PWS Tips
Tip of the week: Executive Functioning
Executive functioning is the set of mental skills that we use to complete a task. We use executive functioning throughout the day to complete both small and large tasks, many times without any thought to the steps involved to get from one place to another. When a person has executive functioning disorder (EFD) these everyday…
Read MoreTip of the Week: 10 Commandments of PWS
I attended the FPWR* conference in New Orleans last week and presented on managing behaviors in school and at home. Below is one of the slides that describes how to manage your own actions when faced with difficult situations with your child. Individuals with PWS are wonderful, kind, intuitive, and creative individuals that thrive in the…
Read MoreTip of the Week: Ways to make Halloween fun for children with PWS
For families of individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome, Halloween can give us nightmares – but not for the same reason as the rest of the world. To celebrate the holiday, there are some things that we can do to allow our kids a chance to enjoy it, without all of the candy that goes along with…
Read MoreTip of the week: Conferences
There are several amazing PWS conferences right around the corner! Of course, attending the conferences is always best for learning, community, and sometimes simply getting away. But not everyone can find the time, childcare, or funding to attend. Don’t forget that even if you can’t attend, the resources are still available to you. Many conferences…
Read MoreTip of the week: Seasons changing
As the season begins to change, it can be a difficult time for children and adults with Prader-Willi syndrome when it comes to wearing the proper clothing. A combination of temperature dysregulation, sensory processing disorder, and an overall change to their morning routine that includes picking out different clothing can be extremely challenging. Try to…
Read MoreTip of the week: Team communication
As the school year starts up, early communication with your child’s team is crucial. Establish regular communication and don’t wait until something becomes a problem before addressing it with the team. Be sure to set mutual goals and check on their progress at least monthly. Your child will have a much more successful year if…
Read MoreTip of the Week: Managing back-to-school stress
Stress and anxiety can be debilitating for people with Prader-Willi syndrome, and a new school year can often be a catalyst for these feelings. Helping them to reduce feelings of fear and stress will allow for greater success in all areas of their life. Here are some tips for helping your child reduce and manage…
Read MoreTip of the week: Getting Organized
Getting into the habit of documenting meetings, phone calls, and conversations with school personnel throughout the year can be a huge asset later if you are looking for additional services for your child. It will likely be up to you alone to fight for what your child needs and relying on your memory of events…
Read MoreTip of the week: Bullying
We would like to believe that the world our children live in is more inclusive and compassionate than in years past, but the fact is, kids with PWS are much more likely to be bullied than their typical peers. Here are some things that you can do if you know or suspect that your child…
Read MoreTip of the week: Hydration
As the days seem to be getting hotter and hotter, we want to remind you to be sure to keep your child hydrated during outdoor activities. Many of our kids have issues with body temperature regulation and may not feel and/or self-report feeling hot. It is also not unusual for someone with PWS to not…
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