Archive for May 2021

If your child has a history of running away, you should contact your local police or fire department to alert them to this behavior. It can be helpful to use a tracking device for kids or adults who are at high risk for getting lost. Today is the 12th day of PWS Awareness Month. Today’s…

Pay close attention to toothbrushing, as people with PWS have poor dental hygiene caused by thick saliva that pools in the mouth, causing erosion to tooth enamel. Today is the 11th day of PWS Awareness Month. Today’s Video: Trevor & Family’s PWS Awareness Month Fact of the Day- “Happy PWS Awareness Month! People with Prader-Willi…

Games like Red Light – Green Light, matching games, and Find-and-Seek games are all good ways to improve Executive Functioning. Today is the 10th day of PWS Awareness Month. Today’s Video: Liam C’s PWS Awareness Month Fact of the Day- “Happy PWS Awareness Month! My name’s Liam. People with PWS can do a lot more…

Humor is a wonderful way to connect and establish a good working relationship with the person with PWS. Avoid using sarcasm, as this may be confusing and cause the person to feel picked on/teased. People with PWS often do not understand sarcasm. Today is the 9th day of PWS Awareness Month. Today’s Video: Quinn’s PWS…

If you have the option to ignore unwanted behaviors, do so. Focusing on what is going well in the moment allows for the child or adult to feel accomplished as opposed to criticized, and will ultimately decrease unwanted behaviors over time. Today’s Video: Matthew’s PWS Awareness Month Fact of the Day “Happy PWS Awareness Month!…

Many people with PWS enjoy working with animals. Individuals should be monitored when in close proximity to animals until you can determine their comfort level and skills needed to safely do what is being asked of them. Today’s Video: Chris H’s PWS Awareness Month Fact of the Day “Happy PWS Awareness Month! People with PWS…

PWS is a spectrum disorder with people on both ends and at every point in-between. Where your child falls on the spectrum is a random act and not a reflection on parenting or educational options. Today’s Video: Annika’s PWS Awareness Month Fact of the Day “Happy PWS Awareness Month! Sometimes emotional support animals help people…

Self-stimulation like hand flapping, rocking, etc. are coping skills that release dopamine and ultimately make the person feel good. It is counter-productive to say things like “quiet hands” without then giving the person another option to self-soothe. Some may see these behaviors as distracting, but they are simply a way for the person to remain…

  Calming techniques can help during times of change, transition, or anything that provokes a stress response. Practice these skills when the child or adult is at baseline to help them master these skills and use them when they are most needed. Examples of calming techniques are deep breathing, rhythmic tapping, sensory play, and guided,…

  Remember that basic demands can be extremely challenging for people with PWS during times of stress. At their baseline, people with PWS can perform everyday tasks with little to no prompts, but when stress and anxiety go up, those same tasks become overwhelming. Today’s Video: Ryan’s PWS Awareness Month Fact of the Day “Happy…