Image: (https://bronsisbestfrndz.wordpress.com/2017/10/19/the-only-hand-a-girl-can-hold-without-hesitation-is-her-brother/) Since March 2020, the Latham Centers Outreach team has created opportunities for individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome and their families. Now, more than two years later, it has been incredible to see the success and growth of these groups. Today we highlight the Siblings Group. The Siblings Group includes people of all ages who…
Fine motor skills can be impaired in the person with Prader-Willi syndrome. Practice skills that will improve fine motor skills like handwriting and using scissors.
Allow the person with Prader-Willi syndrome to have the opportunity to choose whenever possible. So much of their lives are regulated and planned for them. Giving choices can allow for a sense of self-direction and independence.
The vast majority of children with Prader-Willi syndrome also have learning difficulties. It is a misconception that they cannot learn past a certain level; the truth is they are often in an environment that is not conducive to learning. The teachers at Latham create a safe environment where students can reach their goals and see…
Reach out to the Prader-Willi syndrome community on good days as well as bad days. On a bad day, you can get advice and find listening ears to help you feel less alone. On good days, you can do the same for others. If it’s happening to you, you can be sure someone else has…
Latham President & CEO Anne McManus and other CEOs representing the Cape Cod Disability Network met last week with Senators Elizabeth Warren, Susan Moran, and Julian Cyr, and Representative Sarah Peake to discuss the critical need to increase the rate for direct support professionals. Issue summary: We have joined with human services colleagues across the…
Pay close attention to tooth brushing and overall oral hygiene in people with Prader-Willi syndrome. Thick saliva in PWS causes early tooth erosion; the more you do early on, the longer their teeth will remain healthy. Staying hydrated and having a good oral hygiene routine can prevent the loss of teeth at a young age.
If your child is struggling in school more than usual, always check the environment before assuming it is a behavioral issue. Florescent lights, loud or repetitive sounds, hard seats, or itchy tags/clothing can all be extremely intrusive to a person living with Prader-Willi syndrome and sensory processing disorder.
We are incredibly proud of the educational pursuits of MaryClaire Attisano from our Children’s Services Program. She began her career at Latham Centers as an intern and continues to support our students while working towards a doctorate at Johnson & Wales University. MaryClaire is working on her Capstone and learning from working with Latham…
Traveling with a person with Prader-Willi syndrome may be a challenge, but some quick preparations will make all the difference. If you’re driving, get a map of the route and plan rest stops ahead of time. States generally have this information on the state website, and there are apps that list every rest area. Having this…
Latham School:
Reaching for the Future
At Latham School, children from 8 years to young adults of 22 years are under the care of a special needs teacher and aide. In small home room classes of eight or fewer students. …Read more.
Latham Centers:
Safe Passage to Adulthood
While some Latham children return home to family or enroll in programs closer to home, others may transition to our Adult Programs or remain on Cape Cod to live independently …Read more.
Ways to Give
You can Make a Difference
A gift to Latham Centers will make a difference in the life of each and every individual we serve. To make it as easy as possible for you to donate, we offer a variety of gift vehicles …Read more.