U N D E R S T A N D I N G
Special Needs
By Lisa Habermehl, BSc., KIN
E
very individual, no matter their age, gender,
ethnicity, economic status or physical ability, has
basic, fundamental needs in order to grow and
develop into independent, healthy adults. In this
regard, we are all the same. Beyond food, shelter and
safety, we need to feel love and a sense of belonging.
Satisfying these essential needs provides us with the
necessary supportive foundation to help us move
forward and reach our full potential. The absence of
these critical elements can deeply affect our ability to
experience a full and stable life.
One can delve deeper into Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
to understand the physiological and psychological
impact on mental wellness when any one of these
fundamental needs is missing. How each individual
manages this challenging balance is what makes us
all different…and for someone who was born with a
developmental disability, they need assistance achieving
that balance.
throughout life’s many stages. Family members and
professional support Specialists ensure that essential
needs, including respect, esteem and self-actualization,
are met when caring for people with a developmental
disability. Once diagnosed (through an assessment of
early childhood milestones), treatment goals are set to
ensure there is balance in all aspects of the individual’s
physical and mental wellbeing.
Recognizing and understanding the differences
between an individual with a mental illness and one
with a developmental disability, helps us to be informed
advocates so that both have potential to be active and
productive members of our community.
Resources
CDC - Developmental Milestones https://bit.ly/2mmWB21
DuvallHomes.org and APD.myflorida.com
Shirley Zonnevylle, Director of Adult Day Training for
Duvall Homes - a Florida nonprofit, which provides
residential supportive care and programming for people
with developmental disabilities - holds a Bachelor’s
degree in Sociology with a Minor in Psychology and
has 27 years experience working with mental health,
social services and developmental disabilities.
She recently commented that there remains a
broad misconception that mental illness and
developmental disability are one in the same.
“Individuals with a developmental disability
typically have an IQ below 70, have limited
intellectual functioning and communication,
and are diagnosed at an early age,” said
Zonnevylle. “The difference is that mental
illness affects one’s mood, thinking and
behavior, and can be diagnosed at any
age,” added Zonnevylle.
Fundamental needs impact development
during gestation, during infancy and
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