+ Adaptive Athletes

+ Major Themes Respect: understanding, kindness, and patience Higher risks associated with particular disabilities Modified management to reduce stress and ensure understanding Disability Impairment Handicap

+ Intellectual Disabilities Assessment and Management Considerations How does your role change? Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Communication skills and learning impairment Simple questions with clear demonstrations of intentions Utilizing the caretaker ADD/ADHD Short attention span, hyperactivity, impulsive behavior, restlessness Patience and direct, simple statements

+ Physical Disabilities Neurological impairments, amputations, muscle diseases… Specialized adaptive equipment  Multiple Sclerosis  Muscular Dystrophy  Amputated limbs

+ Physical Disabilities (continued) Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Neurological degeneration marked by exacerbations of functional impairment Balance, reduced stamina, visual impairment, paralysis, etc. Muscular Dystrophy (MD): Progressive degeneration of muscle tissue Weak or wasted muscle, lax joints, low tone, spinal curvature

+ Autonomic Dysreflexia Excessive fatigue Polydipsia (excessive thirst) Lightheadedness, dizziness Anxiety- not mentally induced Tachycardia, bradycardia Hypotension Joint pain Headaches, pallor, facial blushing, constipation, nausea, acid reflux, visual disturbances, loss of responsiveness, and seizures.

+ Assessment & Care Intellectual disabilities Effective communication Avoid open ended questions Limit distractions around the scene Simple concrete phrases to avoid confusion Importance of SAMPLE Reliance on patient’s guide Keeping safety in mind Response to fear, anxiety, or an unfamiliar face

+ Assessment & Care Physical disabilities Deaf and blind athletes Lip reading Verbal cues Effective communication: “How can I help?” TBI, Stroke: Motor- sensory impairments Expressive aphasia Splinting for comfort Simple options for the patient

+ Amputated Limbs Impairment severity depends on location and extent of amputation. Prosthetic limbs and specialized equipment Management: Splint for comfort and modify techniques accordingly Quick splint preferred as traction for amputees is impractical outdoors Extra padding for non-sensory areas Ostomy bags: inspect stoma site for injury, secure adhesive tape and free any tubing. Avoid putting pressure on bag during management. Modify splinting techniques for comfort as needed, but do NOT force extremity into rigid splint as this might aggravate spasticity in neurological conditions.

+ Summary Exhibit effective communication with intellectually disabled athletes Demonstrate your intentions before taking action to reduce anxiety and gain trust in the patient Handle specialized equipment with care Utilizing caretakers as necessary to obtain necessary information about the accident/condition. Notify the base for additional help Understand the increased risks associated with different disabilities. Be flexible. Anticipate unexpected behavioral responses. Offer patient simple choices whenever possible. Stabilize patient to comfort and use additional padding for areas without sensation.