Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a progressive genetic disorder causing severe disability and early death. Promising animal studies and earlier investigations led to a trial of intravenous stem cell therapy in an 11-year-old boy, described in the winter issue of the Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons by Darah Mohammed Pourakbar, M.S., Kipp Van Camp, D.O., and Cameron D. Knackstedt, D.O.
The patient underwent a 90-day treatment protocol involving three intravenous infusions of mesenchymal stem cells and exosomes derived from placenta and umbilical cord, mixed with platelet-rich plasma. The patient showed improvement in several measures on a musculoskeletal assessment test and stability on cognitive testing. Both the patient and his parents reported positive improvement in his overall balance and dexterity from their daily observations, and they elected to continue treatments after the protocol was completed.
The treatment appeared to be effective and safe. Future studies should involve blinded evaluations of treatment in a large number of patients over a prolonged period, with special attention to comparing the available delivery methods for the stem cells.
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Loungewear just got a bit comfier thanks to Slick Chicks, a female-founded and run social impact company whose core mission is to empower people with the products and community they create. The new line by Slick Chicks features fashionable and functional loungewear and is made for those with physical disabilities, chronic illnesses, or limited dexterity.
“Our mission is to empower people to tackle any of life’s daily challenges because we all deserve a sense of self, dignity, and independence.” –Helya Mohammadian, FOUNDER & CEO of SlicK CHICKS
Slick Chicks’ loungewear is designed with accessible closures, such as self-fastening patches and two-way zippers to best simplify the dressing process — because everyone deserves to feel supported by the products they wear. These accessible closures make Slick Chicks’ loungewear collection easy to take on or off no matter if you’re standing, sitting, or lying down.
Slick Chicks Accessible “V” Neck Crop top with snap buttons and Accessible Side Zip Joggers to simplify dressing. (courtesy of Slick Chicks)
Founder and CEO of Slick Chicks, Helya Mohammadian weighs in, “It’s not as simple as putting your pants on one leg at a time for everyone. For many, this ritual is difficult and requires extra care and support. That’s where Slick Chicks comes in.”
Every Slick Chicks product is designed with accessibility in mind and Slick Chicks’ newest collection is no exception. Its features focus on comfortability, mobility, and accessibility. Within the past years, the thriving company has developed partnerships with major retailers such as Target, Aerie, and JCPenney. Slick Chicks’ products are now available to purchase online through these major retailers and many more.
An investigational device called a brain-computer interface has been found safe in a small study of people with paralysis from ALS, and has allowed participants to use a computer to communicate by text and do daily tasks such as online shopping and banking, according to a preliminary study released at the end of March 2022. The findings were presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s 74th Annual Meeting in Seattle in early April. Another virtual presentation is slated for April 24 to 26, 2022.
ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. People with ALS lose the ability to initiate and control muscle movement, which often leads to total paralysis.
“People with ALS eventually lose their ability to move their limbs, making them unable to operate devices like a phone or computer,” said study author Bruce Campbell, MD, MS, of the University of Melbourne in Australia and a member of the American Academy of Neurology. “Our research is exciting because while other devices require surgery that involves opening the skull, this brain-computer interface device is much less invasive. It receives electrical signals from the brain, allowing people to control a computer by thought.”
credit: Shutterstock
For the study, four people with ALS underwent a procedure to have the device implanted within the brain. The brain-computer interface is fed through one of two jugular veins in the neck into a large blood vessel in the brain. The device, comprised of a net-like material with 16 sensors attached, expands to line the vessel wall. That device is connected to an electronic device in the chest that then relays the brain signals from the motor cortex, the part of the brain that generates signals for movement, into commands for a laptop computer.
Researchers monitored participants for one year and found the device was safe. There were no serious adverse events that led to disability or death. The device also stayed in place for all four people and the blood vessel in which the device was implanted remained open.
Researchers also examined whether participants could use the brain-computer interface to perform routine digital tasks. All participants learned how to use the device with eye tracking to use a computer. Eye-tracking technology helps a computer determine what a person is looking at.
Researchers also report that a decoder developed during the study allowed one study participant to control a computer independently without an eye tracker. The machine-learning decoder was programmed as follows: when a trainer asked participants to attempt certain movements, like tapping their foot or extending their knee, the decoder analyzed nerve cell signals from those movement attempts. The decoder was able to translate movement signals into computer navigation.
“Our research is still new, but it holds great promise for people with paralysis who want to maintain a level of independence,” said Campbell. “We are continuing this research in Australia as well as in the United States in larger groups of people.”
Springtime is the perfect time to enjoy fresh air, sunshine and Mother Nature through a variety of sensory-friendly activities, including tons of fun for children with disabilities and/or special needs.
Studies have concluded that nature is good for one’s overall health. According to the American Society of Landscape Architects, time spent outdoors enhances self-esteem and mood, improves cognitive function and memory-related abilities, and increases attention spans among children with autism spectrum disorder, to name a few of the many known benefits. It’s exciting to know that countless research studies continue to show that nature-based activities for children with special needs positively impact physical, emotional, social and cognitive development.
So, here are ten simple, yet effective sensory-friendly activities for kiddos with special needs to enjoy this spring.
Bubbles
There are a ton of high-tech toys now available for purchase to entertain little cuties that have special needs or developmental delays. And, of course, AmeriDisability doesn’t want to burst the bubble on these awesome disability-tech advancements! But sometimes inexpensive, basic toys create just the priceless engagement that families desire. We’re talking about the precious pastime of blowing bubbles.
Children can work on dexterity and hand-eye coordination as they dip the stick into the jug. Then, watch their oral motor skills magically create bubbles in all shapes, sizes and colors. For those who need a little assistance, either a handheld bubbler or automatic bubble machine might do the trick. And if the smell of fresh-cut grass and flowers blooming in your yard doesn’t stimulate enough, consider adding drops of scented soap or essential oils into the bubbles to achieve an enhanced aromatic experience.
credit: Shutterstock
Fruit Picking
Wouldn’t a visit to a u-pick farm to gather fresh fruit with the apple of your eye be an added cherry to top off a lovely spring day? The wide-open spaces of local farms are typically pretty comfortable for youngsters that tend to get overwhelmed by more crowded environments. Click over to PickYourOwn.org to find a list of u-pick farms with site details, seasonal produce calendars, recipes and events.
Families, and especially those with special needs, know to plan ahead. So while farms may provide containers for fruit collection, other onsite amenities may vary greatly at differing locations. Consider bringing snacks (allergy-free if needed), water, sunscreen, hats and/or sensory-friendly clothing, handi-wipes, cash (as some farms don’t take credit cards) and perhaps a cooler to transport your freshly-picked produce. It’s also important to note that restrooms may not be available or limited to port-o-lets, so consider taking a bathroom break before arrival or planning accordingly.
Children are more inclined to try new foods, including fruits and vegetables, if and when they are involved in the process. So your picky eater might just be willing to try a blackberry (or other new food) if he/she personally picked it off the bush. U-pick farms are a great way to influence the consumption of healthy foods, especially since people with disabilities can find it more difficult to eat healithy, control their weight and be physically active.
Gardening
According to Obsessed Lawn, an online gardening resource and buying guide, gardening can be an effective form of therapy for individuals with special needs. Not only does it get budding gardeners involved in an activity where they will accomplish something amazing in nature, but gardening also helps develop cognitive reasoning and motor skills. Little diggers can work their hands into the dirt and feel the many textures of the Earth.
Research suggests that gardening reduces stress and depression symptoms, while boosting muscle strength, mental clarity and a sense of accomplishment. Plus, similarly to the fruit picking activity suggestion, food gardeners who increase consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables can reap the added benefits of a decreased waistline and a lowered risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer.
credit: CDC
Accessible Gardens is a specialty outdoor company that produces versatile raised garden beds for customers with physical limitations, to make gardening engaging for most including wheelchair users. The Rhode Island-based business was founded in 2008 by Raymond LaRocque, who was eager to work his green thumb despite having an autoimmune-related spinal cord injury. Plus, there are plenty of options when it comes to accessible garden tools for all abilities.
Those interested in insects may enjoy growing milkweed plants and other pollinating plants that attract butterflies, bees and beautiful bugs. Or, build, decorate and hang a birdhouse with your little chickadees to attract the sweet, soothing chirps of colorful creatures.
Jogging or Biking
Sensory-seekers usually like fast, constant movement activities. Riding bicycles or scooters together is a fast-paced way to partake in fun exercise while outdoors. Families with special needs have plenty of options when it comes to adaptive bikes, tricycles, hand-bikes, ride-along seats, comfy bike trailers and so on. With gorgeous temperatures, many sensory-seeking kiddos may also love riding in a jogging stroller while mom or dad breaks a sweat.
Kindness Rocks
Ever noticed a somewhat hidden painted rock with a positive message on it? A grassroots movement, called the Kindness Rocks Project, has gained momentum in recent years with its goal to cultivate connections within communities and lift others up through simple acts of kindness. Give it try by creating some of your own meaningful designs, get messy with the paint and focus on lifting spirits through the power of positive words. This is a beautiful way to promote inclusion and empathy. To take this idea a step further, hide the rocks throughout your neighborhood and send out an invitation for friendly neighbors to participate in a Kindness Rocks scavenger hunt!
Hiking
The National Parks Service (NPS) has several pass programs that grant access to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the nation, including National Parks, National Wildlife Refuges and many National Forest and other federal recreation lands. A pass may cover entrance, standard amenity fees and day-use fees for a driver and all passengers in a personal vehicle and may also offer other discounts. Those with disabilities should obtain an Access Pass. This free, lifetime pass is available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents that have a disability. NPS also offers a Military Pass, Senior Pass and other options.
Park Play
Play helps children grow and learn — how they move, how their muscles work, their tactile senses, vision and hearing… all develop as they play. And physical learning contributes to cognitive development, as children hone their motor skills and spatial perception. A trip to the playground can stimulate social engagement and, of course, present many sensory exploration opportunities. Kids may love digging in the sandbox, climbing a rock wall, swinging on the monkey bars, bouncing on the seesaw and soaring high and fast on the swings, among other play opportunities. More and more communities are opening inclusive playgrounds that better foster a welcoming environment for children of all abilities. This includes wheelchair-friendly ramps, braille play stations and more.
credit: Shutterstock
Sidewalk Chalk
Art therapy, which includes exposure to color (i.e. chromotherapy), is considered an effective rehabilitative method to aid physical and emotional health. As with physical therapy, repetitive exercise (i.e. painting strokes) of weakened muscles can help people with mobility issues gain elasticity, strength and balance. For mental wellbeing, art therapy boosts creative expression, ignites a calming effect and can relieve stress. In fact, a study from University College London found that the same parts of the brain are stimulated when one looks at art as when one is in love; both release the chemical dopamine promoting feelings of affection and desire. Now that’s powerful, right?
You don’t need to be a certified art therapist to tap into the creativity of your budding artist. Informal art exposure at home ─ or, better yet outdoors in your yard ─ can help children with special needs boost energy and happiness, and decrease depression and anxiety.
Nature has a special way of inspiring artistic creation. Grab some watercolors and head outdoors to create masterpieces together. But, for easy breezy art in the sunshine, sidewalk chalk is the best bet! You don’t need any special canvases, just the sidewalk or driveway and whatever chalk color your little hearts desire. With sidewalk chalk, you can practice letters, numbers, shapes, sight words, writing affirmations and, of course, finally fine-tune your attempts at drawing rocket ships, sailboats, rainbows and tons of other pictures. And clean-up is totally simple… just shake chalk dust off of clothes, wash up in the bathroom sink and let the rainclouds organically clear your cement canvas for a clean slate for your next sidewalk chalk play date.
Spring Cleaning
While maybe not the most fun activity on this list, believe it or not some sensory-seeking kids can really get into spring cleaning. The vacuum does scare some sensory-sensitive children, but those who like loud noises enjoy the labor of pushing the loud, heavy machine. And the motion of using a duster is not all that different than stroking a paintbrush. Can cleaning dishes in a super sudsy sink double as water playtime? Sure… especially if you toss a few toys in for cleaning too. And cleaning the car in the driveway is guaranteed springtime fun! You just know that hose is going to ignite a family water squirt competition.
Spring-Themed Sensory Bins
Sensory bins filled with textured items like beans, corn, rice, rocks, sand and water beads can make for stimulating bases to fill with scoopers and toys. To make a bin seasonally fun, opt for: (1) pebbles, plants and flower petals tossed with plastic bugs and butterflies; (2) pastel-colored sprinkles mixed with toy bunnies, chicks and farm animals; or (3) firm, blue gelatin filled with seashells and toy sea animals.
Also try:
Camping (at an accessible site for experienced campers, or the backyard for novice campers)
Catch fireflies
Glow stick dance party in the yard
Hopscotch
Picnics
Stargazing
Water play, such as sprinklers, slip n’ slid, kiddie pool, etc.
As a reminder, some people with special needs may be heat or sun intolerant due to a specific disability, condition or because of prescribed medication. Do enjoy the outdoors safely with ample shade, sunscreen and hydration.
For people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), brushing teeth or visiting the dentist doesn’t have to be so overwhelming. That’s according to InfiniTeach, developers of the All Smiles Shineapp. About 1-in-54 children are diagnosed with ASD and some research shows that those with ASD have a higher risk of dental disease.
“Oral health habits can be hard for many people with ASD, largely due to sensory sensitivities,” said Barbie Vartanian, Executive Director of Project Accessible Oral Health (PAOH). “In addition, self-soothing habits, such as teeth grinding or eating sugary foods, can also affect dental health. This is often compounded by communication challenges that make it difficult to relay concerns about teeth, resulting in delays in care. The All Smiles Shine app offers evidence-based solutions to help.”
The All Smiles Shine app was created in partnership with PAOH and Delta Dental to help the autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities communities learn about oral health care, practice preventive care at home, and prepare for an upcoming visit to the dentist.
credit: Shutterstock
App features include:
At-home videos that support preventive care practices, a flossing and brushing tracker with rewards, and how to prepare for a dental visit.
Personalized sensory preferences, interests and calming tools to share with the dentist.
Picture schedules, breathing exercises, emotion identifiers and more.
“Utilizing technology to encourage a better self-care oral health program holds the hope of improving the health of those with autism spectrum disorder,” says Dr. Mark S. Wolff, Dean of the Penn Dental Medicine, the administrative home of PAOH.
All Smiles Shine is uniquely designed to help alleviate anxiety and encourage better habits through evidence-based autism interventions and best practices in technology development, as identified by the National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorder. By embedding these evidence-based practices into the app, people with ASD and their families can customize the experience to their needs.
“This is just the beginning. The All Smiles Shine app will evolve to meet the ongoing needs of the autism community and children with dental anxiety,” said Holli Seabury, EdD, executive director of the Delta Dental Foundation. “We hope you’ll choose to grow with us.”
The U.S. Department of Transportation just announced in March 2022 that it is publishing a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that would improve the accessibility of lavatories for people with disabilities traveling on new single-aisle aircraft.
“Far too often, travelers with disabilities don’t have the opportunity to fly to their destinations because they can’t access the lavatories on most airplanes,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “This rule would make airplane lavatories more accessible for passengers with disabilities, and bring us one step closer to the day when air travel is possible for everyone.”
Currently, there is no federal requirement that lavatories on single-aisle aircraft be accessible to individuals with disabilities. The inability to use the lavatory on long flights can present significant challenges to passengers who use wheelchairs. Some passengers, knowing that they will not be able to use the toilet during a flight, dehydrate themselves so that they do not need to urinate. These actions can cause many adverse health effects. Other passengers use adult diapers or catheters, which they may find degrading and uncomfortable. Still, other wheelchair users avoid flying altogether.
Single-aisle aircraft now operate the vast majority of domestic flights, including a large share of long, cross-country flights. The proposed rule would require airlines to make at least one lavatory on new single-aisle aircraft with 125 or more passenger seats large enough to permit a passenger with a disability (with the help of an assistant, if necessary) to approach, enter and maneuver within the aircraft lavatory, to use all facilities in that lavatory, and to leave using the aircraft’s onboard wheelchair.
This rulemaking is one of the Department’s highest priority regulatory initiatives because it advances equity and reduces discrimination by increasing access to transportation for individuals with disabilities.
credit: Shutterstock
The proposed rule would apply to new aircraft ordered 18 years after the effective date of the final rule or delivered 20 years after the effective date of the final rule. It is the result of a 2016 negotiated rulemaking that was produced through a consensus among a cross-section of stakeholders, including disability organizations such as Paralyzed Veterans of America and the National Disability Rights Network; the Association of Flight Attendants; Airbus; and airlines. However, given this long timeframe and in recognition of the affirmative responsibility of the Federal government to advance equity, civil rights and equal opportunity for all individuals, the Department is seeking comment on whether these accessibility improvements could be implemented more quickly than proposed. Based on the comments it receives, the Department may adjust the implementation timeline as part of the final rule.
“Paralyzed Veterans of America has been waiting for access to lavatories on single-aisle aircraft for people with mobility disabilities since the passage of the Air Carrier Access Act nearly 36 years ago,” said Charles Brown, National President of Paralyzed Veterans of America. “That’s 36 years of fasting, dehydrating and developing medical issues as a result of a lack of access to inflight lavatories. We are pleased that the Department of Transportation is now moving this long-overdue rule forward and see it as one step closer to equitable treatment. We cannot underscore the importance of having dignified access to lavatories for our physical health and well-being, and we must have lavatory access as soon as possible.”
The Department is also examining other ways to improve the air travel environment for persons with disabilities. The Department’s Office of Aviation Consumer Protection (OACP) assists, educates and protects aviation consumers by reviewing and responding to thousands of consumer complaints about air travel; investigating and enforcing, as appropriate, violations of aviation consumer protection, civil rights, and licensing requirements against airlines and ticket agents; and assessing the need for and drafting aviation consumer protection and civil rights regulations. Additional information and resources, including information on how to file a complaint with OACP, can be found here.
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According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, animals can provide essential aid to people with disabilities and varying health conditions. There are three types of assistance animals: service animals, emotional support animals and therapy animals. And dogs, cats and horses no longer rule the roost when it comes to assistance animals! Bunnies are hopping into the mix to provide physical and emotional support to people in need too.
Rabbits as Emotional Support Animals
The dog is commonly called “man’s best friend” but, as it turns out, rabbits can also make people pretty hoppy (well, that’s happy). Amy Pratt is a lifelong rabbit owner who has been specializing in rabbits at the Humane Rescue Alliance. Through her website, BunnyLady.com, Pratt outlines why many animal lovers find rabbits to be ideal emotional support animals. Rabbits are gentle, quiet, clean, don’t require much space and are receptive to training, among other positive attributes. Pratt reminds her website visitors that in order for rabbits (or any animal) to be certified as an emotional support pet, documentation must be signed by a licensed psychologist or therapist.
Many people impacted by emotional stress find rabbits to be calming. This includes those impacted by depression, PTSD, schizophrenia and other conditions, according to advocates like Sandra Lee Amidon and Rebecca Clawson who serve as educators for the House Rabbit Society. Headquartered in Richmond, California, this nonprofit animal welfare organization has a mission of rabbit rescue and education, which includes the promotion of rabbits as emotional support pets and/or therapy animals.
“A person with PTSD could benefit from petting a relaxed rabbit,” Clawson suggests. For example, she says, “Interacting with an adorable nose-wriggling, tooth-purring, relaxed rabbit who responds positively to gentle pets while the individual temporarily contains their own anxiety can be soothing and healing.”
credit: House Rabbit Society; photographer Paige K Parsons for House Rabbit Society (@paigekparsons)
Rabbits As Therapy Animals
Therapy animals are becoming increasingly popular in hospitals, nursing homes, schools and post-trauma or disaster settings. Animal-assisted therapy is a therapeutic intervention that incorporates animals into a treatment plan, and is typically used to enhance or complement the benefits of more traditional therapy tactics.
Because patients’ needs are uniquely different, goals associated with animal-assisted therapy vary. For someone concentrating on mental health, for instance, benefits may include social development, increased self-esteem, better social skills and increased empathy and nurturing skills. For someone focused on physical gains, animal-assisted therapy may address flexibility, mobility, strength or other skills.
As a survivor of traumatic brain injury (TBI), Clawson personally attests to the impact that rabbits have had on her own therapeutic journey. “Caring for bunnies has helped me with my physical, cognitive, emotional and social needs. I’m able to work on balance and coordination when I get down on floor level to pet my bunnies and play with them or groom them. Picking up their supplies and toys, cleaning out litter boxes and shaking out their beds and blankets all help strengthen me too,” she declares.
And that’s not all. “I’m able to work on cognitive processing when I need to organize their veterinarian appointments and medication schedules and any changes in their diets or put together a supply order. I’m able to shut out any worry or anxiety and just focus on my rabbits being silly or napping peacefully,” Clawson, who resides in Utah, adds.
Clawson says she also enjoys interacting with and learning from other rabbit caregivers, rescuers and veterinary professionals because this motivates her to further tackle social anxiety. In addition to TBI survivors like Clawson, people with addiction, autism, dementia, multiple sclerosis, stroke, spinal cord injury and many other diverse disabilities and conditions also find success using animal-assisted therapy, which may include interaction with or observation of rabbits.
Amidon explains, “They [rabbits] have a variety of different personalities, so finding one that suits each individual, their specific needs and their lifestyle is generally doable when done through a rescue organization that knows each rabbit’s personality, behaviors and medical needs well.” She continues, “Some rabbits do well sitting on your lap and being pet for periods of time which can be great for those who experience loneliness or lack of trust in relationships with others (though these rabbits aren’t as common as normally portrayed), while some have more playful personalities which allows a trusting relationship to be developed through things like clicker training and types of interaction that is more suited to those with sensory disorders/illnesses who are looking for companionship that doesn’t require exposure to sensory triggers.”
credit: House Rabbit Society; photographer Paige K Parsons for House Rabbit Society (@paigekparsons)
Clawson believes anyone who can safely interact with a pet may respond well to rabbits. “A person with occupational therapy needs could benefit by gently stroking a snuggly rabbit’s forehead or ears, or by brushing the rabbit’s fur. They could also work on dexterity by picking up a toy or treat and offering it to a rabbit,” she says. And Clawson further offers, “A person with weakness issues could benefit from playing apple stick tug-of-war with a rabbit. They just hold the apple stick while the rabbit tugs, wins and scampers off with their prize.”
Additionally, a person receiving speech therapy might benefit from reading out loud to an inquisitive rabbit or by practicing saying the rabbit’s name.
Before You Hop to It
Before adopting a rabbit to serve as an emotional support pet or a therapy animal, animal lovers should do detailed research to find the best fit.
During the Easter season, rabbit sales significantly increase; but, sadly, far too many rabbits (plus chicks and ducks) are then abandoned at shelters within weeks of the holiday. In fact, rabbits are the third most frequently surrendered animal at shelters and the third most euthanized. That’s why the House Rabbit Society works to combat the common misunderstanding that rabbits are just easy starter pets or simply holiday gifts for children observing Easter.
Rabbits can be wonderful pets and, as highlighted in this article, serve as excellent emotional support pets or therapy animals. However, as the House Rabbit Society notes, it’s important to consider the following before making a holiday-inspired impulse purchase:
Rabbits have an average lifespan of 8-14 years. Ownership is a commitment.
Rabbits need to be spayed/neutered to prevent cancer and unwanted litters. Up to 80% of female rabbits will develop uterine cancer by age 4-6 if not spayed.
Rabbits require a diet of hay, pellets and fresh vegetables.
Rabbits should live indoors, inside a family’s home for their safety and health, with 2-4 hours of exercise time in a bunny-proofed environment each day.
Rabbits need regular veterinary care by a vet with additional training in exotics, which can be expensive.
Rabbits need an annual RHDV2 vaccine.
Rabbits are not “low-maintenance” pets — they need as much care and attention as dogs and cats. It can also take longer to bond with them since they are prey animals and can be more fearful.
credit: Shutterstock
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According to estimates from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network, approximately 1-in-44 children in the U.S. have been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
“Autism is a complex, lifelong brain difference that affects millions of children and families,” says Bicheng Han, founder and CEO of BrainCo Inc., a brain-computer interface (BCI) company that develops products and services for the U.S. and global markets in personal health and wellbeing, robotic prosthetics and STEM education. “BCI technology is beginning to show real potential in helping people manage and even overcome the impacts of this condition,” Han adds.
Autism Inventions Vary
A large body of research and study on current methodologies such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Verbal Behavior Therapy (VBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Developmental and Individual Differences Relationship (DIR) Therapy, Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) and others has shown that each of these approaches can help develop social and occupational skills in children with autism. Despite broad agreement that these interventions benefit children, it remains difficult to say which type of intervention is best for the individual and how much intervention is needed.
Through clinical trials with China Autism Rehabilitation Center, Shanghai Children’s Hospital and Beijing Children’s Hospital, BrainCo hopes to provide some answers to these questions.
credit: BrainCo Autism Training Center
New Autism Intervention Clinical Trial
BrainCo’s new initiative called, Cambridge StarKids Autism Rehabilitation Center, is deploying a new kind of autism intervention that combines a non-invasive EEG headband with computer-based games, activities and exercises. Used in conjunction with other behavioral therapies, the system allows therapists to gain new insights and understanding of the individual’s real-time brain activity and track their progress as they build skills such as learning how to interact with others, reading facial expressions and maintaining eye contact.
“We are excited to offer therapists an effective BCI-based tool in their efforts to help children around the world,” says Mr. Han. “As we get better and better at identifying this challenging neurological condition, it’s more important than ever to uncover new and more effective ways to improve the quality of life for those who are affected by it.” For more information, visit www.brainco.tech.
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The smell of spring is in the air. Blooming trees, fresh-cut grass and the crisp, clean scent of, wait, what is that? Marshmallow peeps, sugary fruit slices and matzah?!
Yes, they are here, too. And just like the daffodils, those delightfully decadent treats that come with Easter and Passover can simply not be denied.
Diabetic-Friendly Holidays
But, if you have Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) or a tiny T1D in the house, this time of year brings both squeals of excitement and gasps of deep concern. How much is too much?
As with anything, it’s all about moderation – and monitoring the carbohydrates. So as you enter these holiday days, keep the following carb counters within reach to make sure you – or those you love – are not consuming too much.
This time of year also brings a certain amount of adult toasting and glass clinking. Moderation is needed here, too, as alcohol also is loaded with hidden carbs — and other potential unwanted effects. So, keep this Drinking Safely with T1D tip sheet handy, too.
PRINT THIS Easter candy carb counter in English or Spanish.
credit: JDRF as a part of the JDRF-Beyond Type 1 Alliance
PRINT THIS Seder plate carb counter in English or Spanish.
credit: JDRF as a part of the JDRF-Beyond Type 1 Alliance
Since its founding in 1992, Donate Life America’s (DLA) mission has been to raise essential awareness surrounding organ donation with a vision focused on saving lives.
Celebrated annually in April, National Donate Life Month was established to educate and encourage individuals to register as organ, eye, tissue, marrow and blood donors ─ also referred to as living donors. This observance period is also a time to honor heroic donors, donors’ families, recipients, caregivers and the clinical teams within this lifesaving community.
Understanding the Critical Need
In 2021, thanks to the generosity of dedicated supporters, transplant experts performed more than 41,000 organ transplants in the U.S. — a record amount. Plus, DLA saw organ donations from deceased donors set an annual record for the 11th consecutive year. Living donor transplants, which decreased significantly in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, also increased with over 6,500 living donor transplants performed.
Yet, over 100,000 people are now waiting for an organ transplant, while thousands more await cornea and tissue transplants. Another person in dire need is added to these lists every nine minutes. Sadly, transplant waitlists include more than 1,900 children under the age of 18. Additionally, alarming data shows that people of color make up nearly 60 percent of individuals awaiting an organ transplant. That’s why DLA is prioritizing the promotion of greater diversity in organ donation. Collectively, we all can make a difference!
Remarkably, a single organ donor can save up to eight lives; and tissue donors can reach up to 75 individuals. With an average of 17 people dying every day while waiting for their transplant gift, there has never been a greater need to become a donor.
credit: Donate Life America
Consider Organ Donation
Becoming a living donor is an option for those who wish to give the gift of life while they are still living a healthy life. Not only do living donations save lives but it also expedites an otherwise uncertain waiting period for those in need of a transplant from a deceased donor.
Choosing to become a donor or to make the decision on a loved one’s behalf can, understandably, generate an array of questions and emotions. DLA has a full support team with branches that extend countrywide to guide those considering organ donation through each step within the donation and receiving process.
Around the U.S., families and organizations are being united through these vital donations. Recipients have a renewed sense of living and are given a second chance at life. For donor families who are coping with grief and the hardships of loss, knowing they are able to honor the legacy of their loved ones as they live on in others offers them a special sense of peace.
“Without the organ donor, there is no story, no hope, no transplant. But when there is an organ donor, life springs from death, sorrow turns to hope and a terrible loss becomes a gift” – United Network for Organ Sharing
Donate Life America will be launching its regional registration process for living donors sometime in 2022 to reach more prospective living donors. To become an organ donor, register at RegisterMe.org.
