Early diagnosis is important so that treatments such as highly structured behavioral programs can be used to improve each child s chances for development. Neurological impairments are a group of disabilities including disorders of the brain and central nervous system that considerably limit a person s development, understanding, memory, attention span, fine muscle control, use of language, or ability to adjust to new situations. Generally, these impairments begin during childhood or adolescence. People with neurological impairments may experience a variety of learning difficulties or social behavioral problems. They also may have special care needs because of problems in muscular control.
Neurological impairments can be difficult to diagnose and to treat.
While thousands of people in New York State are thought to have some type of severe neurological impairment, many of these people learn to compensate for these disabilities and do very well in life. However, some people with neurological impairments may need specialized services similar to those available for other people with developmental disabilities. Person-centered planning is a process that focuses on the capabilities and strengths of an individual in order to create a vision for a desirable future. It focuses on each person s gifts, talents, and skills, not on deficits and deficiencies. Person Centered Planning brings together a diverse group of people who know and are committed to the individual with the disability.