Whether it’s 90 degrees and humid or 70 degrees and cloudy, summer is just around the corner. That means it’s time to prepare and plan your summer fun! For individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome, summer fun must include plans for heat precaution as they often have difficulty regulating body temperature and can overheat easily. Here are some […]
Althea Shelton, MD and Jessica Duis, MD, MS Use of growth hormone requires a baseline sleep study prior to use and one at 8-10 weeks after initiation. Beyond this, when we see a child or adult in clinic who is having excessive daytime sleepiness and/or worsening behavioral concerns among other symptoms (e.g., headaches or bedwetting), […]
By Kristi Rickenbach, mother to Justice age 15 with PWS, board member, PWSA (USA) “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.” ~ Helen Keller There are things that happen in our lives that we have no control over- things we wish we could change. […]
Not on social media? No problem! PWSA (USA)’s daily PWS Awareness Month posts are available right here for you to access anytime. Day 20 Hypogonadism (a condition in which the testicles are not working the way they should) and cryptorchidism (undescended testes) are both common newborn males with PWS and can lead to delayed […]
You’ve heard exercise is good for physical health, but did you know research also shows exercise is beneficial to mental health and mood? According to the Mayo Clinic, physicalactivity stimulates endorphins in the brain that elevate mood and encourage relaxation. Exercise can fend off depression and anxiety in individuals with PWS and can even combat […]
So far, we have looked at some of the many reasons negative behaviors occur, as well as behavior management techniques helpful with individual with Prader-Willi syndrome. Positive Behavioral Supportis another essential tool for caregivers. Positive behavioral support can help decrease tantrums, reduce perseverative and OCD like behaviors, and increase cooperation and effective transitions through activities. […]
Individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome often demonstrate oppositional behavior, another challenge for parents and caregivers. Tips for managing oppositional behavior include: Avoid yes and no questions. Instead, offer limited choices. Rather than asking, “Do you want to wear your red coat,” try offering two choices: “Do you want to wear your red or blue coat?” It […]
Perseverating, or getting stuck on a topic or task, or repeating the same question or phrase over and over again, is common in Prader-Willi syndrome. Often, the repetitive behavior is provoked by anxiety as the repetition provides a level of comfort to an individual with PWS. Unfortunately, perseverating can be exhausting for parents and caregivers. Here […]