Do

• Diagnoses, Conditions, Illness

  Explain the impact on attention, engagement, and emotional regulation, and the signs to be aware that there is increasing dysregulation or worsening of illness or condition.

• Medications

  Types of medications, including over the counter medications, as needed medication (such as acetaminophen), medication changes, medication schedule, adverse effects, and notification when a vaccine is given.

• Diet

  Allergies, food sensitivities, foods unable or not willing to eat, specific diet or dietary requirements, routines for mealtime, unusual changes in diet or eating habits, concerns related to diet and nutrition.

• Sleep

  Sleep patterns, changes in sleep patterns, sleeping or wanting to sleep during the day, difficulty sleeping, reports of nightmares.

• Physical Activity

  Activity level, types of activity needed, and observations of impact of activity on behavior and learning.

• Pain

  Reports of having pain. When it occurred, location location of pain, intensity of pain, and suspected source of pain. How to assist to alleviate pain. When and who to contact should there be no relief of pain.

• Injuries

  Scrapes, bumps, bruises, swelling, or other injuries sustained from sports, accidents, or an incident of dysregulation should be communicated to monitor for worsening and to offer insight into what occurred.

Some communication requires discussion that is best accomplished through a phone call or team meeting rather than daily notes. These may include concerns regarding sleep, an activity, illness, or other issues that are ongoing or interfere with learning or emotional regulation. This could also include concerns that youth may be engaging in practices that are dangerous such as drug abuse, unprotected sex, or bulimia. Don’t Wait!

• Comprehensive Medical Evaluation

  A thorough physical examination to identify any undiagnosed health conditions is vital. Chronic and acute health conditions may present as behavioral changes in a youth with IDD.

• Allergy and Environmental Evaluation

  Assessing if allergies, sensitivities, or environmental factors such as allergens might be influencing behavior.

• Medication Review

  Assessment of current medications to determine if medications or combination of medications are contributing to behavioral dysregulation. Medication side effects or interactions can impact behavior.

• Sleep Assessment

  Review of sleep patterns, duration, and quality to determine if inadequate sleep may be impacting mood or behavior.

• Nutrition Assessment

  Evaluating nutritional status to identify possible issues with dietary imbalances that could affect mood and behavior. 

• Laboratory Testing, Imaging, and Scans

  Medical and laboratory tests, such as blood tests, electroencephalogram (EEG), x-ray, or MRI are useful in evaluating a patient's health status, and to rule out or identify underlying conditions like anemia, thyroid issues, or seizures.

• Screenings

  Vision and hearing screenings are useful to identify possible sensory impairments that can impact behavior. Screenings may also identify the need for a more intensive evaluation process.