Hi, welcome to Talking with Donna. I am glad you can join me. So far, we have discussed many aspects of Specific Learning Disorders (SLD). By now, we understand that these disorders can sometimes overlap with other conditions or appear within the same subcategories of SLD.
This follows along the same vein as I have kept the papers of old open to complete this and probably the next couple of blogs concerning this and still, I reviewed papers of old and compared it to the current information on this series as not to give you information which is out of date. I thank you for following and reading my monthly mental lol health blog.
I hope this series has been helpful for some and informative for others. These are just a few examples of the many forms of Specific Learning Disorders. It is important to understand that SLDs can vary in severity and presentation from person to person. Some individuals may experience a combination of symptoms that do not neatly fit into one category. Proper diagnosis and treatment by a qualified mental health professional are essential for effective support and management.
Before we get to the why of this blog, let me share a few things about August…
Historical Point for August
One of the meaningful historical points for August is August 9, 1945, when the United States dropped an atomic bomb on Nagasaki, Japan, during World War II. August also holds many historical moments connected with civil rights, independence, humanitarian work, and social change.
Also, on this date August 9 — International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples
Their dignity, culture, belonging, community of a people and the importance of a people’s diverse ways of living and understanding the world has been significant. The United Nations established the observance to recognize Indigenous peoples and their rights.
How Did August Get Its Name?
August was originally called Sextilis, meaning “sixth” in Latin, because in an earlier Roman calendar it was the sixth month. After the Roman calendar was reorganized, it became the eighth month.
In 8 BCE, the month was renamed Augustus in honor of the Roman emperor Augustus. The month was associated with several important victories and accomplishments during his career.
History of August
August has been connected with agriculture, harvest, changing seasons, political history, religious celebrations, independence movements, and major social events across different cultures. Today, August is the eighth month of the Gregorian calendar and has 31 days.
Interestingly, August did not originally have 31 days. The month eventually received an additionally day so that it would have the same number of days as July, which had been named for Julius Caesar.
Special Days in August
Some internationally recognized August observances include:
- August 1–7: World Breastfeeding Week
- August 9: International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples
- August 12: International Youth Day
- August 19: World Humanitarian Day
- August 21: International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism
- August 22: International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief
- August 23: International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition
- August 30: International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances
- August 31: International Day for People of African Descent
Meditation for Today
“I am not defined by what I cannot do. I honor what I can do, what I am learning, and the person I am becoming.”
A simple practice:
Sit comfortably.
Take a slow breath in.
Slowly breathe out.
Say: “I am here.”
Breathe again and say: “I am enough.”
Repeat for several breaths.
For someone with an intellectual disability, meditation should be simple, concrete, short, and guided. There is no need to sit perfectly still or understand complicated meditation concepts.
Sources
August History & Name: Encyclopedia Britannica and historical Roman calendar references.
Special Days in August: United Nations, International Days and Weeks.
Historical Point: United Nations, International Days and Weeks.
Meditation: Original reflection written for this blog.
Now on with the show as BOZO used to say………… (this is dating myself for those of you who know who Bozo the clown is.)
Intellectual Disabilities
(*Disclaimer: If you or anyone you know are dealing with mental health challenges, please seek professional mental health services. This information is not for replacement of diagnosing or a substitute for treatment or therapy. This information is for educational purposes only. *).
*What are some of the challenges people affected with this disorder face?
*What can individuals do to offset symptoms of intellectual disorder?
*What types of exercises are suitable for intellectual disorder?
*What type of Yoga moves are beneficial to people challenged with intellectual disorder?
What are some of the challenges people affected with this disease face?
People with intellectual disabilities may have difficulty learning new information, communicating, solving problems, making decisions, managing daily activities, and understanding social situations. Some may also experience loneliness, bullying, or difficulty being understood by others.
What can individuals do to offset symptoms of intellectual disorder?
Individuals can use routines, practice daily living skills, stay physically active, participate in social activities, and use simple tools such as pictures, calendars, reminders, and step-by-step instructions. Support from family, caregivers, teachers, and professionals can also help build independence and confidence.
What types of exercises are suitable for intellectual disorder?
Walking, dancing, swimming, stretching, chair exercises, balance exercises, bicycling, and simple games are good choices. Exercise should be enjoyable, safe, and matched to the person’s abilities.
What type of Yoga moves are beneficial to people challenged with intellectual disorder?
Simple yoga movements such as Mountain Pose, Tree Pose with support, Cat-Cow, seated stretches, gentle forward bends, shoulder rolls, and deep breathing can be beneficial. Chair yoga is also a good option for people who have difficulty with balance or standing.
It is important that a professional psychiatric evaluation is crucial for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Join me next week for part 3 and more information where we will continue our discussion on intellectual disabilities. Next week we will follow with:
What is a balance diet for people affected wi intellectual disabilities?
*What type of foods people challenged with intellectual disabilities might consider avoiding?
*Two Recipes people with intellectual disabilities might want to try?
* Organizations that can offer support, assistance or information to individuals challenged with intellectual disabilities. (USA, International, for hearing impaired)
My Thoughts Donna
If someone you love is living with intellectual disabilities, remember that patience, encouragement, and understanding can make a tremendous difference. Focus on strengths rather than limitations. With the right support, accommodations, and self-confidence, individuals with intellectual disabilities can thrive in school, work, and everyday life. Learning differently does not mean learning less. It simply means finding the path that works best for you.
Thank you for continuing to support me. Last post I said I would do a monthly post on mental health challenges, well there is a lot of information I want to cover with neurodevelopemental disorder, and I feel I would be doing you a dis-service by limiting it too one or even 2 part of the subject matter, So, it is a series of information I will be sharing with you.
I like for you to join me here on my Blog “Talking with Donna” where I will continue to provide information on mental health.
Also, you can listen to my podcast also named “Talking with Donna”, where I provide meditation for stress relief or just for relaxation and although they are old (as I haven’t had a chance to record new meditation as of yet, due to the change in the tools you can use now, and my inabilities to figure it out as of yet. I ask, If you haven’t already, please check it out). I can be found on these platforms: Spotify, Apple podcast, Google podcast, Overcast, Stitcher, Amazon music, Pocket cast and iHeart Radio.
Although the podcast are older they are still relevant to and for today’s atmosphereI please continue to bear with me as this new podcast set up is not easy for an Old Gal like me to maneuver through. I am working on it.
I thank you.
Donna
Talking with Donna 