Faces, Patterns, Possibilities

Faces, Patterns, Possibilities

Overview

In this section, you’ll learn about the patterns of these developmental disabilities, what each one is, and what it isn’t - as well as the causes, interventions, and the human possibilities.

Select from the Videos links on this page to learn the personal stories of individuals with developmental disabilities of all ages.

Intellectual Disability

The Face of Intellectual Disability
The Language Lab: Intellectual Disability

Autism

The Face of Autism
The Diagnostic Detective: Autism
The Language Lab: Autism

Cerebral Palsy

The Face of Cerebral Palsy
The Diagnostic Detective: CP
The Language Lab: CP

Epilepsy

The Face of Epilepsy
The Diagnostic Detective: Epilepsy
The Language Lab: Epilepsy
General Terms

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Alyssa at Age 8

Alyssa at Age 8

Alyssa lives with her parents and ten-year-old brother. She has a diagnosis of Autism. When she was a toddler, her mother felt that Alyssa “looked right through me”. Eventually she was able to show affection to her mother, but wanted nothing to do with anyone else. Today it is quite a different story. At the age of 8, Alyssa had become a very sociable little girl. Her mother credits Alyssa’s early intervention, pre-school, and kindergarten programs for helping her to gradually learn to perform tasks, interact with others, and participate in group activities. She has also benefited greatly from full inclusion in regular elementary school classes, where she has developed valuable relationships with typical children of her age.

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Alyssa at Age 14

Alyssa at Age 14

Alyssa, who has a diagnosis of Autism, first appeared in the Harbor Regional Center video, Alyssa at Age 8. We return to revisit Alyssa at age 14. She has developed a big interest in ‘all things Disney.’ Alyssa and her mother, Jean, tell us that as she entered adolescence, Alyssa experienced some difficulties while attending middle school. Her parents worked with their school district to develop a new plan, for Alyssa to attend a non-public special school. She looks forward to becoming increasingly independent as she grows older.

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Arturo

Arturo

Arturo, or “Artie” to his friends and family, lives with his parents. He has a diagnosis of Autism.

He is quite independent in most daily living skills, such as making purchases at the store, using the telephone, cooking simple meals, and helping with household chores. He is also a regular customer at restaurants and at a video store near his home. He takes public buses to go to work, recreational activities, doctor and dentist appointments, independently.

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Blair

Blair

Blair lives with her parents, and her big sister. She has multiple diagnoses of Cerebral Palsy, Spastic Quadriplegia with athetoid movements and upper body hypotonia, and a Seizure Disorder. She is quite mobile, with the help of adaptive equipment such as a walker, standing table, molded chair for working on table tasks, and a new power wheelchair which she recently acquired.

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Christopher

Christopher

Christopher lives with his parents and three brothers. He has a diagnosis of Rasmussen’s Encephalitis. This is a progressive neurological disorder which, in Chris’ case, is characterized by intractable seizures, atrophy of the left hemisphere of his brain, partial paralysis of the right side of his body, and progressive cognitive impairment. In other words, Chris has developmental disabilities, which include Intellectual Disability, Seizure Disorder, and psychomotor impairments.

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Kelly at Age 13

 Kelly at Age 13

Kelly lives with her parents, sister, and brother. She has a diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy, Spastic Diplegic type, which affects both of her legs. Kelly has achieved a long-time goal to be able to walk independently. To achieve this she has had three major surgeries on her legs and has made much effort over the years, in physical therapy and a home exercise program. In past years, she has used various types of adaptive equipment, including crutches, leg braces, and a wheelchair when she has needed to travel longer distances. At this time she needs only orthotic lifts in her shoes.

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Kelly in College

Kelly in College

Kelly, who has Cerebral Palsy, starred in the Harbor Regional Center video, Kelly at Age 13. We return to find Kelly successfully attending Chapman College, living in the dorm, and enjoying college life with supports that the college provides for students with disabilities.

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Noah at 18 months

Noah at 18 months

Noah lives with his mom, dad, and big sister. He has a diagnosis of Down Syndrome. His parents received this diagnosis through amniocentesis before Noah was born.

Although his muscle tone is weaker than average, his height and weight are around the 5th percentile, and he has a mild gastric reflux, he is otherwise a strong, healthy and happy little boy. At eighteen months he can crawl, pull up, stand, cruise, and crawl up the stairs.

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Noah at Age 8

Noah at Age 8

Noah, who has Down Syndrome, first starred in the Harbor Regional Center video, Noah at 18 months. In this video we return to visit with Noah and his family several years later. We see Noah at school, where he is fully included in a typical second grade classroom and receives individualized special education services (such as a classroom aide and resource specialist who visit him in the classroom, and therapists who pull him aside for speech, physical therapy, and adaptive PE).