CHAPTER ONE
Side bar links/graphics of my injuries
Diagrams of the pelvis skeleton (sacrum and pubis)
https://www.theskeletalsystem.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Pelvis-Location.jpg
https://www.theskeletalsystem.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Pelvis-Labeled-Diagram.jpg
Graphic of retroperitoneal hematoma
https://criticalcare-sonography.com/2018/11/29/giant-retroperitoneal-haematoma/
Description and grapic of pleural effusion
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17373-pleural-effusion
Description and graphic of subchorionic placental hemorrhage
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/23511-subchorionic-hematoma
CHAPTER THREE
American Baby & Child: Apgar Score for Newborn Health Assessment
If you would like to learn more about the areas of the skull and brain that were affected or about respiratory distress, here are some resources.
Science Notes: Parts of the Brain and Their Functions
Brave Beginnings: Respiratory Distress in Infants and Adults
Fetal Skull Sutures and Fontanelles
Types of Intracranial Brain Hemorrhages
Arachnoid and Subarachnoid Spaces in the Brain
Learn more about hydrocephalus by visiting:
https://www.hydroassoc.org/hydrocephalus-in-infants-and-children/
CHAPTER FOUR
To learn more about VP shunts, check out these resources:
CHAPTER FIVE
If you’d like to read more about RSV, take a look at these resources:
CDC: Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV)
Mayo Clinic: Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
Cleveland Clinic: RSV in Babies & Children
Learn about the Synagis vaccine
Learn about how your job is protected and what rights you have under the FMLA.
US Department of Labor: Family and Medical Leave Act
Let’s talk about paternity leave. Times have changed but we still have a long way to go.
Babycenter: Paternity Leave: A Guide for Fathers and Partners
Forbes: The Daddy Dilemma, Why Fatherhood Is Still A Penalty For Men’s Careers
National Partnership for Women & Families: Fathers Need Paid Family and Medical Leave
Here are some resources to help you become an advocate for your child:
The Joint Commission: Use and Advocate or Be an Advocate for Others
Pacer: Six Tips for Helping Parents Advocate for Their Child’s Care
Signs and causes of shunt malfunction:
Hydrocephalus Association: Complications of Shunt Systems
Breaking the Confines: Shunt Malfunction—Know the Signs and Symptoms in Children
Shunt Malfunction Warning Signs - Sheet for your child to carry with them at school
CHAPTER SEVEN
If you’re facing—or think you could be facing—PTSD, here are some resources for you.
PTSD resources:
Anxiety and Depression Association of America
National Institute of Mental Health
Find a therapist that can help with PTSD:
Anxiety & Depression Association of America
Find a psychologist
https://www.findapsychologist.org/
American Psychological Association
Find a support group for PTSD
CHAPTER EIGHT
Learn the difference between occupational therapy and physical therapy.
What is a developmental therapist?
Illinois Early Intervention Clearinghouse
Illinois Developmental Therapy Association
If you would like to read more about the benefits of chiropractic care and treating CP, here are some resources to consider:
Cerebral Palsy Guidance: Cerebral Palsy and Chiropractic Care
My Child at Cerebral Palsy.Org
Early childhood development resources:
Center for Parent Information and Resources
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Early Intervention Contact Information by State
CHAPTER NINE
How to regain control once you have lost it:
There are endless resources on this subject but here are a few to get you started on your journey back to life alignment:
Your Life Your Voice: 9 Steps to Taking Care of Yourself
Calm: How To Take Control of Your Life: 10 Ways To Empower Yourself
Greater Good Magazine: Seven Ways to Feel More in Control of Your Life
What is an EEG?
Epilepsy Foundation: Electroencephalography (EEG)
Mayo Clinic: EEG (Electroencephalogram)
Johns Hopkins Medicine: Electroencephalogram (EEG)
Diagnosing Epileptic Activity with EEG
Epilepsy Resources
CHAPTER 10
More information on IEPs and special education services:
US Government Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
Resources for Parents/Families
Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS)
What is a sensory diet?
https://childdevelopment.com.au/areas-of-concern/sensory-processing/sensory-diet/ https://autismawarenesscentre.com/what-is-a-sensory-diet/
https://www.theottoolbox.com/how-to-create-sensory-diet/
For more information and understanding of the sensory systems and sensory diet, visit these websites:
https://neurodivergentinsights.com/blog/8-senses
https://developlearngrow.com/sensory-systems-101/
https://therestorenetwork.org/empowering-principle-sensory-diet/
There are many different anti-epileptic medications available but to learn more about those that I have spoken about, visit the sites listed below. Finding the right medication can be a long process of trial and error and it requires incredible patience. Because there is no one-size-fits-all approach to controlling epilepsy, approach this challenge knowing that it can be tedious and frustrating but once the right med is found, it will be worth it.
Tricks for making sticks less stressful for your kiddos (and for you):
CHAPTER ELEVEN
If this happens to you, use this resource from WebMD.
Epilepsy Foundation Seizure First Aid Poster
Other resources:
Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center
Find resources for parents such as an IEP checklist
ISBE Understanding Special Education in Illinois
US Department of Education
Guide to the Individual Education Program
IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Act)
SEAPCO (Special Education Association of Peoria County)
Catherine Whitcher, M.Ed—Master IEP Coach
Sign up for her email list, podcast, and blog. Request an IEP Time Saving Guide and take advantage of other free resources she provides. She is also available for hire.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Bedwetting Alarms THERapee
For more information on seizure response dogs:
Educating educators about epilepsy
Epilepsy Foundation: Seizure Training for School Personnel
Epilepsy Foundation: Schools and Seizure Preparedness
Epilepsy Foundation: Teacher’s Toolkit
Learn more about tutoring centers:
Learn about the differences between an IEP and a 504 plan:
National Center for Learning Disabilities: IEPs vs. 504 Plans
Exceptional Lives: 504 vs. IEP: What’s the difference?
Foundation for Hearing and Speech Resources: Individualized Education Plan (IEP) & 504 Plan
Learn more about RTI
Illinois State Board of Education: Illinois Response to Intervention (RtI)
Nocturnal enuresis (bed-wetting or incontinence) after a brain injury:
Brain Injury Center: Incontinence After Brain Injury
Flint Rehab: Incontinence After Brain Injury: Why It Occurs and How to Manage It
CHAPTER THIRTEEN