#Developmental Disabilities

You’re doing great – Reassures the child that their efforts are noticed, boosting confidence and motivation. You’re very strong – Highlights their inner resilience, helping them feel capable and proud of themselves. You make people smile – Shows that they have a positive impact on others, reinforcing social connection and self-worth. I’m so glad you’re here – Confirms they belong and are valued, creating a sense of safety and acceptance. Your hard work is inspiring – Encourages perseverance and self-esteem, helping them see that their effort matters and can make a difference. I’m proud of you – Celebrates their effort and accomplishments, reinforcing that they are recognized and supported. #disabilityawareness #inspirational #inclusion #specialneeds #parenting

This month is Developmental Disability Awareness Month, and in honor of that, we wanted to celebrate the incredible accomplishments of our amazing employees!⁠ Of course, they’ve accomplished so much more (definitely more than could fit on a muffin 😉)⁠ ⁠ We are lucky to have such hardworking, dedicated employees, and we hope that by sharing their stories and videos, more businesses will open their doors to hiring someone with a disability.⁠ ⁠ If you’re a Los Angeles business looking to create a more inclusive work environment, we would love to connect! If interested please email [email protected] to learn more! #cafe #developmentaldisabilities #autismacceptance #downsyndromeacceptance #positivity

What does disability mean to Amelia? Reading with her papa!

True colors. #cerebralpalsy #cerebralpalsyawareness #disability #disabiltyawareness #inclusion #adaptive #disability #disabilityawareness #kidsofinsta #kidsofinstgram #medicalmom #nonverbal #bekind #siblings #love #lovelife #familyof6

It can be really hard when people assume I can’t do things before I even get started but I really do love shattering their expectations! I think it’s super fun to prove them wrong! ❤️ #disabilityawareness #disabilityadvocate #inclusionmatters #representation #representationmatters #seetheability #breakingstereotypes

"I only see my goals, I don't believe in failure" ✨️ Show your support by leaving some ❤️❤️❤️ in the comments #disabilityawareness #disabilityforlife #disabledchildren #specialneedskids #specialneedsfamily #raredisease #raregeneticdisorder #chromosome8p #chromosomedisorder #invdupdel8p #8pInvDupDel #agenesisofthecorpuscallosum #intestinalmalrotation #autism #corticalvisualimpairment #cerebralpalsy #hypotoniaawareness #onedayatatime #pediatricwheelchair #dmitherapy

Research shows that when kids with Down syndrome are exposed to therapies early on it improves their outcomes. This generally starts with early intervention therapies as a baby and progresses into outpatient therapy, and/or school therapy. Most children with DS will receive physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy sometime during their development. We started Colt with therapy in the NICU and then once he was home we worked with early intervention where he worked with PT, OT, and speech as he got older. We also did outpatient therapy for PT, then later added in OT. He now sees PT, OT, and speech at school and outpatient. It’s honestly a lot of therapy, but thankfully he doesn’t mind it and he loves his therapists! 🫶🏻 I think as a parent, you know what’s best for your kid. Sometimes a whole bunch of therapies at once is too much. We took a break a few times from certain therapies to give Colt time away. Navigate the therapy world can be overwhelming, especially if you live in an area where you have a lot of options! I do my best to let Colt lead the way. I want to make sure we are always getting the most out of it and making it worth our time. Thankful for every single therapist that has put time, effort, and love into Colt’s success! We wouldn’t be where we are without them! 💛💙 #coltwiley #therapy #pt #ot #speechtherapy #mybigboy #earlyintervention #downsyndrome #t21 #theluckyfew #downrightperfect #downsyndromeawareness #myheart #reels

Do you know what it takes to care for a disabled child? #disabilityawareness #disabledlife #trachbabies #medicallycomplex #caregiversupport #healthcarehumor #healthcare #specialneeds

This month is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.⁠ People with developmental disabilities face an unemployment rate of nearly 85% and that is absolutely unacceptable. That’s why we started our social enterprises, Mychal’s Café and Mychal’s Print Shop: to help close that gap and show just how amazing and capable our community truly is! #developmentaldisabilities #employment #autismacceptance #downsyndromeacceptance

safe to say she’s never leaving my sight

Here’s a comprehensive list of signs of autism in infants and toddlers: Social Interaction and Communication - Limited or no eye contact - Lack of response to their name by 9-12 months - Rarely smiling in social situations - Limited or no gestures (e.g., pointing, waving) - Difficulty understanding or expressing emotions - Avoidance of physical contact or cuddling - Lack of interest in interactive games (e.g., peek-a-boo) - Limited or no pretend play - Difficulty noticing or responding to others’ feelings - Prefers to be alone or shows little interest in other children Behavioral Patterns - Repetitive movements (e.g., hand flapping, rocking, spinning) - Intense focus on specific objects or activities - Lining up toys or objects - Resistance to changes in routine - Obsessive interests in unusual objects or materials - Repeating words or phrases (echolalia) - Unusual attachment to specific objects - Tantrums or distress for no apparent reason - Difficulty mixing with other children Sensory Sensitivities - Overreacting or underreacting to sounds, lights, textures, or smells - Unusual reactions to sensory experiences (e.g., heat, cold, pain) - Extreme sensitivity to certain sensory inputs - Avoidance of certain textures or sensations Developmental Delays - Delayed speech or language skills - Uneven development of motor skills (e.g., fine vs. gross motor) - Regression of previously acquired skills (e.g., speech, social behaviors) - Limited or no babbling by 12 months - Delayed or absent milestones (e.g., walking, talking) Other Characteristics - Walking predominantly on toes - Difficulty following simple verbal instructions - Lack of interest in sharing objects or activities - Reduced or muted facial expressions - Unusual eating or sleeping habits - Apparent insensitivity to pain - Lack of fear or excessive fear of dangers ✅ Follow for more safety tips so you are aware, prepared and not scared! Video credit: TT @happy_ville #autism #spectrum #momshealthcarenavigator

I think there's a misconception that you can't include someone who's disabled because they can't do the "task" properly. It's not about that for them. They already know they aren't able to do it like others, but they still want to try and to be with the group. No one wants to feel left out. Watching is more fun than sitting alone and not watching:) ya know? #inclusion #inclusionmatters #siblings #kidsofinstragram #disability #disabilities #cerebralpalsykids #cerebralpalsy #nonverbal #medicalmom #gtube #advocate #cp #newreels