolar Disorders into a treatment plan.  Behavioral therapy and counseling have proven to be effective methods for managing Bipolar disorder, particularly if they're provided by trained and qualified mental health care professionals.  In addition, by taking a team approach to mental health therapy - one that includes teachers, parents, social workers, and psychiatrists or psychologists - families have seen great results in loved ones with Bipolar Disorder.  Other successful therapies involve parenting skills training, social skills training, family therapy, and support groups.

This form of non-medical treatment is at the heart of the types of services offered by Capitol Care.  Its team of professionals is committed to safely providing positive and supportive quality care to adults with Bipolar Disorder and their families.  Instead of taking a cookie-cutter approach to therapy, offering the same types of services to everyone, the counselors take a more individualized approach that empowers each patient to reach his or her highest capabilities.  In particular, the program relies on the individual's existing support system to make it more effective. 

Patients come to Capitol Care through one of many types of referrals, including inpatient providers, outpatient therapists, or friends and family.  Following an initial assessment, an individualized program is put together by a team that includes an intake coordinator, program director, case manager, Board-certified psychiatrist, and group facilitator.

Each program is tailored to meet the specific needs of the individual and draws from a broad range of services, including recreational activities, prevocational management, clinical group processes, and psychiatric management.  The goal of the program is to meet the distinct and complex needs of each individual in a way that addresses their psychiatric and behavioral issues and enables them to lead full, productive lives over the long term.

Patients may participate in a number of activities, including

•Individual Counseling
•Creative arts groups
•Psycho-educational
•Recreational activities
•Wellness and recovery

Capitol Care is an inpatient and outpatient NJ facility that accepts Medicaid payments and has been recognized by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities.

For more information about this unique treatment paradigm, or to refer a friend or family member, please call  Capitol Care at (973) 426-1440, email info@capitol-care.org, or visit the website at www.capitol-care.org.

Think Your Teen Has Prescription Drug Addiction or Abuse? Top Warning Signs and Drugs

Government surveys show that every day 2,000 teens use prescription drugs without a doctor's consent.  Prescription drug abuse among children has become shockingly more prevalent in the past few years.  More importantly, many teens won't stop after their first time which can quickly lead to a dependence upon these drugs.  While these teens have the ability to easily gain access to these drugs, few of them are aware of the dangerous risks they are taking.

Recreational prescription drug use is growing rapidly among teens, and the reasons why are numerous.  Peer pressure is what leads most teens to try for the first time, but what happens next is more chemical than anything.  Many teens find that these drugs have a pleasurable psychological effect on them, which makes teens want to use again in the future.  As tolerance to a drug increases, the doses and methods of taking the drug can become more extreme and dangerous.  Some alarming reports say teens are snorting and even taking the drugs intravenously.  These are obvious signs of addiction, other warning signs can elude to a teen with a potential addiction.
   
The signals of drug abuse can be very blatant, but often times a perceptive person can notice the small signs before larger ones arrive.  For example, large mood swings, being extremely hyper or sedate, sleeping too much or too little, and even stealing, forging, or selling the prescriptions can be red flags.  These are some of the side affects related to using OxyContin, Vicodin, Xanax, Valium, and Adderall, which are some of the most commonly abused prescription drugs.  Some teens have been known to "lose" their medications or even go so far as to request multiple prescriptions from different doctors in order to stay high.  Identifying drug abuse as early as possible is important, and in some cases can save a life.

Getting help to someone suffering with addiction can be a tricky path to navigate.  It is normal for the person to become angry and deny their use.  He or she may say or do things that could be bad for their relationships with those that want to help, but it is necessary to stay understanding and patient.  Always encourage your loved one to be open about his or her use and to accept the assistance that is being offered.  This alone can build the necessary trust to begin treatment for such addictions.

Capitol Care specializes in substance abuse in New Jersey, but similar establishments are available all over the country.  The aim of Capitol Care is to treat persons dealing with substance abuse with the professional guidance and dignity they deserve.  Multiple sessions are available in order to provide the best possible resolution.  Visit the Capitol Care website for more information on treatments and availability.  If you have a loved one that is being troubled by drug addiction, seek help immediately.  You may be saving someone's life.

Top Signs Your Child May Have Autism

While no parent wants to think that something is wrong with their child, autism is a real part of many lives. In some cases, a child may live with the condition for years before anyone provides the diagnosis of autism. One of the most difficult aspects of diagnosing autism is the range that the condition covers from very mild to quite severe. A NJ behavioral health service, such as Capitol Care, can help make a diagnosis based upon the recognition of symptoms of autism.

The state of a child's communication can be one of the first indicators that the child may suffer from autism. Children with autism often take longer to speak than their peers. When they do begin to talk, they often have difficulty using words correctly and understanding the words other speak to them. This includes their own name in some cases. A child with autism may have difficulty following instructions. It is difficult for the child to carry on a conversation with others.

Children diagnosed with autism often have difficulties in social situations. They are awkward around other children and may seem incapable of playing with the other children. Pretend play is something that an autistic child doesn't understand, making him stand out from his peers as they play around him. It is normal for some children to be shy and have difficulties joining in with their peers. The difference is that a child with autism doesn't warm up to the other children over time.

In addition to difficulty with verbal communication, children with autism also exhibit difficulties with small motor skills and other physical movements. A child who has autism isn't likely to point to objects. Many children develop this skill between 12 and 18 months. A child with autism won't. They also lack the ability to mimic those around him. Many young children copy the facial expressions and actions of those around them as a way of learning. A child with autism doesn't pay any or very little attention to what goes on around him.

A final sign to watch for among children diagnosed with autism is their obsession with repetition and familiarity. A child with autism has difficulty adjusting to changes in his daily routine or his surroundings. For instance, if his parents move the furniture around in the living room, he will likely be very distressed by this. The most well-known sign of autism is a child's obsession with order. Children who exhibit signs of autism often spend a lot of time arranging objects in a precise manner. If anyone disrupts the order, he becomes upset. The child is also likely to engage in a specific behavior that involves repetition.

If a child has been diagnosed with autism, a thorough evaluation at a NJ behavioral health facility can help a family find the right resources to help raise a child with autism and lead a happy, healthy life.