A good chunk of the time I'm observing my kids while I'm interacting with them. Knowing they have developmental delays keeps me on my toes for other potential disorders on the horizon. Typically people don't just have one thing going on, they have other "side" disorders. For example, a kid doesn't typically just have ADHD, they probably have anxiety too. Someone with Autism or Rett's Syndrome probably has depression to boot. With that in mind, I keep tabs on various aspects of my kids so if an issue arises, we can nip them in the bud.
As we approach Kaylee's second birthday, I'm in disbelief. I can't believe she's two! Oy. But the fact that she's two and still puts things in her mouth is.. well.. kindof annoying. Kids typically surpass the oral stage around one year, 18 months at the latest. At that point, they've developed other ways of feeling texture and determining purpose of an item. Kaylee, not so much.
So what the hell is Pica and what does it have to do with Kaylee?
Kaylee doesn't have Pica, but her mouthing things reminds me of it and I decided I'd share it with you today.
Pica is a disorder categorized by persistent and compulsive cravings (lasting longer than one month) to eat non-food items. So while we joke around and say "You were the kid that ate paint chips as a child, weren't you?" For some, it's their reality -- eating not just paint chips but dirt, toys, dirt, clay, coffee grounds, hair, ice, glue, paste, chalk, soap, sand, etc... While eating these items aren't necessarily bad for you, if done consistently and in the place of food, it can lead to iron deficiency anemia or lead poisoning. Pica, interestingly enough, is a common disorder found alongside autism. It's also typical of those who have OCD, Schizophrenia, or mental retardation. Similar disorders are Compulsive Overeating, Binge Eating and Bulimia.
I've heard of another disorder (the name escapes me) where they eat and eat and eat till they throw up then continue to eat and eat and eat and eat. As I've said before, typically disorders come in at least pairs or multiples and/or are the result of something else (this is called comorbidity). So whenever you hear or notice someone has a disorder, it's probably got a buddy. It's best to acknowledge them so they can be handled appropriately than to ignore them and let them fester.
Oh, and in case you're curious... The name Pica comes from the Latin name for the magpie, which is known for it's large, insatiable appetite ; )
Bon Apetit!
Friday, January 29, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
YOU!
... because you're reading this blog ; )
But before I truly venture in to blogland, I suppose it's necessary to introduce myself and the point of this whole shebang.
My name is Melinda, I'm 25 years old, and live in a south suburb of Chicago. I've been with my husband, Adam, for six years now and we've been married for three. We have two kids: Cayden, 3.5, and Kaylee, 2. I am fortunate enough to have two fun, loving, and hysterical kids. Every moment with them is a learning experience and test of character. What is important to know is that both of my kids have developmental delays. Cayden has been diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified which is commonly referred to as PDD-NOS (I'll delve in to this another time) while Kaylee has not, as of yet, been diagnosed or evaluated, but we're working on that. ; )
Currently, my husband works at a hospital and I hussle womens shoes at Macy's. In January, I began the Master's program at Governors State University in Multicategorical Special Education. In May 2012, I will *fingers crossed* be certified to teach K-12 students with disabilities ranging from ADD to Autism to Traumatic Brain Injury. I'm really excited about this prospect and am enjoying every minute of my classes and research. Not only is it going to benefit me as a teacher, but as a mother as well. Ultimately, I'd love to apply my skills and knowledge to those in Early Childhood, although I'm sure that when the time comes I'll be placed where I'm needed most.
So enough about me. What about this whole blogging thing? What am I going to do here? Well, hopefully, I can generate discussion and awareness on a variety of things. I'll post about whatever is of interest to me and that can range from music to Project Runway to an issue in the classroom or a parenting problem or perhaps some interesting information that I'd like to share... or maybe I just want to bitch about something, I'm not exactly sure, BUT there will be a point. I want to share what I know and grow as a person. So if you disagree with something I say, tell me and tell me why - I welcome it with open arms. I just ask that comments are made with respect and courtesy, no attacks please.
Like I said, I'll post about a variety of things that'll be "winners" in their own right - good or bad. So welcome to it - sit back and enjoy the ride.
But before I truly venture in to blogland, I suppose it's necessary to introduce myself and the point of this whole shebang.
My name is Melinda, I'm 25 years old, and live in a south suburb of Chicago. I've been with my husband, Adam, for six years now and we've been married for three. We have two kids: Cayden, 3.5, and Kaylee, 2. I am fortunate enough to have two fun, loving, and hysterical kids. Every moment with them is a learning experience and test of character. What is important to know is that both of my kids have developmental delays. Cayden has been diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified which is commonly referred to as PDD-NOS (I'll delve in to this another time) while Kaylee has not, as of yet, been diagnosed or evaluated, but we're working on that. ; )
Currently, my husband works at a hospital and I hussle womens shoes at Macy's. In January, I began the Master's program at Governors State University in Multicategorical Special Education. In May 2012, I will *fingers crossed* be certified to teach K-12 students with disabilities ranging from ADD to Autism to Traumatic Brain Injury. I'm really excited about this prospect and am enjoying every minute of my classes and research. Not only is it going to benefit me as a teacher, but as a mother as well. Ultimately, I'd love to apply my skills and knowledge to those in Early Childhood, although I'm sure that when the time comes I'll be placed where I'm needed most.
So enough about me. What about this whole blogging thing? What am I going to do here? Well, hopefully, I can generate discussion and awareness on a variety of things. I'll post about whatever is of interest to me and that can range from music to Project Runway to an issue in the classroom or a parenting problem or perhaps some interesting information that I'd like to share... or maybe I just want to bitch about something, I'm not exactly sure, BUT there will be a point. I want to share what I know and grow as a person. So if you disagree with something I say, tell me and tell me why - I welcome it with open arms. I just ask that comments are made with respect and courtesy, no attacks please.
Like I said, I'll post about a variety of things that'll be "winners" in their own right - good or bad. So welcome to it - sit back and enjoy the ride.
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