FSC Parent Newsletter

When a child or loved one is diagnosed with a developmental disability, families often focus on managing the specific needs of that condition, from daily routines to therapy and educational support. However, it's crucial to recognize that individuals with developmental disabilities are also at a greater risk for mental health challenges. These challenges can sometimes be overlooked or misinterpreted as behaviors related to the disability itself. Understanding the intersection between mental health and developmental disabilities is key to providing comprehensive care and support.

Mental health challenges can stem from various factors, including difficulty expressing emotions, a lack of coping strategies, social isolation, or frustration due to communication barriers. Additionally, the experience of living with a developmental disability can sometimes exacerbate pre-existing mental health concerns.

Because the symptoms of developmental disabilities can overlap with mental health symptoms, it can be challenging for families and healthcare providers to distinguish between the two. For example, a child who struggles with verbal communication may exhibit behavior that appears to be oppositional or aggressive, but it could be a result of frustration or anxiety rather than a behavioral issue.

Recognizing Signs of Mental Health Concerns

It is important for families to be vigilant in monitoring not only the progress of developmental goals but also the emotional and mental well-being of their loved ones. Some common signs of mental health challenges in individuals with developmental disabilities include:

• Changes in Behavior: Sudden shifts in behavior, such as increased aggression, withdrawal, or irritability, can be an indicator of mental health struggles.

• Difficulty Coping with Change: Individuals who struggle with transitions or changes in routine may experience heightened anxiety or distress.

• Physical Complaints: Complaints of physical symptoms like stomach aches, headaches, or fatigue, without a clear medical cause, can sometimes signal anxiety or depression.

• Sleep and Eating Problems: Difficulty sleeping, frequent nightmares, or changes in appetite may be linked to mental health concerns.

• Regression: A noticeable decline in previously mastered skills, such as communication or self-care, could suggest emotional stress or mental health issues.

Recognizing these signs early is crucial for addressing mental health concerns before they become more severe. It's also important to remember that each individual may express mental health challenges in different ways, especially if they have limited verbal communication skills.

The key to effective early intervention is regular monitoring and open communication with healthcare providers. Parents should feel empowered to seek support as soon as they notice concerning changes in their child's behavior, emotional state, or development. It's essential to approach mental health with the same urgency as physical health and to seek professional guidance when necessary.

By recognizing the signs of mental health concerns early, seeking appropriate interventions, and fostering strong communication with healthcare providers, families can help ensure their loved ones receive the comprehensive care and support they need. Early intervention, combined with the right strategies and resources, can significantly improve the emotional well-being and overall quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities.

We are excited to be a part of the upcoming District Wellness Fair for families that will be held on March 13 at Smallwood Drive School from 5 - 7 p.m. This free event is designed to promote health, wellness, and community engagement for all families in our district, offering valuable resources, information, and activities for all ages.

At the Wellness Fair, families will have the opportunity to explore local health services, including meeting with representatives from local agencies, health providers, and wellness organizations to learn about available services, programs, and resources for physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

This event is a fantastic opportunity to connect with local resources and support your family's overall well-being. Whether you're looking to get active, learn more about mental health services, or simply enjoy a free evening out with the family, the Wellness Fair has something for everyone!

View the Wellness Fair flyer to see the list of organizations and businesses that will attend.

The Family Support Center often has tables at various district events to share information about services with families. In March, we will be present at the District Wellness Fair as well as a family event for our UPK families. We have had tables at events through the Town of Amherst Youth & Recreation Department, also.

In January, the Family Support Center, in collaboration with Windermere Boulevard Elementary, hosted a Screen Sanity Parent Night. FSC Social Worker Marlana Howard, LCSW and Windermere Counselor Melissa Stasio hosted more than 25 families for a presentation focused on providing helpful tools and insights to foster a healthy digital environment at home. The Amherst parents who attended the presentation reported leaving with helpful tools and feeling more capable of tackling the digital challenges that they face as parents.

Screen Sanity is an internationally acclaimed program that helps parents navigate the digital world that we live in. It provides guidance on cell phone use, device introduction as well as other digital challenges that families today face. The program has been endorsed by the likes of The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and ABC News. The program also has partnerships with US Cellular, and Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s Archwell Foundation.

The FSC is planning on collaborating with the school buildings again next school year to offer this informative evening to parents and caregivers.

A number of brain studies have shown that people with learning or thinking differences are “wired” differently than their peers. In other words, some children are born with brains that think, learn and process information differently than others. The term neurodivergent has since come to include not just autism, but other neurological conditions as well such as dyslexia and ADHD. Neurological differences can pose challenges for children, particularly in classrooms. For example, children with dyslexia may have a harder time learning to read, take notes or sit for standardized testing. The neurodiversity movement sees dyslexia and other issues as normal variations in brain functionality.

Here in Western New York, a Neurodivergent Teen Social Group is available to help kids grow their social skills and learn some self-advocacy skills. Though the program is held at the Clarence Public Library, kids from all over are welcome.

The Neurodivergent Teen Social Group is geared toward high schoolers ages 14-18 in grades 10 through 12. It meets from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on one Tuesday per month during the school year, September through June, at the Clarence Public Library, 3 Town Place. Upcoming meetings are March 4, April 1, May 6 and June 3. Register by emailing Patty McCalister, LMHC at patriciamccalisterlmhc@gmail.com.

Licensed Mental Health Counselor Patricia McCalister starts each meeting with about half an hour of discussion on a topic either she or the kids provide, ranging from anxiety to self advocacy to bullying and more. Afterwards there are games and activities purely for socializing and fun – the group even wrapped up last year’s season with a hike in the park, charades and refreshments. Read the Amherst Bee article for more information about the group.

A free virtual workshop for parents to develop strategies for positive digital use and screen time.

Registration Link

My Digital TAT2 website

There is still time to register for the Community Parent Education Discussion Sessions, designed to empower, connect, and support parents in their parenting journey. Whether you're a new parent, an experienced caregiver, or somewhere in between, this will offer valuable insights and practical strategies to strengthen family relationships and navigate everyday challenges. This evidence-based program model has been found effective in reducing conduct problems, hyperactivity or impulsivity, daily problem behaviors, and overall parental stress. Offered Thursdays from noon to 1 p.m. Session dates are March 6, 13, 20, and 27. Register to receive the Zoom link. View the flyer for all the information.

We exist to provide community resources and support to families in the pursuit to create well-adjusted and confident children.

Help us build our lending library of books on mental health and social emotional learning topics, as well as parenting books. Can you purchase a book on their wish list? There's a wide variety to select from. View the wish list.