Frequently Asked Questions

This section of the site will be devoted to answering any questions you may have on The Holy Angels and Childrens Disabilities. If you have any queries please contact us and we will be pleased to help.

What is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a sudden abnormal electrical discharge from the grey matter of the brain. McMeramin & Bird (1993, p.4), define Epilepsy as 'recurrent, episodic uncontrolled electrical discharge from the brain'. Epilepsy is the term for recurrent, unprovoked seizures or convulsions. Epilepsy is not usually diagnosed as a result of a single seizure but rather if and when a second seizure occurs.

What can I do if someone is having an epileptic seizure?

During the seizure stay with the patient. Never attempt to place anything in mouth, place the person in recovery position and maintain a clear airway. If the patient does not come out of the seizure after approximately 2-3 minutes contact your local GP

How can I help a child with learning disabilities?

Consistency and predictability are important when dealing with children with a learning disability. The child will feel safe and secure in an environment where he/she can predict "what is happening next", so a structured daily routine is quite important. Also a child with learning disabilities has a very short attention span, therefore we recommend that activities should be of a high interest, be very varied and should last no longer than 20 minutes at which point the activity should be changed. Music plays an important role as part of an activity for children; most children who do not respond to any other activity will respond to music, such as action songs and tunes, which are repeated regularly.

What is Spina Bifida?

Spina Bifida is a neural tube defect (NTD) which occurs within the first four weeks of a pregnancy. The NTD occurs when the vertebrae and/or spinal cord of the foetus fail to develop properly, and results in varying degrees of damage to the Spinal cord and nervous system. The damage is permanent. Spina bifida is usually accompanied by Hydrocephalus. Treatment is urgent to stop or minimise further neurological damage in the opening in the spine.

What causes Spina bifida?

There is no single known cause for Spina bifida, researchers still continue to research factors such as nutrition, physical damage to the embryo, heredity, and environment.

Is there a cure for Spina Bifida?

No. There is no cure for Spina Bifida as nerve tissue cannot be replaced or even repaired.

What is Hydrocephalus?

Hydrocephalus is a condition caused by excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) surrounding the brain resulting from the failure of normal circulation and/or absorption of CSF.

What are the effects of Hydrocephalus?

The high pressure on the brain can have lasting effects; both short and long term. These effects include impaired vision, headaches, and sensitivity to changes in external pressure, hearing sensitivity, hormonal imbalance and seizures.

Is there a cure?

No, however it can be treated by implantation of a shunt - a shunt is a flexible tube inserted into the brain cavity, which controls the flow of spinal fluid and draws it to another region of the body to be re-absorbed. This reduces pressure on the brain.

What is West Syndrome?

West Syndrome is a condition where young children, usually less than 18 months develop fits. The child may develop more slowly than expected and have learning difficulties. The condition is called West Syndrome after a Dr. West who was the first to describe the condition. This condition is often known as "Infantile Spasms".

What causes West Syndrome?

There is no single cause for West Syndrome but instead many different causes. The spasms and fits seen in West Syndrome are due to extra uncontrolled electrical signals from the brain. This happens because parts of the brain

*may not have developed correctly in the womb

*have been damaged around the time of birth or damaged after birth in the early part of life.

Sometimes no cause can be identified despite lots of tests being done.

What do speech and language Therapists do?

Speech and language therapists provide services to children and adults who have communication difficulties. They assess, diagnose and treat communication difficulties in a wide variety of settings, including hospitals and schools. Speech and language therapists working in the field of Learning Disability may also work in Pre-schools, Early Intervention and Adult centres.

How can I communicate with a child who has learning disabilities?

You can communicate with the child by always having eye contact with them, this helps the child as he/she can learn from your facial expressions, gestures or signs. Only encourage the child to look at you, never force them to. One way of getting eye contact from a young child is to get down to their level, bend your knees or get down on the floor, lie on your tummy or even sit on the floor and put the child in the chair, all of these will bring you to their level making it easier to maintain eye contact.

What is Down syndrome?

Down syndrome is a congenital disorder, which results in intellectual and physical disability.

What causes Down syndrome?

The events that cause Down Syndrome occur before conception and lead to a child with an abnormal number of chromosomes in each cell, ie. 47 rather than 46. Children with Down Syndrome are mouth breathers and are susceptible to severe respiratory infections.

What is Autism?

Autism was first described by Leo Kanner in 1943. It can be described as a condition arising in early childhood characterised by a complicated pattern of abnormal behaviour. It is a development disorder in which sensory messages are impaired. Children with autism have difficulties in communication, social behaviour and perception of the world we live in. Autism is present at birth and the characteristics become evident in the first three years.

What is Cornelia de Lange Syndrome?

Cornelia de Lange Syndrome is a developmental disorder that affects many parts of the body. The condition is characterised by distinctive facial features (including thin, arched eyebrows and a small upturned nose) slow growth before and after birth, excessive body hair, heart defects and problems with the gastrointestinal tract. Other common symptoms include an opening in the roof of the mouth, ( cleft palate), hearing loss, eye problems and skeletal abnormalities. The features of Cornelia de Lange syndrome vary widely among affected individuals.

If you have any queries please contact us and we will be pleased to help.