Hydrocephalus special needs resources special needs programs

Hydrocephalus Association https://www.hydroassoc.org/ Hydrocephalus Support Hydrocephalus is a complex medical condition that affects the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain. CSF is a clear, colorless fluid that bathes the brain and spinal cord. When CSF builds up in the brain, it can cause pressure to increase, which can damage brain tissue.

There are four main types of hydrocephalus:

• Congenital hydrocephalus is present at birth. This type of hydrocephalus is often caused by a genetic defect or brain malformation.
• Infantile hydrocephalus develops in the first year of life. It is often caused by bleeding in the brain, infection, or tumor.
• Communicating hydrocephalus occurs when the normal pathways for CSF flow are blocked. It can be caused by infection, inflammation, or bleeding in the brain.
• Non-communicating hydrocephalus occurs when CSF is not produced properly, or when it is absorbed too slowly by the body. It can be caused by infection, inflammation, or tumor.

Hydrocephalus can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Seizures
• Sleepiness
• Irritability
• Delayed development
• Vision problems

Treatment for hydrocephalus depends on the type and severity of the condition. Treatment options include:

• Shunt placement: A shunt is a thin tube that is placed in the brain to drain excess CSF into another part of the body.
• Medication: Medication can be used to reduce the production of CSF.
• Endoscopic surgery: This type of surgery is used to unblock the pathways for CSF flow.

If you or someone you know is living with hydrocephalus, there are many resources available to help. The Hydrocephalus Associates is a non-profit organization that provides support and information to people affected by hydrocephalus. You can reach them at https://www.hydroassoc.org/ 

Florida Autism Center   

https://www.flautism.com/locations/port-st-lucie/ Autism Support
Florida Autism Center (FAC) is a leading provider of applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ABA is a scientific approach to treating ASD that is based on the principles of learning and behavior. FAC’s team of experienced and compassionate therapists work with children and families to develop individualized treatment plans that address each child’s unique needs. 

Treasure Coast Autism Support 

http://www.tcapschool.com/about.html

A non-profit organization that provides a variety of resources and support to families and individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the Treasure Coast region of Florida. The organization offers a variety of services, including:

• Individualized support: Treasure Coast Autism Support provides individualized support to families and individuals with ASD. This includes helping families develop a plan for their child's care, providing information and resources,
• Advocacy: Treasure Coast Autism Support advocates for the rights of people with ASD. This includes working with policymakers to ensure that people with ASD have access to the services and support they need.
• Education: Treasure Coast Autism Support provides education about ASD to the community. This includes offering workshops, seminars, and other educational events.
• Social events: Treasure Coast Autism Support offers a variety of social events for families and individuals with ASD. This includes family nights, camps, and other events.

Florida Health help for people with disabilities

 The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) is committed to ensuring that all Floridians have access to the health care and services they need, including people with disabilities.

http://www.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/people-with-disabilities/bright-expectations/conditions/autism.html

The Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) https://www.umcard.org/home/ Support

Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related disabilities reach their full potential. CARD provides a variety of services, including:

• Early intervention: CARD offers early intervention services for children with ASD, ages birth to three. These services are designed to help children develop the skills they need to succeed in school and life.
• School-age services: CARD offers school-age services for children with ASD, ages four to 21. These services are designed to help children learn academic skills, develop social skills, and manage challenging behaviors.
• Adult services: CARD offers adult services for individuals with ASD, ages 18 and older. These services are designed to help adults live independent lives, find employment, and participate in their communities.
• Family support: CARD offers a variety of family support services, including parent training, support groups, and respite care. These services are designed to help families cope with the challenges of ASD and provide them with the resources they need to support their loved ones.

The National Center on Learning Disabilities (NCLD) is a non-profit organization that works to ensure that the nation's 15 million children, adolescents, and adults with learning disabilities have every opportunity to succeed in school, work, and life. National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) https://www.ncld.org/ 

NCLD provides essential information to parents, professionals, and individuals with learning disabilities; promotes research and programs to foster effective learning; and advocates for policies to protect and strengthen educational rights and opportunities.

NCLD's mission is to ensure that individuals with learning disabilities have every opportunity to succeed in school, work, and life. The organization works to achieve this mission by:

• Providing essential information to parents, professionals, and individuals with learning disabilities. NCLD offers a variety of resources, including fact sheets, brochures, and webinars, on a variety of topics related to learning disabilities. The organization also has a network of experts who can provide individualized support and guidance.
  
• Promoting research and programs to foster effective learning. NCLD supports research on learning disabilities and works to identify and disseminate effective teaching practices. The organization also develops and implements programs that help individuals with learning disabilities succeed in school and in the workplace.
  
• Advocating for policies to protect and strengthen educational rights and opportunities. NCLD works to ensure that individuals with learning disabilities have access to the education and services they need to succeed. The organization also advocates for policies that promote equity and inclusion for people with learning disabilities.
  

NCLD is a valuable resource for parents, professionals, and individuals with learning disabilities. The organization's work helps to ensure that people with learning disabilities have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

The United Cerebral Palsy Association (UCPA) is a leading international organization that provides advocacy, education, and support services to individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) and their families. Founded in 1949, UCPA has a network of affiliates in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, as well as international affiliates in over 70 countries. 

Parent to Parent of Miami https://www.ptopmiami.org/resources/advocacy/ Support

Serving the community since 1954, The Arc of St. Lucie County is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to live fulfilling and independent lives. With unwavering dedication and compassion, The Arc provides a comprehensive range of services tailored to the unique needs of each individual.

The Arc's services encompass early intervention programs that nurture the development of young children with IDD, ensuring they receive the support they need to thrive. As individuals progress through life, The Arc extends its support, offering educational programs, vocational training, and employment opportunities that empower them to achieve their full potential in the workplace.

Beyond individual support, The Arc also fosters a sense of community and belonging. Through social and recreational activities, individuals with IDD connect with peers, engage in meaningful relationships, and experience the joy of inclusion. The Arc's commitment to advocacy extends beyond its direct services, actively engaging in policy discussions and community outreach to promote the rights and inclusion of individuals with IDD.

The Arc of St. Lucie County stands as a beacon of hope and support for individuals with IDD and their families. Through its unwavering commitment to empowering individuals, fostering community, and advocating for inclusion, The Arc empowers people with IDD to live fulfilling and independent lives.

https://thearc.org/chapter/the-arc-of-st-lucie-county-inc/