eNotes
February 9, 2018In this Issue:
- Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Resource Source: Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA)
- Risk and Prevention of Maltreatment of Children with Disabilities Source: Child Welfare Information Gateway
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Resources Source: Division for Early Childhood (DEC) of the Council for Exceptional Children
- Impacting Parent-Child Relationships (Video) Source: Child Trends
- The Power of Touch Important in the NICU (Video) Source: Child Trends
- Prenatal Health and Positive Birth Outcomes Source: Office of Planning, Research & Evaluation (OPRE)
1. Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Resource
The HRSA is promoting its Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) program initiatives (January 2018) that support states, territories, families, and providers to establish quality systems of care and early detection of infants and young children affected by deafness. Early intervention is key for helping these children achieve language, social, and other developmental skills. The program initiatives are listed below. With these initiatives in place, approximately 95.5% of all infants in the U.S. are screened prior to one month of age.
- Universal Newborn Hearing Screening (UNHS) program
- National Technical Resource Center for Newborn Hearing Screening and Intervention
- Family Leadership in Language and Learning (FL3) program
- Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and related Disabilities (LEND) program
2. Risk and Prevention of Maltreatment of Children with Disabilities
Children living with disabilities are three times more likely to suffer abuse or neglect when compared to those without disabilities. This bulletin from the Child Welfare Information Gateway (January 2018) describes the extent of the problem, risk factors, and prevention strategies. It also provides current statistics and research, and covers critical issues to consider when assessing a child with a disability for maltreatment. A PDF version is also available.
3. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Resources
The latest edition of DEC's Resources within Reason (January 2018) offers a compilation of resources for families, educators, and administrators who support children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). From strategies for handling a new diagnosis to teaching strategies for managing an inclusive classroom, these resources offer current information and guidance for best evidence-based practices.
For additional free information on topics relating to individuals who support young children and their families, with an emphasis on children with or at risk for disabilities, visit the Resources within Reason archives at http://www.dec-sped.org/resources-within-reason.
4. Impacting Parent-Child Relationships (Video)
The Child Trends News Service has released a new video (January 2018), in English and Spanish, about a recent study involving 170 families with kids from birth to age five that examines how internet devices are creating a disconnect in parent-child relationships, otherwise known as "technoference". The study found that parents who had the most difficult time managing their personal phone use had children exhibiting the most problem behaviors, such as hyperactivity and crying.
Dr. Brandon McDaniel, who led the study, offers guidelines for parents to follow in the presence of their child(ren) so that technology doesn't interfere with their relationship, and proposes the implementation of "tech-free zones" or times, such as bedtime and mealtime. By putting the devices away, families can personally engage and spend quality time with those who matter most.
5. The Power of Touch Important in the NICU (Video)
The Child Trends News Service has released a new video (January 2018), in English and Spanish, about a recent study involving 125 infants, including both preterm and full term. The findings revealed that premature babies were more likely than full term babies to have a reduced brain response to light touch after leaving the hospital. As children rely on their sense of touch for exploring and interacting with their environment, a reduced response to touch may cause challenges in how they experience the world as they grow. Intervention suggestions are offered for caregivers.
6. Prenatal Health and Positive Birth Outcomes
A recent OPRE report (December 2017) provides a snapshot of state efforts in promoting prenatal health to assure positive birth outcomes. A total of 40 interviews with representatives from 17 states contributed to the qualitative analysis and study findings. It was found that states used several methods and strategies in their efforts, including quality-improvement, research and data-monitoring projects, stakeholder collaboration, targeted outreach and education campaigns, and Medicaid incentives and reimbursements. A list of references is included at the end of the report.