Have you ever wondered what it is exactly about the extra chromosome 21 that makes cognitive development in children with Down syndrome so challenging? Just this March researchers at the Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute published research that may have cracked the code on this one. The researchers have found that a protein called sorting nexin…
by Bob Doman We generally think of independence as being free of outside control. With children, and from a developmental perspective, I see it not so much as being free of outside control as gaining self-determination, autonomy, and initiative. To discover that you can affect and change what is happening and to perceive, learn, and…
by Bob Doman Understanding and remediating the neurodevelopmental issues of those within the autism spectrum is critical if we are going to provide these children and adults with an opportunity to overcome their issues and to function at higher, “normal,” or even “superior” levels. It is important to understand that most neurodevelopmental issues will not…
by Sara Erling, NACD After being gone several weeks this summer, I had not maintained my normal fitness routine. You see, I am one of those crazy people who likes to run marathons and work out at 5 a.m. I also like food. I figure the more I work out, the less restrictive I have…
by Robert J. Doman Jr. Summer is over at last. The kids are back in school and you are getting settled into the new routine. Don’t get settled too fast, because now is the time to reorganize, get your act together and to do it right! By the time this article reaches your homes, you…
by Ellen Doman I think that I speak for all of the evaluators when I say that we want you to enjoy the holidays with your children and family. In order to really have a nice time without worrying about all of the things you are not getting done on program, there are a few…
by Bob Doman I just finished a novel, Yellow Birds, by Kevin Powers, a very well written, powerful book about the experience of a soldier participating in the war in Iraq. On the next to last page of the book there was a sentence that jumped out at me. The author, in reference to something…
by Bob Doman Most child management/behavior problems are credibility problems, a problem with the parent’s and/or the teacher’s credibility. If you don’t say what you mean and mean what you say, your child learns simply not to believe you. “If you do this again, I’m gonna….” The credibility problem more often than not begins when…
by Lori Riggs, MA, CCC/SLP Are you tired hearing us talk about tympanograms yet? We’re not tired of talking about them or recommending that you get them yet. Obviously we’re not afraid to admit that we’re pretty opinionated on the subject of how significantly middle ear fluid can affect a child’s development. For years there…
by Lori Riggs, M.A., CCC/SLP Director of NACD’s Center for Speech and Sound “Can you hear me now?” “What did I say?” “Are you listening to me?” “Please just say ——-.” “Say dog/ horse.” “Read my lips.” At NACD we have been working on all of the pieces of the puzzle that help your children…