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?
1. The developmental milestones for a typically developing 3 (almost 4) year-old are…
ReplyDeleteGross motor skills:
· walks with an agile, almost adult style
· runs around obstacles
· catches large balls and throws overhead
· climbs ladders; uses slide independently
· rides a tricycle
· alternates feet when climbing stairs
·
Fine motor skills:
· assembles simple puzzles
· manipulates clay; finger paints
· copies simple shapes, such as a cross or circle
· stacks blocks up to nine high
Language and Thinking Development
· understands most of what is said and 75 percent of speech is understandable
· speaks in complete sentences of three to five words
· matches pictures to objects
· learns by doing and through the senses
· understands concepts of "now," "soon," and "later"
· begins to recognize cause-and-effect relationship
Social and Emotional Development
· follows simple directions; enjoys helping with household tasks
· begins to recognize own limits — asks for help
· likes to play alone, but near other children
· does not cooperate or share well
· able to make choices between two things
· begins to notice other people's moods and feelings
2. What might the Simons’ expect with regard to the progression of Tyrone’s CP?
ReplyDeleteThere are 4 different types of CP. We believe Tyrone has Spastic CP. Its characterised by seizures and one side of the body being affected more than the other. Spastic CP is the most common type of cerebral palsy and in present in about 50% of people with CP, but since Tyrone had decreased muscle tone he could have one of the other tree types of CP.
3. Some resources that are available in Harrisonburg for kids with CP are Respite Care, some Harrisonburg school systems have early intervention. Respite Care is an in home support system. This would allow for the parents to go to work or go shopping. The early intervention is a way the school systems have developed to keep these kids on track and to make sure they don’t fall behind. The Simons family should start to look at the specific waiver they need in order to receive in home services. We believe Tyrone is eligible for Medcaide. We need to know more about the disability to be able to apply for a certain waiver.
4. It would be good for Tyrone’s parents to look into physical and occupational therapy. We would recommend his parents to look into different equipment options. Also look into making their house suitable and safe for Tyrone’s needs. This should probably include covering up sharp corners or making ramps depending on whether or not he will need a wheel chair in the future or if their house has any stairs. Julius and Odetta should look into counseling as well as support groups with families who also have children who have CP.
Citations:
ReplyDelete(2010). Health and Medical Information for Australia. Virtual Medical Centre. Retrieved on October 6, 2011, from http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases.asp?did=237#Progression
Destefanis, J. (2011). Developmental Milestones: Ages 3 through 5. Great Schools. Retrieved on OCtober 6, 2011, from
http://www.greatschools.org/special-education/health/724-developmental-milestones-ages-3-through-5.gs?page=all
"Cerebral Palsy." Children's Hemiplegia and Stroke Association - Support for Children with Hemiplegia, Hemiparesis, Childhood Stroke, Infant Stroke, Hemiplegia, Hemiparesis, Neonatal Stroke, Brain Bleed, Stroke in Utero. Retrieved on October 6, 2011, from http://www.chasa.org/cerebralpalsy.htm?gclid=CPOEstvI1KsCFQpo5QodoTgGOg
Group 3's Questions:
ReplyDelete1) At an earlier age, Tyrone was described as “listless” and was said to be a little less responsive than he should be. Could these characteristics be early indicators of cerebral palsy or do they have nothing to do with his new diagnosis?
2) What are the typical symptoms of cerebral palsy?
3) How is cerebral palsy going to affect Tyrone’s development?
4) What should Odetta and Julius do to educate themselves on their sons new diagnosis?
Also, they could consider looking into the DD Waiver which provides support for individuals age 6 and older who have a developmental disorder and do not have a diagnoses of an intellectual disability. Such supports consists of:
ReplyDeleteAdult companion services ( 8 hours maximum a day)
Assistive Technology ($5,000 maximum a year)
Crisis Stabilization (60 days maximum a year)
Day support (780 units maximum a year)
Environmental modifications ($5,000 maximum a year)
Family/caregiver training (80 hours maximum a year)
In-home residential support (not congregate, not group home)
Personal assistance services (Consumer-directed & agency)
Respite Care (Consumer-directed & agency) (720 hours maximum a year)
Skilled nursing
Supported employment (780 units maximum a year of day
Therapeutic consultation
Although there are some income limits and some co-pay requirements, it could be a great opportunity and prove to be a great help for Tyrone's development!
Citation:
(2004). "DD Waiver". Sanp4kids. Retrieved on October 6, 2011, from http://www.snap4kids.org/dd.htm