In order for learning disabilities to be properly assessed, a team of medical professionals should become involved. Each team should consist of a neurologist, a family physician, a speech therapist, a physical therapist, the child’s pediatrician and the child’s educators. The evaluation should be requested by the child’s parents through the local school system.
Family Life After Reye’s Syndrome
The family is going to go through major adjustments when the brain damaged or other special needs child comes home from the hospital. Life will never be quite the same, though there are a variety of things you can do to make it as normal as possible.
The special needs child will need lots of attention and a great deal of patience and understanding, which will require a great deal of the family’s energy. Parents and siblings need to be aware that the child after Reye’s Syndrome will be a completely different person that the one who existed before the illness. Both the child’s personality and abilities will be different. Let’s look at some of the traits that are common in children with Reye’s Syndrome.
Withdrawal and uncommunicative.
Hypochondria
Fear of doctors, nurses, hospitals and other health care professionals.
Severe attacks of anxiety and depression.
Constant restlessness.
Wets and/or soils the bed.
Experiences nightmares and other sleep disturbances.
May want to eat constantly or refuse to eat.
Experiences motor tics.
Regresses to previous levels.
May be clingy or overly dependent on parents or family members.
When you bring the Reye’s child home from the hospital, be sure not to make them the center of attention. After the child has had time to recuperate, assign them chores and responsibilities that are equal to their ability. Try to get the child into a routine. Though life will never be quite the same, it can have a level or normalcy.