Drug Dependent Children / Autism
A Guide for Caring Adults Working with Young People Experiencing Addiction in the Family
Alcoholism and drug addiction is taking a toll on the American family. As a result, 8.3 million children in the United States, approximately 11 percent, live
with at least one parent who is in need of treatment for alcohol- or drug-dependency. One in four children under the age of 18 is living in a home where
alcoholism or alcohol abuse is a fact of daily life. Countless others are exposed to illegal drug use in their families.
The toll addiction takes on these children can be substantial. Children of addiction (or COAs) are at significantly greater risk for:
- mental illness or emotional problems, such as depression or anxiety
- physical health problems
- and learning problems, including difficulty with cognitive and verbal skills, conceptual reasoning and abstract thinking.
In addition, children whose parents abuse alcohol or drugs are almost three times more likely to be verbally, physically or sexually abused; and four times more likely than other children to be neglected. Strong scientific evidence also suggests that addiction tends to run in families.
Research shows that many children with drug- or alcohol-dependent parents can benefit tremendously from adult efforts to help and encourage them. In fact, children who cope most effectively with the trauma of growing up in families affected by alcoholism or drug addiction often attribute their sense of well-being to the support of a non-alcoholic parent, step-parent, grandparent, teacher or other significant adult in their lives.
Health professionals, school teachers and guidance counselors, community-based program personnel, social workers, athletic coaches and faith community/native spirituality leaders are just some of the adults who regularly come in contact with children. As trusted and respected figures in their lives, they are in a unique position to support children who live in alcohol- or drug-dependent families.
Residential Placement for Drug Dependent Children
Children with drug addictions are entitled to qulity education. Many if not most drug dependent children do not receive education required to meet their
specific needs. Sometimes residential placement serves as a viable educational alternative that fully addresses the concerns of drug dependent children.
To learn more about residential placement for drug dependent children, contact us at 877-LAW-NOW9.
Drug Dependent Children
Drug dependencies is classified as an emotional disability.
At the Law Offices of Robert Aronov & Associates, P.C. we know that drug dependent children need special quality education. If your child is drug dependent
and is having difficulties in school, please contact us today.
Residential placement facilities will serve your child's educational, social and emotional needs. Many drug dependent children achieve great success when surrounded by peers with related issues.
As you already know school districts are reluctant to cooperate when it comes to residential placement. This is where our firm comes into play. Our firm will get the outside health and education experts in order to get a proper understanding of your child's needs.
Autism
New York Autism Education Lawyer
Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person�s ability to communicate and
interact with others. Autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a "spectrum disorder" that affects individuals differently and to varying
degrees. There is no known single cause for autism, but increased awareness and funding can help families today.
In February 2007, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued their ADDM autism prevalence report. The report, which looked at a sample of 8 year olds in 2000 and 2002, concluded that the prevalence of autism had risen to 1 in every 150 American children, and almost 1 in 94 boys. The issuance of this report caused a media uproar, but the news was not a surprise to the Autism Society or to the 1.5 million Americans living with the effects of autism spectrum disorder. Nonetheless, the spotlight shown on autism as a result of the prevalence increase opens opportunities for the nation to consider how to serve these families facing a lifetime of supports for their children.
Currently, the Autism Society estimates that the lifetime cost of caring for a child with autism ranges from $3.5 million to $5 million, and that the United States is facing almost $90 billion annually in costs for autism (this figure includes research, insurance costs and non-covered expenses, Medicaid waivers for autism, educational spending, housing, transportation, employment, in addition to related therapeutic services and caregiver costs).
At the Robert Aronov & Associates, P.C. Offices in New York City, we represent the educational interests of all children, focusing on those with learning, physical and developmental disabilities like autism.
Autistic children have a right to a free public education. If your child is is not receiving those education services, contact us today by phone or e-mail for an initial consultation.
Representing the Educational Interests of All Children
Autism is treatable. Children do not "outgrow" autism, but studies show that early diagnosis and intervention lead to significantly improved outcomes.
Here are some signs to look for in the children in your life:
- Lack of or delay in spoken language
- Repetitive use of language and/or motor mannerisms (e.g., hand-flapping, twirling objects)
- Little or no eye contact
- Lack of interest in peer relationships
- Lack of spontaneous or make-believe play
- Persistent fixation on parts of objects
Though there is no single known cause or cure, autism is treatable. Children do not �outgrow� autism, but studies show that early diagnosis and intervention can lead to significantly improved outcomes. With the right services and supports, people with autism can live full, healthy and meaningful lives.
From the age of three, children with autism and PDD are eligible for an educational program appropriate to their individual needs. Educational programs for students with autism or PDD focus on improving communication, social, academic, behavioral, and daily living skills. Behavior and communication problems that interfere with learning sometimes require the assistance of a knowledgeable professional in the autism field who develops and helps to implement a plan which can be carried out at home and school.The classroom environment should be structured so that the program is consistent and predictable. Students with autism or PDD learn better and are less confused when information is presented visually as well as verbally. Interaction with nondisabled peers is also important, for these students provide models of appropriate language, social, and behavior skills. To overcome frequent problems in generalizing skills learned at school, it is very important to develop programs with parents, so that learning activities, experiences, and approaches can be carried over into the home and community.
With educational programs designed to meet a student's individual needs and specialized adult support services in employment and living arrangements, children and adults with autism or PDD can live and work in the community.
