American Disability Law
For More Information On Legal Rights Of Mentally Disabled Individuals:
EEOC.gov/facts – A clear explanation of the ADA law.
EEOC.gov-ada procedures -The actual ADA law.
EEOC.gov-ada procedures – Many EEOC links to ADA procedures and information.
Allergies
The bodys immune system protects against foreign invaders, such as bacteria and viruses. When the immune system overreacts or responds inappropriately, allergies can occur. The main treatment is always avoidance, but medications and/or other treatments may be necessary.
Upper respiratory allergies:
This includes disorders such as “hay fever.” Many people are allergic to plant and tree pollen, house dust, dust mites, animal dander (skin mixed with saliva), molds, etc. It can be seasonal. Symptoms are similar to the common cold: itchy runny eyes, sore throat, stuffy and runny nose, respiratory problems including asthma, fatigue, malaise, low grade fever, and sore muscles. Treatment includes avoidance, antihistamines, decongestants, cromolyn, short-term corticosteroids (shots or pills), cromolyn, cortisone nasal sprays, salt water nose sprays, and allergy shots.
Skin Rashes:
Plant poisons (such as ivy and oak), chemicals, fungal infections, insect bites, etc. can cause a painful, itchy rash (called “contact dermatitis”) – sometimes breaking out 2-4 days after exposure. The rash can spread to other body areas – especially the palms and soles (called an “id reaction”). Severe immune system “hyperreactivity” (with a high “IgE” level) can also causes rashes, as can nervous anxiety. Treatment includes avoidance, antihistamine creams and pills, calamine lotion, and steroids (pills, creams, ointments and/or shots).
Anaphylaxis (anna-fuh-lax-iss):
A severe life-threatening allergy causing swelling of the mouth, tongue and throat. It can develop to foods (such as shellfish and nuts), chemicals, drugs, and insect bites. Those at risk must try to avoid the substance, and keep injectable adrenaline (such as Epi-Pen) available at all times – especially for those allergic to insect bites. Treatment includes avoidance, antihistamines, Epi-Pen – or other forms of adrenaline, steroids, allergy shots, and at times wearing a medical alert bracelet.
Food allergies:
Difficult to diagnose – symptoms can include fatigue, bloating, rashes, hyperactivity, fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, and anaphylaxis. Some people have milder food “sensitivities” rather than full allergies. Treatment is avoidance – no good treatment exists for food allergies.
Hives:
An extremely uncomfortable swelling in the skin generally caused by an allergy. Treatment includes avoidance, antihistamines, tranquilizers, cimetidine, hydroxyzine, the new antihistamine Zyrtec, and steroids.
DIAGNOSIS:
The symptoms, physical examination and laboratory results usually will clarify the diagnosis. Specialized tests are available: “IgE” – the immune protein blood level can be measured. Blood tests (RAST) can be helpful at times, and are relatively inexpensive. Skin testing by an allergist usually costs around $500. Other specialized tests are also available, however be careful to avoid useless and expensive tests such as hair analysis.
TREATMENT:
Antihistamines:
Can block the symptoms of many allergies. Most are available without a prescription, but frequently cause drowsiness (they are the main ingredient in over-the-counter sleeping medications), dry mouth, constipation, difficulty urinating, and blurred vision. Men with an enlarged prostate shouldnt use these medicines unless instructed to do so by their physician. Non-sedating antihistamines rarely cause the above mentioned side effects – including urinary problems. They are usually safe, effective, and expensive. Claritin and Zyrtec are once daily, Allegra is taken twice daily.
Mattress & Pillow Covers:
Most upper respiratory allergies are in large part caused or worsened by an insect that eats dead skin. These dust mites can over time become 50% of the mass of your pillow. Allergies often come from- breathing in their excrement. Before undergoing expensive testing or taking medication consider using plastic mattress & pillow covers, and washing the sheets and blankets in hot water. Sometimes using a dust mite insecticide on your carpets and drapes is needed.
Cromolyn:
A preventive medication that will block allergy symptoms when taken regularly either as a lung or nasal inhaler. Very safe, primarily a treatment for asthma and nasal allergies.
Cortisone:
Blocks all parts of the immune response, and can be effective very quickly. Shots or pills are used as intermittent treatments for severe attacks – they are inexpensive, relatively quick, and remarkably effective. The nasal spray is very effective, can be taken long term, and rarely causes side effects – but severe infections (especially by funguses) are a risk.
Leukotriene Inhibitors:
Newer agents that are showing promise, especially for chronic allergies and asthma.
Allergy Shots:
The treatment of last resort. They can be expensive, painful, dangerous, and take a long time to work. Approximately 1/3 of patients get significant symptom relief. Allergy shots (also called “desensitization”) can be a miracle treatment for those not responding to other treatments.
10/20/99
2) Affirmations for preschoolers
Every night before bedtime as part of the nighttime ritual say this to your child. When they’re old enough to repeat after you, have them repeat it. As with all affirmations, changes to reflect your own belief systems are welcome. This is an example for a child named “Lisa”:
Have the child repeat after you…(this is an example for a child named Lisa)
I like Lisa. I Love Lisa. Lisa’s great. Lisa’s kind. Lisa’s smart. Lisa has a great attitude. Lisa has great character. Lisa’s getting better every day. How much does Mommy & Daddy love Lisa? – this much! How do we treat other people – what is hateful to me, I do to no other person.
4) Middle school and adolescence
Have them read this aloud every night, even if they give you a hard time about it. It’s a good idea to use a dictionary for a while so that the child learns all the words. A “good-finder” means someone who finds the good in other people and expresses it. Most of this affirmation comes from Zig Ziglar, with some modifications. Feel free to make modifications of your own.
Once a week read it back to the child only say “You, Kevin, are a person with integrity, etc.” This is an example for a child named Kevin:
I, Kevin,
…am a person with integrity, a great attitude, and specific goals. I have a high energy level, am enthusiastic, and take pride in my appearance and what I do. I have a sense of humor, lots of faith, wisdom, and the vision and courage to use my talents effectively.
I have character, and am a smart, talented person. My beliefs are strong, and I have a healthy self-image, a passion for what is right, and a solid hope for the future. I am peaceful, calm, relaxed and happy. I am worthy of love.
I am honest, sincere, and hard-working. I am tough, but fair and sensitive. I am disciplined, motivated, and focused. I am a good listener and am very patient. I am an encourager, a good-finder, and a forgiving person. I am caring, considerate, and committed to doing the right thing.
I am family oriented, open minded, and an excellent communicator. I am a student, a teacher, and a self starter. I am obedient, loyal, responsible, and dependable. I have a servant’s heart, am ambitious and a team player. I am personable, optimistic and organized. I am consistent, considerate, and resourceful. I know what is right for me and I do it.
I am intelligent, competent, persistent and creative. I am health conscious, balanced and clean. I am flexible, punctual and thrifty
I am an honorable person who is truly grateful for the opportunity life has given me. These are the qualities of the winner I WAS BORN TO BE, and I fully intend to develop these marvelous qualities with which I have been entrusted by God.
Tonight I am going to sleep wonderfully well. I will dream powerful, positive dreams. I will awaken energized and refreshed, and tomorrow’s going to be magnificent.
God, my family and my true friends love me no matter what!
Adult Attention Deficit Disorder (AD[H]D) and Relationships
Interruptions:
a) Individuals with AD(H)D often need time to regroup from interruptions or sensation “overload.”b) Frustration results when trying to think and listen to someone else at the same time.c) Unless the activity doesn’t require concentration, all interruptions are “jarring” for those with AD(H)D.d) Lots of stimulation may cause anxiety or the person may “shut down.”e) It’s harder for an individual with AD(H)D to regain their train of thought, and it takes longer.
Effect of Medication:
a) Improves ability to focus and stay on task.b) The ability to think before speaking is improved.c) Hyperactive and impulsive behavior is improved.d) The ability to get things done and be organized is improved.e) Little or no effect on the ability to handle interruptions.
Relationships:
a) The mate may be unaware of the problem with interruptions and “overload.” It’s an “AD(H)D experience” – not something an individual without this diagnosis experiences.b) AD(H)D’ers may feel guilty or inadequate, or fear being rude, if they say something about the interruption or their needs in this regard.c) Significant other may perceive rejection because…
1) AD(H)D’er says “I have to have time for myself,” “I need some space,” “go away” or “leave me alone” – which can be misinterpreted by their mate as a rejection when it is really a cry for help. 2) Neither logic nor love can replace the need to “regroup” – which can put a significant strain on the relationship. Time and silence are needed. 3) AD(H)D’er may not be able to convey this concept to their mate, stating “it’s hard to put into words.”
AD(H)D’ers must learn to say: “I need to regroup” instead of things like… “I need space” “I have to have time for myself.” “I need to be alone”
Leland M. Heller, M.D. and Mary E. Sales, ACSW, LCSW August 3, 2000
