Final Week

Tyrone's father died when Tyrone was 45, and it took a toll on him. Tyrone continued to do the best he could and developed diabetes in his 50s. He had a difficult time staying on his treatment regimen with the disease. Tyrone died at age 57.

Week 9

Tyrone is just 40 years of age, just into the period of middle adulthood. He has had a hard time finding someone to be with him as a life partner, but he has recently started to date a woman who he met through a mutual friend. The two enjoy one another's company and have similar interests.

Tyrone still enjoys spending time with his father, and the two have remained close. Tyrone is worried as his dad has started to develop some signs of Alzheimer's disease; Tyrone knows that it has been in the family in various ways. That fact seems to have sharpened Tyrone's sense of urgency regarding his love interest. Tyrone has begun to think about what life might be like without his father, and he can't bear the thought.

* Describe the developmental period of middle adulthood and what changes one might expect at this time.

* Describe some effects of the onset of Alzheimer's on immediate family members of the individual affected.

* What resources are available in the community for Tyrone should he need to find care for his father as Alzheimer's progresses?

Week 8

Tyrone is now 31 years of age. He remains close to his father, particularly after his mother's death 3 years ago. He still can't believe that she's gone. He and his dad spent almost all of their time together after his mother's death. Tyrone took some time off and has just started back to work as a consultant for the agriculture industry.  He continues to live at home.

Tyrone went to a state university and has become a state-wide expert in crop management. His difficulty speaking has been a challenge, but one that he has found ways to manage. Tyrone enjoys his work immensely, and he is happy to be able to contribute to his field in meaningful ways.

Tyrone's only wish is to meet someone who might share his life with him. He has seen a counselor on and off for the last several years, and this theme keeps emerging for him. He is not sure how to go about meeting someone.

* What is the time period for early adulthood? What are the physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional changes that typically take place during this period? How is Tyrone's condition likely to affect what might have been a typical developmental pathway?

* How might Tyrone go about meeting someone in whom he might be interested? Are there specific "matchmaking" websites for people with disabilities? What are the challenges for Tyrone if he wanted to "go out" with someone?

* In addition to his income as a consultant, is Tyrone eligible for additional income and/or assistance owing to his disability? Be as specific as possible.

Week 7

Tyrone is now 19 years of age and has been incredibly supported by his father and mother as he has learned to live with CP. He is able to get around on his own most of the time with the assistance of a wheelchair. Throughout high school, Tyrone was popular and well-liked. Moving out of high school has been a challenge, and Tyrone still takes some classes at the local vocational technical school. He has developed an interest in horticulture, and the local school offers training in that area. Tyrone has considered college but isn't sure how to do about exploring his options.

Tyrone has become very close to his father, and they spend alot of time together. They especially love to go to the river -- the local town sits on a river, and there is an overlook that they often go to just to talk and listen to the water pour over the small dam that's been built there. Tyrone's dad has been an incredible support over the years, and he always tells Tyrone that he believes in him and that Tyrone can do anything he wants to in life.

Tyrone continues to struggle with certain aspects of his CP, but, by and large, he has learned to live with it. He regularly sees a counselor in the community who helps him to sort out his thoughts and feelings regarding his future and his difficulties. Most of his peers have gone on to college, and sometimes he feels pretty isolated. He has a great relationship with all of the teachers at his school.

* What are the major developmental milestones for a 19 year old? Be as specific as you can in your answer: what cognitive changes might we expect typically? Socio-emotional changes?

* Are there supported employment options available for Tyrone is he wants to get a job? You may use the local area (Harrisonburg) as a case-study of sorts -- you may also look at larger areas in Virginia (Richmond, Tidewater, NOVA, etc.) to see what kinds of options are available in those locations.

* If Tyrone wants to pursue horticulture, what kind of college experience might be helpful for him?

* What is the life expectancy for someone with CP? Is is shorter or longer than what we would typically expect? Are there complications that can develop from CP that can radically shorten one's life?

Week 6

Tyrone is now 12 years old. He has taken advantage of many of the resources available to him in his school. He has also had a great deal of success with his medications. However, as his CP has progressed he has started to have difficult speaking to his teachers, his friends, and his family.

Questions:

1. Tyrone is a naturally outgoing child, how might a reduced speech capacity affect his cognitive, educational, and interpersonal development?
2. What are some of the possible treatment strategies for CP patients who have experienced a reduction in speech abilities?
3. What are typical developmental milestones for a 12 year old? 

Week 5

Tyrone is now 9 years of age. His parents have worked hard to provide him all that he needs to cope with his CP.  

* What medications (if any) was Tyrone likely prescribed given his diagnosis of CP?  

* Write a narrative “interview” in which you communicate with Tyrone in an effort to get to know him.

* Write a narrative “interview” in which you talk with Tyrone’s parents about him.

* Who is Tyrone? What kind of child is he? What might someone expect upon meeting Tyrone for the first time? Base Tyrone’s imagined personality on what you know about he and his family so far.

Week 4

Tyrone Simons – Week Four

Tyrone is now almost four years old, and he is doing well. His family has been close by for all of his development, and he is the apple of many people’s eye! His cousins are all a bit older since Julius and Odetta had Tyrone later in their lives. Odetta was 39! She knows that it wasn’t uncommon for her ancestors to have kids all through their lives, and she was well-aware of her African-American heritage coming from Mississippi. In fact, her mother was planning to march with Dr. King in Memphis in 1968.

Tyrone was going to the pediatrician for a routine checkup. He seemed to be having some minor problems with balance and gait lately, and Julius and Odetta thought he likely just had an ear infection. At the visit, the pediatrician noticed a significantly decreased muscle tone. Just to be on the safe side, the pediatrician took blood. The results were conclusive – Tyrone had developed cerebral palsy. The doctor said it was unusual for a child this old, but there it was. Odetta and Julius were devastated. Of course, they were there for their son and would do everything they needed to do to help him. They knew nothing about CP.

* What are the developmental milestones for a typically developing 3 (almost 4) year-old?

* What might the Simons’ expect with regard to the progression of Tyrone’s CP?

* What resources are available in Harrisonburg for kids with CP? How will the Simons provide for Tyrone’s needs in terms of equipment, etc.? Is Tyrone eligible for an assistance such as Medicaid?

* What are the protective factors for Tyrone and family? Given these, would you recommend any other services to help them deal with this recent occurrence?