Helpline: 1‑267‑338‑4262 |Β helpline@genetic.org
AXYS - The Association for X&Y Chromosome Variations

Help Us to Fulfill Our Mission

Helpline: 1‑267‑338‑4262 | info@genetic.org

Search results for: Canadian pharmacy buy 🚜🐭⒟ www.UkMeds.online ⒟🐭🚜 Buying liquid Buy plaster/page/32/Stella_Boeckman@rush.edu/page/12/Stella_Boeckman@rush.edu

Exciting Leadership Changes to Support AXYS’s Goals

by Gary Glissman

AXYS has a new and, for the first time ever, full-time Executive Director! After a multi-month recruitment and interview process, the AXYS Board of Directors was pleased to offer the position to Carol Meerschaert who began her new role on October 7. (See Carol’s message in the upcoming fall newsletter from AXYS, later this month.)

The recruitment process was led by Robert Miller who has served as the part-time AXYS interim Executive Director for the past two and a half years. As planned, Robby will return to his original role with AXYS where he will concentrate on developing the AXYS Clinic & Research Consortium and other strategies to further the goals of the organization.

Carol brings considerable experience to AXYS including time as president of a small biotech company, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Dietetic Association, and work with the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association. From a pool of 34 applicants, Carol impressed the Board’s recruitment team with her clarity of vision, her relevant skills, and her sincerity. You will learn more about her in the weeks to come. We are excited to have her on the AXYS team.

This is a huge step for AXYS. Establishing a full-time role in this critical position will allow us to better focus our time and energies on the multiple and demanding objectives that we know are important to the X and Y variation community. The Board looks forward to working side-by-side with Carol to implement many expanded services and new initiatives in the years to come.

We also wish to thank Robby for providing steady leadership, and for the many positive changes he has brought about during his tenure as the Executive Director (seeΒ this linkΒ for some of those accomplishments.)Β Β This list does not include internal improvements that involved strategic direction, operational efficiencies, and improving our financial status.Β We are grateful for his continuing presence with AXYS to work with Carol, and as our Director of Clinic and Strategic Initiatives.

Finally, many thanks to all of you whoΒ continue to be involved with AXYS through financial support, volunteer time, participation in support groups, social media pages, and much more. We have come a long way in recent years but still have many things to accomplish and with your continued help and interest we will see even more success. Please join me in welcoming Carol to our AXYS family!

2019-03-23T17:01:00-04:00Categories: All Variations|Tags: |

XXYY Project Family Information Form – Deutsch/English

2018-08-22T21:13:08-04:00

XXYY Project Family Information Form – EspaΓ±ol/English

2018-08-22T20:51:54-04:00

XXYY Project Family Information

2018-08-22T20:42:15-04:00

Mid-Atlantic Support Group Social Brings Families Together

AXYS Mid Atlantic Support Group Summer Social group photoOn August 11th, the Mid-Atlantic Support Group held a summer social get together in Chadds Ford, PA. The gathering consisted of 22 families, 21 individuals with a variation, and over 50 attendees total.Β  Families came from Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware and California. Children and adults representing XXY, XYY, XXYY and Trisomy X enjoyed a cook-out and various indoor and outdoor games. For some, it was the first time ever meeting someone else with their condition. For others, it was an opportunity to catch up with friends.

Ryan Bregante, who started the group Living with XXY, attended after having spent the week participating in a study at the NIH. He shared his positive experience with everyone interested, encouraging them to participate in research studies if they could. A number of the young adults were excited to have the opportunity to talk with Ryan face-to-face. It was also educational for Ryan to meet those with other conditions.

Mostly, it was an opportunity for people to talk and interact in a social environment with others just like them. Both parents and individuals with one of the conditions, found the afternoon to be an opportunity to learn new things, make new friends, and leave the rigors of daily life behind for a few hours.

This comment from one parent perhaps captures the essence of the day best of all. β€œI got very emotional watching Violet speak, for the first time ever in person, with another girl with Trisomy X. I remember being so scared when we first found out her diagnosis, not knowing anything about it and feeling so alone. Having the opportunity to watch her play with another girl with her condition was incredibly moving. They seemed to have an immediate connection with each other. Violet said on the way home that they β€œjust started talking and were friends right away.”

Sometimes navigating through the β€˜regular world’ can be challenging when people don’t understand why Violet acts the way she does. Being with a group of people who understand is very comforting. These kinds of meetings are so valuable both for opportunities like Violet’s, and also for the relationships built between parents with shared experiences.”

Another parent had this to say, β€œIt was life changing for us as a family, and it will be an incredible support system for Carlos as he grows up.Β  We are so grateful for all of you and what you do; for providing this platform to interact and support one another. Thank you so much for having us.Β  Carlos is still talking about it.”

AXYS Mid Atlantic Support Group Summer Social group photoAnd this from a teen, β€œI went to a meet and greet, where I could meet other men that can relate with me. I met a guy named Ryan who has a YouTube channel and explains what living withΒ XXY is like. Even though I have XYY and most of the men at the meet and greet have XXY we all have experienced similar events in our lifetime. This has changed the way that I see myself, knowing that someone else understands how I feel. It was a moving experience for me.”

And from his mom, β€œMe as a parent for the first time got to meet other parents with X and Y chromosome variations. It makes me feel like I’m not alone and we have so many similar stories, struggles, triumphs and love for our children. We can only move forward to helpΒ our children as a larger voice and making a person living with these variations feel valued and not ashamed for being different. This meeting was amazing to see how far awareness has come but we have so much more to do. Thanks for making the gathering possible. I will be at many more….”

As an added bonus, those attending contributed $300 towards food costs, which has been donated to AXYS on behalf of the group.

2018-10-26T12:52:30-04:00Categories: All Variations|

Everything You Never Knew About the ADHD Brain

Article Title:Β Everything You Never Knew About the ADHD Brain

Author: Alison Kravit, PsyD, AAC

Date of Publication: July 2018

“Imagine hundreds of cars approaching an intersection that has no traffic light or stop sign. This is what happens to the ADHD brain every day where the prefrontal cortex (the intersection) is unable to properly regulate your various thoughts and feelings (the various cars approaching the intersection). Learn more about the ‘Intersection Model’ for ADHD.”

Read more

2022-02-25T17:02:32-05:00Categories: All Variations|Tags: |

Secrets of the ADHD Brain: Why We Think, Act, and Feel the Way We Do

Article Title:Β Secrets of the ADHD Brain: Why We Think, Act, and Feel the Way We Do

Author: William Dodson, MD

Date of Publication: 2016

“ADHD is a confusing, contradictory, inconsistent, and frustrating condition. It is overwhelming to people who live with it every day…The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders has 18 criteria, and other symptom lists cite as many as 100 traits.”

Read more

2022-02-25T17:03:03-05:00Categories: All Variations|Tags: |

The Brain-Behavior Connection In Children with ADHD

Article Title:Β The Brain-Behavior Connection In Children with ADHD

Author:Β Joel Nigg, PhD

Date of Publication: 2016

Presentation slides providing information on the neuroscience of attention and emotion as it relates to ADHD. The slides also offer a look at self-regulation of emotions and behavior in individuals with ADHD and how much variability there is in this condition from one child to the next.

Read more

2022-02-25T17:03:54-05:00Categories: All Variations|Tags: |

Early Intervention for Infants and Toddlers with X & Y Variations

The Early Intervention Process

The Early Intervention Program for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities is the program known as Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It is also known as Child Find.

Part C is a federal grant program that encourages states to set up programs for young children with disabilities and their families. Currently, every state has a Part C program.

To find a program near you, talk to your child’s doctor or call your local public school.

For more information, please see these Federal Technical Assistance for Early Learning resources from the U.S. Department of Education.

Referral to Part C

Parents can request a free evaluation if they are concerned about their child’s development. Other people can also make this request on behalf of parents, but no evaluation or services can take place without parental consent. This aspect is optional for states.

Screening of the Child

This is a quick look at how your child is developing. Your child’s doctor can do this. This is an optional activity for states.

Assignment of a Service Coordinator

The service coordinator is responsible for implementing the IFSP and will work with the family while they receive Part C services.

The Multidisciplinary Evaluation and Assessment

The evaluation and the assessment are often done at the same time.

The Multidisciplinary Evaluation

  • In order to determine the child’s eligibility for services, a multidisciplinary evaluation takes place by a team that may include speech-language pathologists, audiologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, psychologists, social workers, and early intervention specialists.
  • A variety of procedures are used to determine if the child is eligible for services. They include observations, tests, interviews, play-based assessments, checklists, and other items.
  • A diagnosis of an X and Y variation may enable the child to receive services without an evaluation.

The Multidisciplinary Assessment

  • Once eligibility is determined, a multidisciplinary assessment is completed that may include the same people who did the evaluation.
  • An audiologist may perform a hearing test, as ear infections are common in this population.
  • Occupational therapists may observe fine motor areas such as the grasp, states of alertness and overload, reactions to sound, light, and touch, and other sensory-motor areas.
  • Physical therapists may watch for balance, gait, posture and movement issues.
  • Speech pathologists attempt to determine both receptive (listening) and expressive (speaking) language levels. If the child is not yet talking, the speech pathologist may try to determine language comprehension using augmentative language devices (picture boards, etc.).

Parent Preparation

  • Parents are an integral part of the team, and their input is vital. Parents need to make the team aware of conditions that will help lessen anxietyβ€” such as making the environment calm and free of distractions and sensory overload.
  • The assessment may take place in the child’s home, where the team member brings toys and test materials for administration in a familiar environment. It can also take place in a school or special education center, with the parents and professional team members participating.
  • Parents can prepare for the process by learning as much as they can about unfamiliar concepts and terminology, talking to other parents about the process, and writing down their questions and concerns.
  • It is important for parents to realize that they know the most about their own child and may know more about X and Y variations than some of the professionals on the team. Parents may wish to bring brochures about X and Y variations, the website address of AXYS, and other materials to share with and educate team members.

Questions to consider prior to the assessment

  • What time of day is your child at his or her best?
  • Will your child be overwhelmed by strangers in strange places? Might it be preferable to conduct the assessment in your home?
  • Who will be conducting the procedures, and what are their roles?
  • What types of tests will they use, and what do they measure?
  • Are formal tests the best way to determine your child’s strengths and weaknesses? Would more informal, play-based assessments be more effective?
  • How long will the assessment take?
  • What helps calm your child to ensure his or her participation?
  • What should you bring with you? Favorite foods, toys, videos of your child in various situations?

The Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP)

This is a written plan that details the early intervention services.

  • The IFSP must be created within 45 days of the referral, be reviewed every six months or more often if needed, and formally evaluated on an annual basis.
  • No services are provided without the written consent of the parents.

Preparing the IFSP

  • After the assessment, a meeting is held with the parents and all the professionals involved. The team will present test results, including scores, observations, and recommendations for services.
  • Parents may be surrounded by a variety of special educators and may be intimidated and hesitant to contribute to the discussion. However, given that parents know their own child better than anyone and may extensive knowledge of X and Y variations, should approach the meeting as partners in decision-making, not as recipients of the special education team’s decisions.
  • Parents should also bring their lists of concerns for their child and ideas for goals.
  • The team, including the parents, will write a plan for addressing the unique needs of the child and family. This document is the Individualized Family Service Plan.

IFSP Content

  • Description of the child’s current development.
  • The family’s resources, priorities, and concerns.
  • Outcomes expected, and how the family might make progress toward reaching them.
  • Services needed to help the child and family reach the outcomes discussed, including length, duration, frequency, intensity, and method of delivering the recommended services.
  • Statement that the service is provided in the natural environment to the extent possible.

Possible Early Intervention Services

  • Assistive Technology
  • Audiology
  • Family Training, Counseling, and Home Visits
  • Health Services
  • Medical/Nursing Services
  • Nutrition Services
  • Occupational Therapy (OT)
  • Physical Therapy (PT)
  • Psychological Services
  • Respite Care
  • Service Coordination
  • Social Work
  • Special Instruction
  • Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) Services
  • Transportation
  • Vision Services

Types of Goals for Infants and Toddlers

  • Physical therapy goals might include those that help with low muscle tone, including posture and feeding.
  • Speech-language pathologists will help with receptive and expressive language goals, working on comprehension of language and means of expression, whether verbally or with augmentative devices (such as pictures, language boards, or signs).
  • Occupational therapists help with a variety of sensory issues such as over- sensitivity to touch, noise, crowded rooms, and certain lights. They can also help with sleep issues.
  • Occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists may contribute ideas for oral-motor stimulation to help sucking, chewing, and swallowing.
  • Early intervention specialists can help design goals to stimulate early play and cognitive development.
  • Social workers and psychologists should be available to help the family cope with the diagnosis and intervention needs.

Where Services Are Provided

  • The services should be provided in the child’s natural environment, including the home and community environments that are typical for infants and toddlers of the same age who do not have a disability.
  • The family can provide information where their everyday activities occur. For example, natural environments can include the home, neighborhood, parks and recreation centers.
  • When services are offered in the home, various professionals can teach activities to parents and/or caregivers and have them practice with the child between sessions (speech games, feeding ideas, massage, exercises, etc.).
  • For services not provided in natural environments, the IFSP must state why.

How Services May Be Provided

  • Speech pathologists need to work with occupational therapists to ensure that the child’s sensory needs are considered when addressing feeding and talking.
  • Speech therapists and early intervention specialists may work together to create augmentative communication devices (picture boards, etc.) for children who are delayed in learning to talk.
  • For children with X and Y variations, it is important to establish a routine with all provided services. This helps greatly in reducing their anxiety.
  • The various therapists and teachers should also provide visual cues to help children anticipate and follow the sequence of their visits. If the speech/language pathologist comes to the home every week, it can be helpful if she or he always brings a bag of toys or a certain stuffed animal. This helps your child identify and anticipate the visit. When the therapist maintains a specific visual schedule, the child learns to adapt and participate more readily.

Family Rights

  • Parents should be provided with written copies of their rights under Part C.
  • Parents should receive copies of all written reports and records.
  • Parents must give written consent for the child’s evaluation and prior to the child receiving services.
  • If parents have a concern or complaint, they should talk to their service coordinator and the service provider.
  • If resolution cannot be reached at the informal level of discussion, then the parents or professional involved have formal remedies of mediation, including the filing of complaints and an administrative hearing, if needed.

Additional Information

Download the model IFSP form published by the U.S. Department of Education.

Model IFSP Form

Transition Plan at Age 3

Requirements

  • A transition plan must be developed for the child as part of the IFSP no later than 90 days prior to the child’s third birthday to ensure the smooth transition into Part B services.
  • At age 3 the services a child with a disability receives are provided by the preschool programs through the local school districtβ€”also known as Part B of IDEA. There is also an eligibility process at this stage if parents want their child to start or continue receiving services.

Ideas for Parents

  • At the time of this transition, families need to explore and visit available options for their child’s educational services. School systems may offer a variety of services for preschoolers with special needs. They may offer some special education within a regular preschool class. They may also have early childhood special education classes, where all of the children have some type of developmental delay or disability.
  • For the child with FXS, parents need to look at the setting, services, and personnel involved in the early childhood program. Multidisciplinary services offered in a structured, calm setting, with an established routine, many visual cues, and provision for calming places and activities are all important for the preschooler with FXS.

Website Resources

Thank you to the National Fragile X Foundation for allowing AXYS to use this content.

2021-03-16T15:00:29-04:00
Go to Top