School Psych Scholastic
March 2021
Greetings from your School Psychologists!
Did you know that March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and World Down Syndrome Awareness Day is March 21st? What a great opportunity to learn how you can make a difference! This newsletter is filled with helpful articles, tips, and videos to increase your awareness and provide helpful resources regarding Developmental Disabilities, Down Syndrome as well as Developmental Delays and Early Intervention. Thank you for spending a few minutes with us and we hope you enjoy the resources.
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
In 1987 President Reagan recognized March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), developmental disabilities are defined as impairments in physical, learning, language or behavior areas that begin during the developmental period, may impact day-to-day functioning and include:
- Autism spectrum disorders
- Cerebral palsy
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
- Learning or intellectual disabilities
- Hearing loss
- Vision impairment
- Other developmental delays
World Down Syndrome Day
The Down Syndrome Network of Onslow & Carteret Counties (DSNOCC)
The Down Syndrome Network of Onslow & Carteret Counties (DSNOCC), Inc. was founded in 2011 by several parents who wanted to create the very best life experience for their child with Down syndrome and their families.
The goal of the group is to bring families together to share information, experiences, and ideas with each other, to educate our community about Down Syndrome, to celebrate our beautiful children, and to have fun! DSNOCC has grown from just a few families to over 50 and counting!
This site provides a wealth of resources for parents and educators specific to students with Down Syndrome. We encourage you to explore the resources available.
Email: president@dsnocc.org
Website: https://www.dsnocc.org/
Location: DSNOCC, Inc. PO Box 1264 Jacksonville, NC 28541-1264
Phone: 910-719-3321
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DSNOCC
Developmental Delay and Early Intervention
1. Consider adjustments to communication style
-Get student attention prior to speaking
-Be clear and specific
-Use visuals
-Use gestures or nonverbal cues
2. Integrate Learning with Fun
-Combine learning social skills with adult-led learning
3. Work Collaboratively
-Provide opportunities for students to work and play together
-Music can encourage friendships
4. Provide positive feedbacks
-Praise and reward students
Click HERE to learn more about best practice tips, early years learning and development outcomes as well as other considerations and other resources.
Onslow County School Psychologists
We hope you find this information useful and take advantage of some of the tips and resources we’ve shared to increase your awareness and make a difference. We wish you all the best during this month as you and your students embark on this wonderful journey. Thank you to all our families, teachers, staff, and school leaders for all that you do! Teamwork makes the Dreamwork!
With Love,
The Onslow County School Psychologists