Heritage Behavioral Services Blog

The recent high profile deaths have brought SUICIDE into everyday conversation. According to Center for Disease Control and Prevention there has been an increase of 38% in suicde in many States in the US.

Studies at the National Institute of Health have shown that therapy-based treatment for disruptive behavioral disorders are effective treatment options for early childhood depression. Children as young as 3 years old can be diagnosed with clinical depression. While antidepressants may be prescribed, behavioral interventions/support s are greatly needed. continue reading....

Under federal law, students with disabilities are expected to attend class with their typically developing peers.  But research studies have shown that this is not the case; but instead majority of these students spent their time in self-contained settings..  Under the law known as the Individual with Disabilities Education Act, students are to be placed in the "least restrictive environment"...... learn more

115 Americans died of an Opiod overdose everyday. This has brought severe health, emotional and economic effects on the families.  The opiod overdose epidemic has become American Public Health Emergency among all races and ages.  learn more...... 

The family of the man with Down Syndrome who died after confrontation with the off-duty sheriff's deputies in 2013 at the Westview Promenade movie theater in Frederick county Maryland has been awarded $1.9 million settlement.  Ethan Saylors died from asphyxia following a broken larynx during a scuffle with the deputies. Ethan was accused of not buying another movie ticket to view a second screening of a movies at the theater.  read more....

Due to the "discriminatory" practices for workers with disabilities, U.S. senators have called for an end to the sub-minimum wages. An Illinois manufacturing company, was accused of exploiting nearly 250 employees.

As per the new government figures, more American children are being diagnosed with Autism. In a recent release from Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 59 children are on the spectrum. This is up from the last estimate of 1 in 68 reported in 2016 and 1 in 150 at the start of the century.  The increase in autism prevalence could be attributable to better identification among minority children. 

As a teenager, Michael McLaughlin wanted to go to college. He had several disabilities including dyslexia and bipolar disorder, which threatened to make the road ahead more difficult....... c ontinue reading

While emotional problems are common in our daily lives, particularly in childhood, over diagnosing mental health conditions with over use of psychiatric medications are epidemic leading to presupposition of mental health crisis.  Dr. Stanley Kutcher of Dalhousie University, working with the World Health Organization (WHO)  has brought these issues to light. continue reading..

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) recognizes March as Developmental Disabilities (DD) Awareness Month. The goal for this month is to create awareness about developmental disabilities, teach the importance of inclusion within every aspect of life and to share the stories of individuals with a disability to show that a successful life is possible.

E-cigarette use and vaping have been described as safer alternatives to smoking cigarettes, but advocacy groups and some scientists studying the growing trend say those nicotine-containing devices carry known risks to developing teenage brains-- and some kids are already using them . CBS News Report.....

CNN: UK and Italian scientists are getting closer to developing blood and urine tests for autism, which could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment of the condition, a new study suggests. Autism is a developmental disorder that mainly affects social interaction, causing a wide spectrum of behavioral problems, including hyperactivity, anxiety or speech disturbances. continue reading..

While precise numbers are hard to come by, by some estimates at least 80% of adults with autism are unemployed, even though their IQs are often well above average. .......  Last April, 50 big-name companies -- including JP Morgan, Microsoft, Ford and Ernst & Young -- came together for a summit on how to bring more autistic adults into the workforce. WATCH CBS SUNDAY MORNING   continue reading...

U.S. nursing homes have significantly reduced the use of powerful antipsychotic drugs among their elderly residents, responding to pressure from many directions. Yet advocacy groups insist that overmedication remains a major problem, and want the pressure to intensify. continue reading

Late Carl DeBrodie FULTON, Mo.  --The mother of a developmentally disabled Missouri man whose body was found encased in concrete is suing a group home responsible for his care, in addition to several state and county agencies. continue reading

Food aversions and restricted eating are common among people with autism. These can lead to poor nutrition and other health and behavioral concerns. An /AUTISM SPEAKS AUTISM TREATMENT NETWORK/ therapist shares her strategies for improving nutrition and mealtime behavior. continue reading

Depression  In a research study funded by NIMH, Scientists have discovered that genetic expressions of depression in male and female are different. These discovery will lead to precise diagnosis of causes in depression and the treatment. Women are 2-3 times more likely to develop depression. read more.....

Mark Trezise Mark is a detail-oriented employee in a detail-oriented workplace at the Montgomery County, Maryland Department of Correction and Rehabilitation. He works in filings and data entry. Mark receives onsite training and supervision.   Read more...

Bipolar Disorder  Recent studies support two standard medications are effective for treating Adults over 60 with Bipolar Disorder. Lithium and Divalproex are both effective in controlling manic signs and symptoms. Read Science Update