Events/Training
Special Kids Gallery
Books and Gifts
Contests
Photo Tips/Interview
Newsletters & Articles
SKPA Accreditation
Photographer Directory
Take Our Survey
You Can Help!
FAQs
About Us
Contact Us
SKPA Test
Review
Most often missed subjects on the Child Test
Please
review the following information that will help correct any misinformation
regarding working with certain children with special needs. These areas
were very often answered incorrectly (or omitted as a possible multiple
choice answer) on the test.
§
Scheduling
The best time of
day for the child should be the primary consideration. However, ALL
the following should be brought into the equation: First appointment of
the day (so the child does not have to wait behind a possible
“backlog”), medications/therapy schedule, the parent's preference.
§
Age-appropriate
Treatment of a Child
Children
with special needs should be addressed at an age level that is consistent
with other children of the
same age, even though the child does not act that age. However, if the
behavior of a 10 year old is disruptive like a two-year old, you may have
to be more assertive, that is, if the child responds to correction. This
may be a frustrating session for you, but you will learn ways to turn it
into a success.
§
Cerebral Palsy
Generally
speaking, a child with CP who is in a wheelchair, will probably NOT
TRANSFER to other seating, especially if you note that the head or legs
are constrained. A child whose arms and head have severe involuntary
movements will not be stable when located outside the wheelchair. Also,
cerebral palsy can have a very wide range of involvement. In other words, there may be high
intelligence in one child but very low cognitive ability in another. Some
may not be in a wheelchair and are able to walk on their own, but others
must be strapped in to avoid hurting themselves or slipping out. Many non-verbal
CP children communicate with a message board, a nod or certain arm
movement. They may often emit certain guttural sounds that might convey
some meaning.
Believe it or not, it's
not love for all children. Those who love all kids may not be able to take
good photos of them. There may be time when you, as a photographer, will
not much like the subject in front of your lens. But it's up to you to
communicate with the parent to learn how to apply your knowledge and
skills to produce the best photo of that child for the family. Remember,
"CAPTURE THE CHILD ENJOYING OF A MOMENT OF LIFE."
§
Connective
Tissue Disorder
A child with a connective tissue disorder (without other accompanying
diagnoses), will not have any adverse cognitive implications. In other
words, they will have the normal range of intelligence as for other
children. They will be able to smile. They may have a limited range
of physical movement, may not be able to sit unassisted when very young,
and they will be able to follow directions (as far as their body permits).
Protect from injury.
§
Seizures
Seizures
maybe be triggered by flickering or other lighting conditions, certain
sounds (loud or startling), or extreme emotion such as fear, pleasure,
excitement, etc.
§
Non-verbal
Children
This
is not a trick question but is the MOST MISSED by all test takers. Just
because a child is non-verbal (cannot speak), it does not mean he cannot hear
or see! No need to use
sign language, speak louder or wave posters! It means the child is unable
to SPEAK, that's all. Don’t talking louder unless you learn the
child is also hearing impaired.
§
About Disorders
and Communication
Is not as critical to learn the exact disorder of the child. It may help
you to learn general facts about disorders but so many children have
multiple disorders which could confuse you. If you see a child in a
wheelchair, for instance, you do not really have to know what condition
put him there; the more important information would be to learn if the
parent wants him to transfer, how you will communicate, etc. Learning
about disorders (in general), gives you confidence in providing your
services to a wide range of children. Communication with the parent
and child will be more important than learning about the child’s
specific condition.
§
Down Syndrome
A child with Down syndrome loves to be complemented and
praised, likes “authority figures” and pop/sports celebrities and
generally enjoys country music, Elvis and pop tunes.
§
Hydrocephalus
There may be a wide range of characteristics that accompany
hydrocephalus which may or may not include an enlarged head, high or low
cognitive ability, inability to walk, has a shunt (tube to drain
fluid from brain) that cannot be removed, and inability to speak
(non-verbal).
§
Illness
If YOU ARE ill, please reschedule a session with a special child. Many
children, especially Down syndrome and the seriously ill child, have a
very low immune system. They don’t need any more bugs!
§
Tubes
In general, trachs can be removed (plugged into the throat), don't ask to
remove a shunt (in the back of the head), a catheter, or a feeding tube in
the nose.