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Happy 26th Birthday, ADA!

7/26/2016

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This guest post is by LaKesha Whitman, Associate Director of the Center for Exceptional Children and Families in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Today, July 26, 2016, is the 26th birthday of the Americans with Disabilities Act! Happy Birthday, ADA!
The ADA 26 Years Old

The Americans with Disabilities Act celebrates the 26th anniversary of its signing by George H. W. Bush, on July 26, 1990. The ADA is a civil rights law that levels the playing field for people with disabilities in the areas of employment, access to programs and services of state and local government, access to healthcare facilities, education, retail establishments, and recreational venues open to the public at large, as well as access to and for communication and transportation.
Reasonable accommodations and removal of readily achievable barriers are basic rights, though many may see the ADA as a “special privileges law, it is NOT a provision of privilege, but of human, legal and civil rights that Americans without disabilities have had, some longer than others. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 did not include people with disabilities. Discrimination was and still is a practice towards people with disabilities due to ignorance and stereotyping.
A notable leader who was instrumental in the passage of the ADA, is Justin Dart, Jr. Justin came from a wealthy family in Chicago. His mother was the daughter of Charles Walgreen, founder of the thriving drug store chain. His father owned Dart Industries, a conglomeration of businesses he later sold to Kraft Industries. Neither money nor status are exempt from disability.
At the age of 18, Justin, Jr. contracted polio and became a wheelchair user. He then graduated from the University of Houston but was denied a teaching certificate due to his disability. Despite that decision, he went on to become a successful entrepreneur who founded three Japanese Corporations. He left all that behind because of his resolve to end discrimination towards people with disabilities and fight for his and their rights. Justin Jr. is regarded as the Father of the ADA and became immortalized as such, and can be seen sitting next to President Bush for the signing of the ADA.
There were and are countless others who fought and continue to fight for the rights of people with disabilities to be able to exercise that inalienable right outlined in the Constitution; the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Unfortunately, our children will not learn of these valiant leaders in our American History books where they might have read this quote from Justin Dart, Jr as it relates to the ADA.

“…Civil rights are not a guarantee of the good life, but an equal opportunity and responsibility to participate in producing the good life for oneself and for all. Government alone cannot implement ADA; this is a responsibility of all Americans…”           

Article written by SeRonna Rodgers (see citation at end)
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As we celebrate the 26th birthday of the American Disability Act, we watch with pride how this has evolved for persons with disabilities.  Numerous groups and agencies now act as mentors, advocates and resources to offer assistance to those with disabilities.

The Center for Exceptional Families has a mission to work in collaboration with families and their local schools to promote an innovative approach to education services for individuals with disabilities.  To help improve educational opportunities for students with disabilities, including students transitioning beyond high school.  
We support children with disabilities and their families, students transitioning beyond high school, the local school districts and other state and community based providers, and advocating for children and adults with disabilities, as outlines in federal laws IDEA, ADA, and Section 504.

You can learn more about the resources and opportunities the center provides at:                   www.thecenterforexceptionalfamilies.org
     www.facebook.com/ExceptionalFamilies

Or you can contact Lakesha Whitman at: www.lakesha.whitman@tcfef.org

1. Source: SeRonna Rodgers, Director of Operations at Disability Resource & Advocacy Center, www.ar-drac.org or www.facebook.com/Disabiity-Resource-Advocacy-Center or 870.246.8600


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Psychological Impact of Celiac Disease... from Someone with Celiac Disease

5/31/2016

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In honor of Celiac Disease Awareness Month, I have a guest post from an instructor at Arkansas State University, Sarah Mayberry Scott, MA, who also happens to have a diagnosis of celiac disease.


Celiac disease affects 1 in 133 Americans. It is an autoimmune disease that affects how the body absorbs nutrients. The disease is triggered by a genetic marker and can only become active if the person is consuming gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye; it gives your breads, pastries, and pastas that doughy-sticky texture that makes them so tasty. When a person with celiac disease eats gluten, the villi in their intestine start to erode. The villi are finger-shaped, sponge-like parts of your intestinal tract that are responsible for absorbing nutrients. Once these are damaged, the body cannot absorb the nutrients it needs. This can leave someone anemic, malnourished, and susceptible to a host of other ailments and diseases.

There are a multitude of symptoms that can cause the disease to be misdiagnosed. Each individual diagnosed with celiac disease can experience different symptoms ranging from upset stomach and diarrhea to more severe symptoms like neurological problems, infertility, or intestinal cancer. The only treatment for celiac disease is a strict gluten free diet. Besides the serious physical repercussions of celiac disease, the disease often is accompanied by emotional distress, as well.

Personally, celiac disease has increased my anxiety around traveling and social situations, both requiring a great deal of preparation and anticipation. When I travel, I pack plenty of gluten free snacks because I am always unsure of when and where I will be able to eat. When I attend a wedding, I call weeks ahead to speak to the caterer to know exactly how the food is prepared and what I will be able to eat. Before eating in restaurants, I search menus online to know what my best possible options are before arriving. Going with a group of people to a new restaurant is probably one of the most nerve-wracking things, as I have not scoped the menu ahead of time. I feel self-conscious having to ask lots of questions and oftentimes having to ask to speak to a manager or chef. Everywhere I go, I immediately seek out the closest bathroom in case something that was promised to be “gluten free” turns out to be misleading. On business trips I always get a single hotel room so the bathroom space does not have to be shared with anyone else. I carry anti-nausea pills, car-sickness medication, and a strong probiotic in my purse at all times.

Some of my friends who remember me pre-celiac have a hard time understanding why I can’t eat foods now that I used to. Having to field questions like, “Can’t you have just a little?” and comments like, “We want to go to this [very non-celiac friendly] restaurant, can’t you just pack a snack in your purse?” leave me frustrated and isolated. I find myself turning down trips, vacations, or even dinner plans because I don’t want to inconvenience others. I am lucky that my family and my in-laws have been beyond accommodating in my new diet requirements.

It’s easy to downplay the psychological impact celiac disease can have. It has even become the target of jokes and derision. But for those affected, there is nothing funny about the possible complications of celiac disease- uncomfortable at best, dangerous at worst. Significant lifestyle accommodations are required and are not something that anyone with celiac disease desires. For many people, these disruptions and discomfort can bring on feelings of uncertainty, anxiety, or depression. If you know and love someone with celiac disease make sure they know they are welcome. Any demonstration of an attempt to be accommodating is appreciated. Above all, simply find ways to show that you really do treasure spending time with them.

Resources

Fast Facts About Celiac Disease:
http://www.beyondceliac.org/awarenessmonth/Fast-Facts-about-Celiac-Disease-Infographic/1448/

Psychosocial Impact of Celiac Disease:
http://www.beyondceliac.org/SiteData/images/Psychosoci/eaafcd7c8e8ceb6c/Psychosocial%20Impacts%20of%20Celiac%20Disease%20border.jpg

Celiac Disease as an Invisible Illness:
http://www.beyondceliac.org/awarenessmonth/Invisible-Illness-Infographic/1449/

Resources for Caregivers of Kids with Celiac Disease:

http://www.beyondceliac.org/living-with-celiac-disease/info-for-parents/

Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity:

http://www.beyondceliac.org/celiac-disease/non-celiac-gluten-sensitivity/
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Winter Weather Safety

1/22/2016

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With the recent winter weather across much of the US, including areas like the Deep South not accustomed to this type of weather, safety concerns arise. In addition to the obvious issues of hazardous driving conditions, power outages, and cold-related injuries, as a neuropsychologist I am especially concerned with possible brain injuries.
Brain injuries in winter weather often occur when individuals venture out and slip on ice or other uneven surfaces. Importantly, older adults may be more susceptible to brain injury due to shrinkage of the brain with aging. To use a highly scientific term, the brain is extremely "smushy". The skull is extremely hard. Striking of the brain against the skull is responsible for much of the injury seen in conjunction with motor vehicle collisions. Essentially, in older adults, there is more room for the brain to "bounce around", therefore increasing risk of brain injury, even with minor falls or accidents.

Traumatic brain injury in older adults may be particularly significant, as it can often "unmask" an underlying dementia (i.e., changes in the brain associated with dementia without clinical symptoms). Further, the falls or motor vehicle collisions that lead to a traumatic brain injury often cause physical injuries that can be catastrophic to an older adult (e.g., broken hip).

If you are an older adult or are caring for or love an older adult, please consider the following:

(1) Even a small amount of ice or snow (especially melted and refrozen) can be slippery, especially in those with pre-existing balance difficulties. Do NOT go out to get the mail, let the dog out, or take the trash out under these conditions, no matter how innocent it may seem. It only takes one misstep for a catastrophe to occur.
(2) Driving skills are often already diminished in older adults due to physical factors such as changes in vision and age-associated cognitive decline such as reduced processing speed and reaction time. Driving should therefore be avoided in winter weather events given the increased risk for accidents.
(3) Don't be afraid to reach out. Several law enforcement agencies and volunteer groups are providing transportation and other services (i.e., driveway clearing) to older adults or those otherwise in need. For example, locally, the Greene County Sheriff's Office has made a standing offer of transportation to individuals in need of medical care, prescriptions, or other urgent needs. Similarly, Back the Blue out of Craighead County is doing much the same, including driveway clearing. Finally, many church groups make these services available, as well, often through their youth programs.

When in doubt, stay IN. No piece of mail or, yes, even a pup is worth your health and well-being. Stay inside and enjoy the view!
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National Debut... Dementia Communication

1/1/2016

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I was recently invited to submit a blog post for American Psychological Association's Your Mind Your Body blog. It was an honor to be included among many psychologists of much greater distinction. Here is an excerpt. I chose the topic of communication and dementia, since it so often presents in my practice. I hope it is beneficial to someone.
"...Communication with someone who has dementia can require a great deal of energy, patience, and creativity. I have learned the hard way that there a few “rules”  that ultimately guide and inform most of the suggestions that may be offered. If you can learn and remember these two things, many of the others will follow naturally."
You can see the rest at: 2 Rules to Use When Talking to Someone with Dementia.
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Is Coffee Good for Your Brain?

8/14/2015

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Coffee lovers rejoice! According to CBS News, a recent study out of Italy suggests just that! Now, don’t get too excited. There were limitations: Benefits were NOT seen in those drinking more than 2 cups per day. So, those of you glued to your coffee pot just to survive may want to take note!



My take? Many other studies over the years have had similar findings. While there are still no conclusive recommendations that can be made (due to reliance or correlational data- remember correlation does not equal causation), the evidence does appear to be mounting.

So, I say if you are a coffee lover, drink up! If you aren’t, don’t worry about it. Do other things that we know for certain are good for your brain, such as eating a healthy diet and exercising regular (P.S. Coffee lovers should be doing these things, too).

If you do drink coffee, keep it plain and simple. Loading your drink with sugar and creamer probably negates any potential health benefits from your coffee drinking. Also, don’t drink too much. Excess caffeine can contribute to anxiety, sleep loss, and cardiac complications. Finally, use caution if you do have a known anxiety problem, sleep disorder, or heart problem. Caution is also warranted if you are taking other substances with stimulant properties such as certain medications for ADHD, wakefulness promoters (Provigil, Nuvigil), or any of the numerous over-the-counter brain or memory supplements available, many of which have several stimulant ingredients including caffeine.
Here is a link to the original write-up on CBS: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/regular-coffee-habits-memory-brain-health-seniors/ and to the article abstract: http://content.iospress.com/articles/journal-of-alzheimers-disease/jad150333.

Cheers!

Dr. Addison-Brown

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Finally!

11/14/2014

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After attending a seminar at the Arkansas Small Business and Techhnology Development Center, "Website in a Day", I'm here! Well, not completely, but it's a good start. Keep watching for updates, sans penguins (as were featured initially during training). As adorable as they are, penguins are not particularly relevant to neuropsychology. 

FYI, I have previously attempted a blog with wordpress, which I found quite difficult. While I'm not especially tech savvy, I don't think of myself as an idiot, either. Yet wordpress and I did NOT get along. Ergo, one lone blog post nearly a year ago. 

Fortunately for me (and the rest of cyberspace), there is another site that is free, awesome, and very EASY TO USE: weebly.com. If you want to purchase your domain name, it is also very competitively priced (based on my limited experience, that is). 

So, favorite the blog and check out NEA Neuropsychology on facebook and pinterest. I hope to be adding new content on a reasonably regular basis going forward. 
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But... What IS Neuropsychology?

11/14/2014

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You know we provide neuropsychological assessment services, but what does that mean? See the links below for more information. 
National Academy of Neuropsychology
International Neuropsychological Society
American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology
American Board of Neuropsychology
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    About Neuro A-Musings

    Neuro A-Musings is the blog of neuropsychologist Kristin Addison-Brown, PhD. The purpose of this blog is to provide current information, education, and thoughts on topics relevant to neuropsychology. And the occasional laugh.

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