Archive for May 2021

Rectal picking can be a dangerous and unhygienic behavior that needs attention as soon as you see it starting. It is possible that rectal picking begins as a response to constipation. Be sure bowel movements are regular and fingernails are cut short if you suspect rectal picking is happening. Today is the 21st day of PWS…

Many people with PWS have collecting or hoarding tendencies. Be sure to make your expectations known and stick to a plan regarding how much stuff can come into your house. Pictures of what is acceptable can be helpful. It is also helpful to encourage older items to be donated. ‘Nothing comes in unless something goes…

Be sure to look for online parent or caregiver groups if you are feeling isolated with some of the challenges that come along with a PWS diagnosis. There are several online groups that are active day and night and can provide needed support in times of crisis. These groups can also be helpful for day-to-day…

Latham Centers’ Virtual Learning Team invites members of our Prader-Willi syndrome community to the thirteenth Social Hour for students ages 8-22, and the eleventh PWS Social Hour for adults 22+. We hope you’ll join us in ringing in the spring and summer seasons with a special song and the spinning of the karaoke wheel! Whether…

Some people with PWS have slower than typical processing speed. Allow a few minutes after speaking to be sure that what you said was not only heard, but also understood and processed. Today is the 18th day of PWS Awareness Month. Today’s Video: Joselyn’s PWS Awareness Month Fact of the Day- “My name is Joselyn.…

Pay close attention to whether the environment is affecting the person with PWS. Sensory Processing Disorder can make people extremely uncomfortable and unfocused. Check for lighting, temperature, and sounds that may be making learning and concentrating difficult. Today is the 17th day of PWS Awareness Month. Today’s Video: Daniel’s PWS Awareness Month Fact of the Day-…

Many people with PWS are also diagnosed with Executive Functioning Disorder. Using “ firth this then that” instructions can help the child or adult understand the sequence of instructions that you are communicating. Today is the 16th day of PWS Awareness Month. Today’s Video: Bridget’s PWS Awareness Month Fact of the Day- “Happy PWS Awareness Month!…

Using social stories to prepare for a new or an undesired experience can help to ease anxiety and establish expectations for the event. Today is the 15th day of PWS Awareness Month. Today’s Video: Bella’s PWS Awareness Month Fact of the Day- “Happy PWS Awareness Month! People with PWS can do so many things like…

Skin-picking is a common problem in people with PWS. Distraction and barriers are the go-to response for lessening the severity of this behavior. To help decrease this behavior, cover the sites, create a barrier to reaching the sites (Triathlon suits, overalls, long sleeves—depending on where the site is), and a distraction for their hands during…

Always build the option to take a break in to your child or student’s day. A choice board, flag, or any visual cue can be used by your child to alert school staff or parents that they need to stop and take a break. Without this, you run the risk of the child showing you…