Key Lessons Developmental Disabilities

DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

Developmental Disabilities

There are a wide range of concepts I have learnt during this particular course. I am confident that going forward, these will have a significant impact on my professional practice. One of the most crucial concepts I have learnt relates to the relevance of early intervention with regard to autism spectrum disorders. Various studies have in the past established that early intervention could on this front promote positive outcomes. It is important to note that with advances in the diagnostic realm, ASD can in some instances be detected before a child celebrates his or her 2nd birthday. At this age, the brain of the child is deemed to be in a ‘plastic’ state – which essentially means that it is easier to change it than would be the case at a later stage. When the relevant interventions are instituted at this point, the child has a greater chance of reaching its full potential. It therefore follows that parents of children diagnosed with ASD ought to be encouraged to begin treatment as early as it is possible. It should be noted that with early intervention, it is possible for some of those diagnosed with ASD to go off the spectrum as they grow older. Some of the interventions and strategies that I got to familiarize myself with are inclusive of, but they are not limited to; occupational therapy, floor time, and applied behavioral therapy.

Next, I got to learn that the relevance of establishing relationships that could be deemed meaningful with families of persons with developmental disorders cannot be overstated. This is more so the case when it comes to ensuring that effective communication is promoted. In the absence of effective communication between the professional and the said families, positive interactions cannot occur. Positive interactions are crucial in efforts to ensure that the said families are aware of their role in the further enhancement of the wellbeing of the person with a developmental disorder. There is also need to ensure that the said families can easily reach out so as to seek clarification and ask questions if and when they need to. It therefore follows that one of the crucial aspects of my work as a professional on this front will be to establish meaningful relationships with the said families so as to be able to forge partnerships for the benefit of persons diagnosed with various developmental disorders. One of the most crucial skills I should develop to enhance my ability to interact in an effective manner with the said families is cultural competence. This is more so the case given that as a professional, I would likely be interacting with families from diverse backgrounds and cultures. There is need to ensure that I respect their viewpoints and values so as to relate with them effectively.

Lastly, I established that persons with developmental disabilities have certain rights that we as professionals working in this realm should not only be aware of, but also seek to promote and advance. It is important to note that human beings, regardless of the disabilities they present with, have a certain set of inalienable rights. This is more so the case in relation to equality before the law. It therefore follows that as a professional, I will strive to ensure that people with developmental abilities access the same level of treatment as other citizens. Further, I will also ensure that I do what is in my power to ensure that those I work with are secure from any form of violence and/or abuse. Another crucial right I would be seeking to advance on this front is privacy. This is especially the case in relation to my handling of their private data/records.