With summer here, swimming pools
expose us to large concentrations of chlorine. Use NDF® or NDF Plus® to minimize chlorine in yourself
and your child.
Swim safe at the beach or in your
pool!
A report from the Natural Resources Defense Council
(NRDC...
I have had the
pleasure to know mothers and fathers of special needs children who have created
their own schools or their own curriculums so their children could learn life
skills and social skills, two of the key building blocks for independence,...
Medical practitioners
and medical research scientists are fully aware of the benefits that can be
gained from collecting umbilical cord blood after the birth of your baby.
Cord blood can be
used for stem cell transplants which will help your body...
In honor of the coronation of Disney's newest princess, Merida,
Family Magazine Group is sponsoring a giveaway. The winners will receive
a special gift package from Disney, which includes:A Merida WigMerida fashion dollDisney Princess...
School Strategies for
ADHD Kids is an easy read filled with tips and strategies on how to help
your ADHD kid succeed in school. Written by Board Certified Educational Therapist
Bonnie Terry, these strategies are perfect for teachers, parents, and...
When a frightening and tragic event such as a the Boston marathon bombing, school
shooting, terrorist attack, or a natural disaster occurs, children may
understandably have lots of questions and concerns. In some cases, they may
experience some...
“Where is Godzilla?” my neighbor asked
with a chuckle in her voice.
A relaxing afternoon at the park took an immediate turn when I realized
my adult neighbor was referring to my young daughter, Hadley. I was literally...
Everyone looks forward to vacation, right? Well, when it’s
an actual vacation from the daily grind, maybe!
Parents of special needs children often become anxious about
time off from school. The break in routine can lead to an escalation of...
This article is courtesy of Wynsum Arts' Every App Has a Story, the stories behind Wynsum Arts' distinguished apps.“The questions in Reading Comprehension Camp give young students
ample opportunity to practice inference and to learn to...
“The first step toward change is awareness. The second step is acceptance.”
-- Nathaniel Branden When Awareness Becomes Acceptance
April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day. As a mom that
lives with autism in my family, I embrace the concept of...
Gailynn Gluth, founder and CEO of Wynsum Arts, wrote this blog post
for Autism Speaks chronicling her presentation and involvement with
Autism Speaks First Autism Investment Conference. On February 22, I spoke at Autism Speaks’...
This article is courtesy of Wynsum Arts' Every App Has a Story, the stories behind Wynsum Arts' distinguished apps. “People who read well aren’t automatically great at spelling but
people who spell well are invariably great readers. With...
The "Family Choice Awards" recognize the best in children's and parenting
resources. Now in it's 17th year, the "Family Choice Award" is one of
the most coveted, family friendly consumer award programs in the nation.
These awards serve as our...
No it’s not a sexual perversion! I love malapropisms. A favourite is the
Judge who becomes exasperated with a gum chewing defendant and tells the
Bailiff to have him stop masticating. The Bailiff leans over and says ‘Oi you,
take your hands...
Whenever we
encounter a new student or client, in many cases a label is attached. Often we
are told the child is "difficult" or "challenging". Over
time, we have learned that those words do not pertain to the individual. Those
are words that others...
This review is courtesy of Wynsum
Arts' Every App Has a Story, the stories behind Wynsum
Arts' distinguished apps “Categorization is a major building block for language development.”
-- Mary Huston, speech-language pathologist
and creator...
Dear Developmental Doc:
I have a 14 year -old son who has high functioning autism.
He loves anything to do with the computer but has a tendency to use technology
as a way to hide from social and emotional experiences. I was reading about
recent...
This article is courtesy of Wynsum Arts' Every App Has a Story, the stories behind Wynsum Arts' distinguished apps.“With our user group, there is a need for direct instruction and we
want to teach them everything we can so they don’t have to...
March is Brain Injury Awareness Month. Acquired brain injury
is not the kind of thing anyone wants or plans on so unless you know someone
who has it, you wouldn't know...but maybe you should. There are two known
types of brain injury.
...
This review is courtesy of Wynsum Arts' Every App Has a Story, the stories behind Wynsum Arts' distinguished apps“I knew my brother understood the world around him even though he
had not mastered the language skills to communicate with the...
This article is courtesy of Wynsum Arts' Every App Has a Story, the stories behind Wynsum Arts' distinguished apps. “We have created a community of people who understand the issues
unique to parenting a child with autism and are willing...
Did you know that last month history marked
the 200th anniversary of the publishing of Jane Austen’s best known
work?
As most will know it’s about love and how
irrationally held views and emotions can easily scupper relationships.
So is it much...
Making decisions for others
is never easy. In fact, it’s probably one of the hardest things one can do for
someone, especially if that person is their child. When a family is coping with
mental illness and intense special needs and a parent is...
This is
an excerpt from Caroline McGraw's book for caregivers, Your Creed of Care: How
to Dig for Treasure in People (Without Getting Buried Alive). To
receive your complimentary copy of
the book via email, visit Caroline's blog for caregivers, A...
I cannot tell you how many times I have witnessed the look
of loss in the eyes of parents when school district personnel say, “Your student would be better served in a
functional based program”. At
that moment the walls are go up and the hopes...
For centuries, scientists
believed that when you reached adulthood, your brain was finished developing, and
the only way it could change was to worsen by aging, disease, or accidents.
This meant you were stuck with your brain’s limitations for the...
Dear Developmental Doc:
My son is 17 years old and has Asperger’s
Disorder. He attends a regular high school program and there is a girl in his
homeroom class who he has sporadically tutored in math over the semester. She
appreciates my son’s...
Extracurricular programs
are a great way to integrate children with special needs into new settings,
form friendships and have some fun. Children can gain a sense of pride and
accomplishment by participating and succeeding in activities. Many...
Our family’s story became a national
discussion when, after years of unsuccessful advocating for support for our
mentally and organically disabled daughter, we made a decision to send her to
live with another family in another state where she would...
"Nurturing Minds, Enriching Lives and Building Self Esteem in
Chicagoland for over 35 years"
Acacia Academy is an NCA accredited school in LaGrange
Highlands, Illinois, that offers customized programs for a variety of students,
such as...
Barack Obama Charter School, in Los Angeles, CA is part of
the Ingenium Schools’ charter school campuses. How are they different from any
other school? Ingenium Schools use the RISC (Re-inventing Schools Coalition)
philosophy and model, a model that...
This article is courtesy of Wynsum Arts' Every App Has a Story, the stories behind Wynsum Arts' distinguished apps. Funding for iPads and Mobile Devices
We’ve said many times here on this blog that iPads, iPods, and other
iOS devices are...
Do over bearing Mothers create mental problems?
I abhor speaking ill of the dead, and of
that ghastly modern trend to state you were abused by someone now dead as a way
of explaining your criminal behaviour.
But…
I had a very overbearing Mother...
Applied Behavioral Karate is not a technical term, but it is
real and it does work.
Recently, Michele Zube, MAT, ABA Therapist, joined our staff of therapists
and she has helped improve our special needs program by adding another
approach: applied...
This review is courtesy of Wynsum Arts' Every App Has a Story, the stories behind Wynsum Arts' distinguished apps. “Conversation changes as children grow up, and the changes are
subtle. I wanted to create an app that helps teens...
This review is courtesy of Wynsum Arts' Every App Has a Story, the stories behind Wynsum Arts' distinguished apps.“The iPad opens the door for parents to take on
a more active role. We are in a new era of AAC; this is very powerful
for...
Last week,
my daughter had her first knitting class and she LOVED it!
Until
now, my kids have only attended classes or groups if they are offered by groups
that can manage my son’s needs. My daughter has bugged me for years about
joining...
The 14th
Special Olympics World Summer Games is coming to Los Angeles! Over 7000 Special
Olympic from 170 nations will compete in the 2015 games taking place in Los
Angeles, CA. More than half a million people will attend!
This will be the...
... continued from hereThe
Children
The root cause of RAD is abandonment trauma or
failure to attach. Physical abuse and sexual abuse are much easier to treat
than a core, learned belief that one is worthless or bad. Most of the children
have been...
Dear Developmental Doc,
I have a son with high functioning autism. He is 9 years old
and very smart. But he also has a processing delay and tends to obsess over old
news items. Lately, he excessively worries about Hurricane Sandy. Although this
is...
Dear Developmental Doc,
My husband talked me into flying across the country for the
Holidays to visit his family with our 28 month old daughter who has just been
diagnosed with autism. Under the best of circumstances, she is a handful and
doesn’t...
Since its launch, the iPad has received
significant coverage across the media and various social media platforms.
Although this coverage has been exponentially positive, the media has often
ignored some of the many unanswered inquiries relating to...
Dr. Temple Grandin talks about different ways of thinking and learning - visual thinkers, pattern thinkers, verbal thinker. Her visual thinking helps her see things that neurotypical people cannot see. "When I was a young kid I didn't know my...
This review is courtesy of Wynsum Arts' Every App Has a Story, the stories behind Wynsum Arts' distinguished apps. Minimal Pair Pack
We recently profiled two communication apps by Therapy Box: Predictable and Scene & Heard.
The...
This review is courtesy of Wynsum Arts' Every App Has a Story, the stories behind Wynsum Arts' distinguished apps. London-based Therapy Box is a speech and communications services
company that offers several apps, including augmentative...
This review is courtesy of Wynsum Arts' Every App Has
a Story, the stories behind Wynsum Arts' distinguished apps.Therapy Box - Predictable
Several years ago, Rebecca Bright was looking for an augmentative and
alternative communication (AAC)...
Attending
a school conference can be stressful for any parent, but if your child has
dyslexia, the anxiety can be higher, especially when meeting with a new teacher
or counselor. The following tips should help the meeting go smoothly and help
you...
Educational Fun Games Gift Value $150.00…The whole month of
December we are having special offers on our educational fun games. This week
there is an additional bonus included with The Sentence Zone Game. We
are including 3 Bonus Videos valued at $...
This review is courtesy of Wynsum Arts' Every App Has a Story, the stories behind Wynsum Arts' distinguished apps. “Our goal is to create educational apps that are immersive and engaging,
where children learn without even realizing it...
For the
first time in the 5 or so years I’ve been attending Autism-specific Support
Groups, I attended one recently where I actually felt supported and understood
when I left…and what’s even more amazing is that both my man AND my ex-hubby
were...
Living Innovations pioneers a new residential model: Shared LivingFor most of us, growing
up means leaving the family home and living on our own, getting a job, making
new friends and finding our place in the world. For people with...
Although it’s not spring time and you have some time yet
before your Annual Review, that doesn’t mean that you still aren’t coming in
contact with your Case Manager or teacher. Unfortunately, there is the idea that needing to have
contact with...
It’s the rest of the world who are out of
sync!
Watching Obama -- Romney thrash it out to
the finish line made me think how we with Bipolar are maybe more in sync with
life than those who might think we are abnormal. As we know, Bipolar has...
This review is courtesy of Wynsum Arts' Every App Has a Story, the stories behind Wynsum Arts' distinguished apps. Two years ago, Naoya Sangu gave his sons an iPod Touch. “I was
surprised to see how much they enjoyed playing with it...
Dear
Developmental Doc:
I am a big
‘foodie’ and am starting to get excited about planning the menu for a grand
Thanksgiving meal for my friends and family. My problem is that my nephew is
autistic and is beyond picky about what he puts into his...
Once
kids are in school again, they can be challenged with learning, social
pressers and a heavy homework load. Most parents
don't know that stress, anxiety and inability to focus in school are
very common for many children. As...
The International Family Film Festival will be held at the Raleigh Studios, Hollywood, CA March 27 - 31, 2013.You
are invited to submit your film features, shorts, student shorts, IFF
Youth Fest! (ages 8-18) as well as feature and short-...
Leo Beuerman is an inspirational story about a man who refused to
succumb to self-pity and instead became a symbol for overcoming
adversity.Leo was 36 inches tall, deaf and unable to walk. When
he was born, the doctors had little hope that he...
Click below to listen to Bonnie Terry's interview with Dr. James Payne, talking about Leo Beuerman and the inspirational story of one man who overcame numerous obstacles despite his limitations.You can listen to Bonnie Terry's Show Learning Made...
This review is courtesy of Wynsum Arts' Every App Has a Story, the stories behind Wynsum Arts' distinguished apps. “We think through every aspect of the teaching process
to translate the one-on-one teaching...
CaféMom introduces the YouTube series Our Special Lives. Each episode
features a different family with a special needs child and we're able to take a
look into their lives, their challenges and their joys. In this week’s episode you will meet...
CaféMom introduces
the YouTube series Our Special Lives. Each episode features a different family
with a special needs child and we're able to take a look into their lives,
their challenges and their joys.
Meet Jamie, Scott and their two-...
Allergies cause physical
problems, and they can be a significant piece of learning problems and
emotional issues. At least 40% of the children I see have allergies as well as dyslexia
or other learning and behavior problems.
Having...
There is no “one size fits all”
approach that parents of a child diagnosed within the “autism spectrum” should
take as the child approaches their 18th birthday. The abilities and
the needs of each child are unique and should be evaluated to create...
Parents of children with speech
disorders are faced with a choice: private speech therapy or speech therapy
through the public school system? Each choice has its own benefits and
drawbacks, but some parents prefer to consider a third, less...
This review is courtesy of Wynsum Arts' Every App Has a Story, the stories behind Wynsum Arts' distinguished apps. “In the epilepsy world, quality of data drives quality of life.”
-Robert Moss, creator of Seizure Tracker...
Most expecting parents are facing many
important decisions before the baby is born. Basic decisions include the name
of the baby, formula feeding or breastfeeding, and many more. One important
issue that needs to be considered by many expecting...
Enter
to win a DVD copy of VeggieTales: The League of Incredible Vegetables DVD. There will be 5 winners! Here’s what you need to do to enter:
Send
an email to editor@specialneeds.com
with the subject line: VeggieTales DVD. On the...
SPECIALNEEDS.COM
SWEEPSTAKES: OFFICIAL RULES
NO
PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN THIS SWEEPSTAKES. A PURCHASE DOES NOT
IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. MANY WILL ENTER. FEW WILL WIN.
Sweepstakes
is open to all residents of the 50...
Enter to win SpecialNeeds.com’s Holiday Gift Basket!
This holiday season, you can enter to win a $500 personalized
gift basket filled with goodies for you and your family. Here’s what you need
to do to enter:
Send an email to...
“I Am A Child Just Like You” by Travis Breeding is a
beautiful book that seeks to teach children acceptance and understanding for
those who are “different”, and to look past those differences and find the
things that they have in common. The book is...
CaféMom introduces the YouTube series Our Special Lives. Each episode
features a different family with a special needs child and we're able to take a
look into their lives, their challenges and their joys.
In the second episode we get to...
The 4th Annual Autism Conference for Professionals and Families:Rethinking Autism: Neurobiology-Technology-Policy-CommunityGuest speakers:Pat Levitt, Ph.D. Provost Professor of Neuroscience, Pediatrics, Psychology, Psychiatry, and Pharmacy. Director...
Have you ever wondered if your child is gifted? While there are several ways to assess
a child's giftedness, a quick look at some typical characteristics of the
gifted child may be helpful in determining if you have a gifted learner. ...
This review is courtesy of Wynsum Arts' Every App Has a Story, the stories behind Wynsum Arts' distinguished apps. In July, Wynsum Arts spoke with Kyle Tomson, founder of Mobile Education Store, and we profiled his...
Happiness is something that everyone searches for in life.
But when you reach the point in your life in which you can truly feel and
believe you've found it, it's a very sweet moment. After being diagnosed with
Asperger's Syndrome in October of 2007...
If you suspect your child is gifted, you many notice a lot of signs. IQ
isn’t the only thing that distinguishes a profoundly gifted child from other
students. Though their intelligence is clearly the most prevalent feature,
ironically, it may not be...
Most children are naturally somewhat scattered and chaotic.
As you may have seen, good organizational skills aren't often something they're
born with. Toys strewn about, art project left half-finished and habitually
losing objects are things that...
You’ve heard about the I&RS Plan and the
504 Accommodation Plan as well as the IEP, but what are these documents? How
are they different? When are they relevant to your child? And most importantly,
how do you get one if you need one?
Let’s...
This review is courtesy of Wynsum Arts' Every App Has a Story, the stories behind Wynsum Arts' distinguished apps. “iHomework manages all of the information a student needs to get through each day or the whole semester.”
- Paul...
CaféMom
introduces the YouTube series Our Special Lives. Each episode features a different family with
a special need child and we are able to take a look into their lives,
their challenges and their joys.
In the first
episode we are...
Let’s say you’re the kind of person who is always prepared.
You carry a flashlight in your car, bandages in your purse, jumper cables in
the trunk. But imagine, for a moment, the worst-case scenario: you’re in the
middle of a medical emergency, the...
Dear Developmental Doc:
I am feeling so frustrated I don’t know what to do. The new school semester has just begun
and I have a son who is 8 years old and severely impacted by ADHD. Although his
teacher is certified in special education,...
In the previous blog, we discussed the vital role play has
in helping quiet the reptilian brain so your child with dyslexia can learn. Now
we’ll take a look at the emotional brain and the thinking brain.
The Limbic System or Emotional...
Being gluten and dairy intolerant
is not only tough on your child, its tough on you as well. Fun "kid foods" can be a challenge to make, and finding foods that your child will love and
the rest of your family can enjoy takes extra time and efford....
This review is courtesy of Wynsum Arts' Every App Has a Story, the stories behind Wynsum Arts' distinguished apps.
“The purpose of Hands-On Math Hundreds Chart is to
encourage discovery and active learning.”
- Fred Ventura...
Congratulations to Andrew Barling. He was randomly chosen as the winner of the drawing for the $500 gift basket, courtesy of specialneeds.com, for attending the webinar How to Improve Learning Skills: Reading, Writing, Spelling, & Math. For more...
When children play, their brains come alive, and their brain
function improves. Play is their work, and they learn so much while they
interact with their peers. Notice I said, “interact with their peers.” The play
I’m talking about isn’t sitting on...
Imagine this - you and your child step off
a cruise ship and are greeted by a group of people in colourful clothes,
holding signs, flowers and balloons.
Some are playing musical instruments. They shout and sing joyously, “Welcome to the...
In pursuit of a degree you learn many things, some useful,
some not so useful. While in pursuit of my degree I learned a great deal about
Autism. Autism is a complex developmental disability that is often
misunderstood. There are so many...
When children at an early age experience disappointment in communicating
over and over again it significantly affects their confidence. We learn through
patterns and repetition. When a child can’t effectively engage in either, it
becomes frustrating...
This review is courtesy of Wynsum Arts' Every App Has a Story, the stories behind Wynsum Arts' distinguished apps. “We looked at existing story apps but nothing created a way to ‘page through’ a story, repeating a message...
This review is courtesy of Wynsum Arts' Every App Has a Story, the stories behind Wynsum Arts' distinguished apps. “I didn’t realize how valuable flashcards are until I started using my own app on a regular basis.”
- Mavis...
My husband and I and our four kids went to the pool on Saturday.
I love going to the pool with the kids. They use Lance and me as jungle gyms.
It helps me to confront my hatred of being touched. You know, because I'm
ALL about...
A
Call to Action - The Templeton National Report on Acceleration The Templeton National Report on Acceleration
has a shocking name and an even more shocking message; entitled A Nation Deceived: How Schools Hold Back
America’s Brightest,...
Having a gifted child can be frustrating and gratifying in equal
measures. Gifted children are often a joy to their parents -- bringing home
stellar report cards, talking precociously and enthusiastically about a variety
of subjects, and receiving...
Has your child been identified as a gifted student?
If so, chances are, you sometimes feel desperate for advice on how to navigate
this journey with your son or daughter. While your friends may look on with awe
at your child’s achievements and think...
Due to their unpredictable
nature, transitions in general, can be very difficult for our children with
special needs. The new school year creates a whole host of transitions that
made me want to devote this month’s column to tips for helping your...
Parents of teens and young
adults with special needs are always concerned about their transition into
adulthood. They constantly ask themselves, “What happens next?”
Live. Advance. LA.
provides that much needed support that facilitates a...
How can the process of learning
have momentum? Some days a student "gets it" then the next day the
same concept is lost. The human brain forgets, stumbles, supposedly
demonstrates achievement, but then disappoints. Momentum and learning seem...
I understand and embrace that I have Asperger’s and my mind works differently. All I really want are a few good friends and to feel like I'm a part of someone's life. Just to feel special I guess. I've been thinking a lot about what happens to...
Disney Publishing is kicking off the school year with an
exciting app sale - all Disney Learning apps will be only $1.99 on the App
Store (orig. $4.99) from August 29th - September 12th! The
apps include:
Pooh’s...
This review is courtesy of Wynsum Arts' Every App Has a Story, the stories behind Wynsum Arts' distinguished apps.
“When children look at objects instead of
looking at people or listening to voices, they may not learn...
This review is courtesy of Wynsum Arts' Every App Has a Story, the stories behind Wynsum Arts' distinguished apps. “Put It Away is a free app that teaches children how to clean up a
room -- and it is easily customized for kids who...
This review is courtesy of Wynsum Arts' Every App Has a Story, the stories behind Wynsum Arts' distinguished apps. “We spoon-feed audio information under the door of a child’s sensory defense mechanism.”
-- Bill Mueller, audio...
This review is courtesy of Wynsum Arts' Every App Has a Story, the stories behind Wynsum Arts' distinguished apps. “Our apps are designed to help children understand social
situations. We use real photos, text and audio, and...
When anger is not expressed, it may turn inward and morph into self-destruction
or depression. Children’s frustration and anger need an external outlet, and
they may internalize these emotions when teachers, parents, and other adults belittle
or...
I am a parent of two children with special
needs, and a special education teacher. I have been working in the field of
special needs for 15 years, and currently teach teachers about special
education. One of the keystones of
special education...
Over 30 years ago, the former
Chief of the Laboratory of Brain Evolution and Behavior at the National
Institute of Mental Health in Washington, DC, Paul D. MacLean, first proposed
the Triune Brain Theory, which shows
us how your child’s brain...
How many times have you
asked yourself what more you could do at home for your child’s learning
challenge, whether it’s dyslexia, ADHD, or autism?
What many parents don’t
realize is that they’re in the driver’s seat. As a parent, you’re...
I am a parent of two children with
special needs, and a special education teacher. I have been working in the field of special needs for 15
years, and currently teach teachers about special education. One of the keystones of...
A recent article in the press described one
couple’s “abortion pact.” That is,
if any pregnancy had a chance of a fetal anomaly they would abort. The couple felt that because of their
age - she was 37 and he was in his 40s - they had an...
They say that a large percentage of women who receive a prenatal
diagnosis of Down syndrome have an abortion.
But I will not point my finger at the women who have given their babies
back to God without ever holding them in their arms. Why?...
A new school year is approaching and for
many students with special needs, the anxiety may be growing. As a parent, you
begin to notice this pattern each summer and you may not know exactly how to
soothe your child other than to say, “You’re going...
I have a thirteen year old son with
Asperger’s Disorder. Even though he is very smart academically, he is very naïve
and comes across socially as very immature for his age. He is starting middle
school next month at a new site where he will be fully...
If you live in a large
city, especially in the land of fruits and nuts, where there are Trader Joe’s,
Whole Foods, Sprouts and health food stores all within five miles from your
home, finding GFCF foods is not a problem. If you live in a tiny town,...
More and more families are turning to the GFCF diet to
help with Autism Spectrum Disorders and a whole host of other diseases and
disorders.
When people begin this diet, it can be very overwhelming.
Hopefully this “cheat sheet” will...
Did you know that farting can cause
cancer of the bowel? Or that using lipstick might send you dog Bipolar? If for
a second you believed these stories you need help!
We are bombarded daily by some new
scientific research saying too much or too...
A few
years ago when I was married, we invited a number of other families over for a
“get to know you” type of BBQ as we all met at a 10-week course, in the
beginning of our journey of learning about Autism. As we went from family to family,...
Birthday Party. No two words strike fear in the deepest recesses of a
parent’s heart like ‘birthday party.’
Birthday party. Those words
conjure up images of colourful balloons, silly hats, cheerful decorations and
the feelings of...
The students I have worked with
over the last 20 years have taught me that no two people perceive the same. Our
five senses relay information to be processed, but if we could see that
information as scrolling text across each person's forehead, we...
Summer is in full swing, and you might be considering
chucking your homebound kids out the door. When your child is on the autism spectrum, though, it’s not
quite as simple as that. If you
have a big backyard, you can feel more confident...
Educational Therapist Bonnie Terry Shows How to Beat Brain DrainHomemade Obstacle Course Can Improve 22 Brain FunctionsAmerica's leading learning expert Bonnie Terry is on the FOX morning news talking about
summer activities for kids. She gives you...
It is a
grandparent’s right to spoil the grandchildren.
But if your
grandchildren have special needs, giving them large financial gifts may have
unintended consequences.
Many
grandparents of children with special needs are worried about...
Play begins to develop not long after birth. Initially play
involves cause-effect understanding. So, an infant may kick a bell during floor-time
play and subsequently hear the sound. Repeated action results in the child learning
that the kicking...
Duchenne
Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is an x-linked recessive disease. Mothers are the
carriers. That means it can be found in boys that are related by female
relatives " brothers, uncles, cousins. But because it is recessive not all boys
that are...
I just finished reading “The Autism Revolution” by Dr. Martha
Herbert. As I neared the end of this book, I read a few simple words that
struck a chord with me. The author said, “One of the most frustrating things
about battling autism is having to...
With summer firmly in place, there is something
we must not forget. And no, it’s not sunscreen! It’s your eye health!
We recently had a chance to talk to Dr. Elise
Brisco, Co-founder of the Rehabilitative
Vision Clinic at the Cedars Sinai Medical...
From Wikipedia:
Prader-Willi syndrome (ˈpraːdər ˈvɪli; abbreviated PWS) is a rare genetic disorder in which seven genes
(or some subset thereof) on chromosome 15 (q 11-13) are deleted or unexpressed
(chromosome 15q partial deletion) on the paternal...
Cute and addictive are two characteristics that make a good
app; add some strategy, visual coordination, and fine motor skills, and you
have a quality app for the special needs community and beyond.
In Catch the Monkey, some very adorable little...
Don’t let the summer brain drain bog you down -- get your
kids ready for school with fun apps like Montessori Letter Sounds.
Montessori Letter Sounds includes each letter of the
alphabet paired with an auditory cue of the sound it makes. ...
Anxiety is one of the biggest challenges facing individuals
on the autism spectrum.
Parents and therapists and other professionals all want and need to know
how to effectively manage feelings of anxiety in individuals with autism. ...
Sustainability and taking care of the planet is a hot topic,
and what really needs to happen is educating young children about recycling
versus waste. Trash Chaos is a
free app that engages children in a game while also using teachable moments...
A recent study published in the Journal of Women's Health found that a citywide ban on public smoking in one Colorado town reduced the number of pregnant women who smoke and the number of babies born with health problems caused by smoking....
Parents, don’t be embarrassed if you find yourself engrossed
in your child’s iPad games.
Especially if it’s Marble Math Junior from Artgig Apps -- these things
just happen.
Marble Math Junior is part pinball machine, part math basics...
What some people don’t necessarily know about movement
activities is that they not only aid fine and gross motor development, but also
stimulate attention, cooperation, sensory processing, visual skills, speech and
language development, and impulse...
This review is courtesy of Wynsum Arts' Every App Has a Story, the stories behind Wynsum Arts' distinguished apps. “The Westchester Institute for Human Developmentasked us to make their curriculum come alive.”-- Larry King, developer at...
Merrill Edge, which started in 2010, has announced some new
programs that will help parents and caregivers of individuals with special
needs. Specially trained financial
advisors have the tools to help families with special needs that
do not...
Recreation therapists plan and direct leisure activities for
individuals with disabilities or illness.
These leisure activities can be a myriad of things, including arts,
music, sports, movement, dance, games, wellness, and exercise.
While it...
Kids are so often interested in the way things work, and X
is for X-Ray shows you what’s inside an object by giving you X-ray vision. It reads like an ABC storybook, but the
information and intrigue is suitable for many ages. The pages...
“I hope to adopt someday."
The sentiment was real, yet my idea of adoption was romanticized and I lacked a real understanding of adoption. I pictured bringing a shy, malnourished, lonely child to my home who would transform into a healthy and...
A while ago I posted about my daughter, Little Miss
Adorable’s newest words and our struggles in Speech and Language Therapy. (Little Miss Adorable, Speech, Language and Swear Words and Toddler Speech, Language and Self Defense)
Little Miss...
In the previous
blog, we discussed what dyslexia is -- difficulty with words -- and what it isn’t,
which is permanent. So how can you tell if your child may have it? According to
Scientific Learning Corp, here are clues you may notice at home and at...
This review is courtesy of Wynsum Arts' Every App Has a Story, the stories behind Wynsum Arts' distinguished apps. “We realized there is a real need for simple, socially acceptable, affordable...
It seems like so rarely do we see autism in
fiction, and when it’s done as well as Living
Through Charlie, one has to wonder at how much truth really lies behind the
story. While it might have started
out more like a memoir, author Rebecca...
Because I’m an extrovert to the core, I’m naturally a “joiner”. I’m part of Parents’ Council for both of my kids’ schools, Autism-related support groups, special needs-related support groups, moms groups, etc. As a result, my schedule can...
Smart Speller English from EduKidsApps is not just a
spelling app, but it also includes a compelling story to motivate kids to
spell. Sunny is sad because he
lost his rainbow, but kids can help him find it by spelling words to acquire
the...
Being proactive about autism awareness is really the key for
educating the public. When Sara
Park’s son was diagnosed with autism, at first she didn’t tell many people,
until something clicked and she knew she could help educate others....
Over in the Ocean: In a Coral Reef is a counting and
sing-along book come to life. As
an interactive app for the iPad, children can poke and jiggle ocean animals and
watch them swim and dart around the screen. Through the touch and...
Going to Fireworks is a part of the i See-quence series from
iGet It, LLC, who creates social stories and customizable book apps for
teaching about a particular occasion.
This app focuses on watching fireworks, which for many children with...
ADHD is one of the most commonly diagnosed conditions. Symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity,
irritability, or difficulty completing tasks are hallmarks of ADHD, but they
might also be signs of other conditions.
Children with autism are...
According to a study published June 18, 2012 in the Archives
of Internal Medicine, older adults who are lonely are 45 percent more likely to
die than their peers who are social.
Additionally, a separate study shows that adults with heart...
What
is memory? Are there different kinds of memory? How are memories formed? What types of information are difficult -- or easy -- for
students to learn and remember, and why?
How does emotion affect learning, thinking and memory...
Do
you suspect ADHD? Do you really know what Attention Deficit Disorder is? Bonnie
Terry, America's Leading Learning Specialist is on FOX Morning News talking
about ADD and ADHD. ADD
stands for attention deficit disorder. ADHD stands for...
Every so often, there comes an app that completely
revolutionizes the way we view mobile technology. The iAlertEM Stop Bullies app from Appddiction Studio is that
incredible app for 2012 and beyond.
iAlertEM is an app that allows...
I love books -- the ones you can actually hold in your hand
and feel the paper pages as you turn them. So when book apps for mobile devices come along, they have
to have that extra something special.
With over 100 audio and animation...
The response at Autism One this year was huge! Tami, Andrea, and I had fun seeing
friends and talking with all the great parents and educators at the conference.
There was so much great information that staying focused and calm was necessary
to...
With high profile celebrities like NBC’s ‘The Voice’ judge Adam Levine, TV news broadcasters like Phoenix-based Kaley O'Kelley, and others like “The ADHD CEO” Greg Selkoe now publicly “owning” their ADHD diagnosis, it begs many questions: How does...
Advance LA is holding a comedy event for young adults ages 18 and up -- experienced improv teachers will focus on improv and public speaking skills such as: ProjectionEnunciationStage Composition & DirectionImprovisationExercise facial...
Spinal Muscular Atrophy, often referred to as SMA, is a
genetic disorder characterized my muscular atrophy (degeneration) and weakness. It is a neuromuscular genetic disorder
that is the leading cause of genetic-related deaths in infants...
Carter, my son, was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder
when he was 3.5 years old. As devastating as it was, we weren’t completely
blindsided by his diagnosis. The waitlist for his assessment was almost an
entire year. We received a call...
If you’re a teacher doing a segment on dinosaurs, or if your
child is fascinated by the creatures, then Ansel and Clair’s Cretaceous
Dinosaurs app for iPad is a must-have.
As part of a dinosaur trilogy, the apps explore the worlds of the...
Do you know your rights when it comes to medical malpractice
and cerebral palsy? Cerebral palsy
a serious injury that occurs before, during, or just after birth; causes
include lack of oxygen to the brain, head trauma, infection, or premature...
Sandra Boynton is one of the most stellar children’s book
authors in existence, and Loud Crow Interactive has brought the classic pop-up
story The Going to Bed Book to your mobile device.
The app captures the original charm and joy of book, and it...
Nearly 75 percent of states in the U.S. are reforming
insurance benefits for children with autism. These reforms will include ABA, or Applied Behavior
Analysis, as an approved treatment for autism.
With one in 88 children being diagnosed with...
I look at Special Needs Parenting like canoeing down a fast
river -- full of rocks and raging rapids -- without a map! We don't know what is
coming ahead, and honestly, we don’t know where we are going either. We zoom
past rocks and through rough...
The future of autism research and treatment is focused on
early childhood. As most parents
and scientists know, early intervention is key for better treatment and better
results. However, many children
are not being diagnosed with autism...
Quoting Robert De Niro’s famous line from Taxi
Driver is an apt one when one has Bipolar. The context suggests menace and persecution,
both of which I can identify with.
And conveniently with the Bi in Bipolar, this aspect has typically two...
Mobile Education Store is a Member of Moms with Apps,
featured on Teachers with Apps, and is often on lists for top mobile education
apps. Language Builder is one app
in the series that works on improving sentence structure and formation as...
The word dyslexia was
coined in 1895 but didn’t come into common usage until the 1960s. The word
comes from the Greek roots dys,
meaning “abnormal” or “difficult,” and lexis,
meaning “word” or “speech.” At its most
basic level, dyslexia literally...
If you want to give something to your kids, give them
science. Science teaches us about
the way things work, and many science activities are hands-on and
exciting. Get your children away
from the TV set this summer with these chemistry...
Use the real tools without the real smell or mess with the Frog Dissection app. Punflay is the creator of several exciting educational apps,
and Frog Dissection is no different.
As a “greener” alternative to traditional frog dissection,...
Anxiety is an often overlooked or misunderstood problem,
especially when it comes to children.
It’s true most individuals with anxiety are 18 years old or over, but
anxiety does affect children, and it can be a major problem for individuals...
Kids can become science lovers through exploration and
technology. Children are already
using iPhones and iPads for “fun” apps, so why not include something with
educational value as well? NASA
puts out a free app that includes thousands...
Oxytocin, known as the “mother-infant bond hormone,” has
shown in studies to be effective in treating the social deficits associated
with autism. Oxytocin is a hormone
secreted at birth and after, and it helps with the mother-child bond....
I am a digestion junkie. Most of my research and education focuses on how to improve digestive function and correct the many ways that our digestive processes can go awry. For children with special needs, we must focus on creating the...
New York City is behind only Washington, D.C. for the worst
record in the United States regarding integrating special needs students in
mainstream classrooms. The city
plans to align NYC with other school districts by including more special ed...
An estimated 58 percent of Americans die without a
will. Life expectancy for
individuals with special needs has increased significantly; for example, adults
with Down syndrome now live to about 60, an increase from age 25 in 1983. With...
Sometimes, labels only belong on apples.The land of Special Needs is filled with labels. Reactive
Attachment Disorder, Down Syndrome, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder,
Fragile X Syndrome, Learning Disability. Everything seems to be a...
We love cute and quirky apps, and let’s face it, our tastes
aren’t that much different from your kid’s. Alien Buddies is a learning app that includes several games
in one bundle. Learn to match
colors, numbers, letters, and shapes, as...
Children with autism and other special needs are using the
iPad and other Apple devices for therapeutic or educational apps, and Apple
knows it. On June 11, 2012, Apple
announced the release of the new iOS 6, which includes some features...
I grew up as a child actor and
model, from ages two to eighteen.
I never did anything fame-worthy, but I did pose for Vogue Bambini and Rolling Stone Magazine, with Fleetwood Mac. I also got to repeatedly stuff my face
with cookies in a...
Cerebral palsy is a lifelong disorder caused by damage to a
child’s brain before, during, or shortly after birth. Symptoms vary in severity and include stiff muscles, involuntary
movements, or cognitive deficits.
Some children are able...
Hungry during pregnancy? Try a bowl of cereal.
A new research study published in the American Journal of Clinical
Nutrition shows that women who consumed at least 600 micrograms of folic acid
daily had a 38 percent lower risk of having a...
Social skills stories describe an event, skill, or concept
with included social cues or common responses. For children with autism, these social stories can help them
understand social events and appropriate ways to respond. Social...
This review is courtesy of Wynsum Arts' Every App Has a Story, the stories behind Wynsum Arts' distinguished apps. “I wanted to take a couple of the more effective tools used in speech therapy and make them more accessible and...
Compromise. Commitment. Patience. My 20 years of marriage have taught me many things. One of the most important was how to read. Sure, I knew how to read before I got married. For example, I was a voracious reader of the tabloids in the lines at the...
It's important to have a healthy gut to keep the body functioning properly. When a person experiences problems with digestion, they may want to consider an organic detox to get their health back on track. A new study from Texas A&M University...
Meg Fields has over 20 years of clinical experience as a
psychiatric nurse, and she has a PsyD in psychology. And she’s taking that experience several steps forward with
the Asperger’s Team Camp, a summer experience designed for young adults...
Let’s face it, dinosaurs are awesome. So wouldn’t it be great if we could
learn how to draw them? iLuv
Drawing Dinosaurs is an app that teaches just that.
iLuv Drawing Dinosaurs teaches how to draw a T-Rex,
Stegosaurus, Velociraptor,...
I often wonder how my son appears through my daughter’s
eyes. She adores him; this is
clear. But what does she make of
the sudden outbursts, the seemingly unprovoked anger, and the daily challenges
that a family with a child on the...
I think it’s time we acknowledge the internal emotional
experience of a parent of a child with special needs. This is a journey, and there are times when you will feel traumatized
or in disbelief with your experience, and times when you wish...
Aggressive or
violent behavior can be a very difficult and discouraging issue to manage,
especially for special needs parents and caregivers. Violent behaviors hinder
progress in IEPs, in learning plans, and in becoming mature in personal...
Summer is upon us now in June and kids often enjoy
observing the many bugs that are now awake. Fireflies glow in the night, dragon
flies flit around the pond and ants crawl on the ground. Kids can be fascinated
by the wide variety of insects around...
Music Therapy. This service is getting more attention and more and more people are becoming familiar with. But, do you really know what it means? It is obvious by the term itself, that music is involved, and there is some...
Rhyming is an important skill for early literacy because it
teaches children about the language and increases phonemic awareness, or the
smallest units of sounds that build up words. Rhyming also teaches patterns and structures of both written...
Ahoy, mateys!
There’s an app for all ye pirate lovers out there. Pirate Puzzles features a series of
puzzles increasing in difficulty that also includes an animated surprise once
the puzzle is complete.
Best suited for “buccaneers age 3...
Gifts: Mothers Reflect on How Children with Down Syndrome Enrich Their
Lives is a collection of stories edited by Kathryn
Lynard Soper that portrays the lives of mothers caring for their children with
Down syndrome.
Valerie Morris, follower...
Who knew all it took to get kids to learn the 50 states in
the US was cute faces and animation?
Within the game play of the app, you answer questions about
the states, which might include some trivia or recognizing the state’s
shape. And yes...
Chewing is a common behavior in special needs children,
especially those with autism or ADHD.
Children with sensory issues often feel compelled to chew on paper,
clothes, or other objects.
Sensory processing disorder is a condition...
ReactTickles Magic is interactive software
designed for children on the autism spectrum. This app uses touch, gesture, and audio input to facilitate
interactive communication. And
what’s even better? It’s free.
ReacTickles’...
The other day there was a knock at my door. When I answered it was an elderly lady inquiring about my husband's business. She described what she needed and when she'd be home, stating that her husband had cancer and they were often not home...
Obama’s healthcare debate filled the radio airwaves the weeks before
daughter was born. I would drive to
doctor’s appointments, hoping that Mr. Obama’s reforms would go through and
amazed at history in the making. I could
not fathom...
Recently, within a few days, two of my friends confided in me that they are starting to think one of their kids (two different families) may be on the Autism Spectrum, and then they asked how I knew my son had Autism. I’ll admit that my ex-husband (...
When the home screen of Expedition with Plurals flashes its
name in the Star Wars font and is surrounded by colorful planets in space, you
know it’s going to be a great app for kids. Combine the great graphics with plural word practice, and...
Down syndrome, also called Trisomy 21, is a genetic
condition in which an individual has 47 chromosomes instead of 46. In most cases, an extra copy of
chromosome 21 is the cause of Down syndrome. This extra copy of the chromosome affects...
Dear Developmental Doc:
My son has just been diagnosed with attention deficit disorder -- hyperactive type. His psychologist wants me to have him be seen by a psychiatrist so that in addition to play therapy he will be given medication to treat his...
This review is courtesy of Wynsum Arts' Every App Has a Story, the stories behind Wynsum Arts' distinguished apps.“I wanted to create apps that would help children develop the cognitive processes necessary for communication. I also wanted to...
For common maladies or behavioral issues, BioRay provides natural remedies for improving or eliminating symptoms. More and more parents are moving towards natural solutions as opposed to medications, and BioRay gives you some options to try....
When people open
their home to friends and family, they also open it to less desirable things
like dirt and germs. The Amazing Mat lets you welcome guests in and keep dirt
and germs out. Regular outdoor mats are breeding grounds for bacteria and...
Researchers from the University of Padua in Italy studied
Italian and French children with dyslexia and found that extra space in between
letters helped them read. These children
showed an increase of reading speed by 20 percent and doubled...
Transitioning to independence during young adulthood
is a pivotal and challenging time for everyone. For young adults with special needs, these
periods can particularly difficult. People with special needs, such as autism
spectrum disorders or...
Pretty much all children hide things from their
parents. I think that’s a given,
and children with Reactive Attachment Disorder are certainly not excluded from
that group. Their need to control
the situation as if their life depends on...
In a heartening story about two boys who experience life-changing events at the age of three, a devoted father and debut author provides inspirational and enlightening guidance for parents and professionals caring for terminally ill children, as...
Hello Everyone!
I
sometimes get asked about additional ways we use our formulas in clinic and for
ourselves here at BioRay. In response to those inquiries, I'm going to send
handy tips once a month to suggest ways to increase the usefulness of what...
“If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.”-Henry David Thoreau (1817 - 1862)
All of us have had the experience...
Being a wife and
mother will always be a big
challenge, but more when you're
a military wife. When
I met my husband, I always knew his
aspirations to enter the military
and serve his country. For it was always
his dream, and have someone to...
Sosh is an approach developed by Dr. Mark Bowers based on
years of clinical experience helping children, adolescents, and young adults
sort out social situations. The
app provides exercises, strategies, and practical information to assist...
Communication is key for all relationships, and the lack of
speech can hinder the way children interact with their peers and
caregivers. Being nonverbal is
often associated with autism, although this condition can occur in children
with other...
Last weekend, we held our annual in-house children’s
tournament. The event was a huge success and our special needs division was the
most remarkable of the day. This division was comprised of children with a
variety of special needs and they...
Eating used to be a family affair, a time when everyone came
together to talk, share, and enjoy each other’s company. We’re nourished by
each other’s presence when we sit around the table. Nowadays, many of us catch
meals on the run and don’t spend...
First Words Feelings by Learning Touch is more than a
spelling app -- it combines spelling practice with emotions. Each screen includes the word of a
feeling and a picture that is animated when a user completes a word.
The spelling portion of...
While it reads and is labeled as a novel, parents of special needs kids
will know that Living Through Charlie is
a true story, and that people really did live through it.
“I pull a plastic container off the bottom shelf and in it
is Charlie’s...
Need to work on some fine motor skills? Try Pinch Peeps, an app designed for
iPhone and iPad.
Pinch Peeps, by Everplay Interactive, is a game in which the player must drag two alike
“peeps” together by tapping and pinching the screen....
KidgitZ is a math game app acclaimed by Teachers With Apps,
whose critics (young students and learners) said the app is an “awesome” game. Aimed at elementary-aged studets,
KidgitZ works on improving addition skills and speed.
Time to push...
Of growing concern is the prevalence of genetically modified
organisms, or GMOs, in our food.
The question is GMO safe for us to eat?
GMOs are organisms that have been created through gene
splicing and biotechnology, also called genetically...
It is widely known that gifted students have special needs, yet few schools provide daily programs designed to meet these needs. While many schools have what they refer to as a “gifted program,” this program usually only consists of a weekly, pull-...
After a drunk driver hit her and her friends, Tiphany Adams
was pronounced dead at the scene until the paramedics heard a faint sound from
her, and even the hospital said she had a 5 percent chance of survival. Now the gorgeous blonde stars in...
With the weather getting warmer and kids taking breaks from
school, families are sure to spend more time out of doors and in the sun. We all know we should put on sunscreen, but
which kind is the best and how often should we put it on? ...
Trope is the next app in line from ambient music pioneer
Brian Eno and software designer Peter Chilvers.
Bloom is a generative music app that allows you to create music simply
by tapping the screen, and Trope follows along in the same vein,...
Bridging blues, folk, Calypso, island, and barbershop styles
of music, brothers Alex and Ben Meisel of KiD’n Together bring a love of music,
education, and fun to your doorstep.
Not all kids music is created equal, and since almost all
kids love...
Researchers from Stanford School of Medicine and Lucile
Packard Children’s Hospital studied 31 children with autism and found a
specific antioxidant supplement helped reduce some symptoms of autism.
The antioxidant, called N-Acetylcysteine, or NAC...
Geometry from Punflay’s Mathomatix series introduces your
child to basic geometrical shapes.
Cute characters such as monkeys and panda bears teach children about the
shapes, which make the app very appealing to kids.
Through a series of games...
Schizophrenia is a mental illness that typically begins in
late adolescence and early adulthood.
Symptoms of schizophrenia include “negative” and “positive” symptoms. Negative symptoms refer to a lack of an
emotion or characteristic, and...
May 29, 2012 -- Bank of America announced today that Merrill Edge will launch a new program that offers parents and caregivers in mass affluent families the advice and guidance to help prepare them financially to take care of a loved one with...
Many people have known for a long time that exercise has
many positive benefits; it makes us more fit, evens temperament, and can even
make us feel happy. These effects on the
brain also suggest that increased activity and exercise can help...
This guest piece is written by a man passionate about his vision. David Berkowitz lives in Las Vegas, is an honorably discharged veteran and spent the last 20 years in sales and marketing. David lives with Asperger Syndrome and is raising three kids...
This review is courtesy of Wynsum Arts' Every App Has a Story, the stories behind Wynsum Arts' distinguished apps.In 2009, the Telstra Foundation provided a grant to Autism SA to create a social development group for children with autism who range...
I’ve read a lot of books in my lifetime -- no really, more
than you can imagine -- and not one compares to Darlene Wierski-Devoe’s book Just Like You, which is the most
accurate and enlightening children’s story about social anxiety.
Just Like You...
Occupational therapists often provide sensory integration
therapy, which helps children who are sensitive to touch and sound. This therapy helps children adapt to external
stimuli; while doctors do agree that occupational therapy helps with...
The IEP is an important tool for educating children with
autism. IEP stands for
Individualized Education Plan, and the “individualized” is a key term. One goal that is ideal for one child is
not the best for another child.
However...
Spring is here! Flowers are blooming, grass is green and Mother
Nature offers her rays of warm sun as a relief for the winter’s chill. For some
of us, flowers and grass can give rise to pollen sensitivity. Pollen present,
high levels of histamine...
Who doesn’t love to learn alongside cute animals? iLearn with Boing takes children on a
journey with Boing and his bear, seal, and penguin friends as they teach
essential literacy skills.
iLearn with Boing is designed to get your child ready...
Cayden
was referred to “The Queen Alexandra Hospital for Children’s Health (QA)” before he hit his 3 month
mark. Already, my little man was
exhibiting difficulties meeting milestones; he was not responding to faces,
auditory or visual stimuli...
Push Girls is a
new docu-series presented by Sundance Channel, premiering June 4th
at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT. The series
follows four courageous and outgoing women who, by accident or illness, are
paralyzed from the neck or waist down.
Tiphany is...
We all know how important nutrition is to a child’s health,
but it’s doubly important for children with learning difficulties. Children
can’t learn when they’re malnourished or if they’re eating too much junk food.
Most people tell me they are...
Caring for a special needs child or adult becomes a part of
daily life for many parents and caregivers. It’s a demanding and difficult job, and many parents don’t
get the breaks they need to stay healthy.
It is critical for parents and...
The Touch and Write app from FizzBrain apps was developed by
real teachers to help children on the autism spectrum expand their creativity
and strengthen social skills. The iPad app
allows users to practice writing numbers, letters, names, and...
Physical activity is important for all children, including
those children with special needs. Even
in a classroom with children who do not use wheelchairs, those who do have
wheelchairs can still participate in modified activities.
Warm-Ups:...
The Berenstain Bears are classic friends from children’s
literature, and now you can bring these characters to your iPhone and
iPad. This story book app tells the
story of Sister Bear and Papa Bear practice, practice, practicing for the
school...
Time to dust of that old piano with the Piano Dust Buster iPad
app from JoyTunes. The app is a
great introduction to music and playing tunes on the piano, and you can use
your own piano or keyboard or the life-size, 3D keyboard on the iPad...
Speech therapy is a treatment for speech and language
disorders. A speech disorder
involves a problem producing words and sounds, whereas a language disorder
refers to a difficulty understanding words and putting together sentences and
ideas...
According to a study by the CDC published in Pediatrics
journal, diabetes is significantly on the rise for teenagers. Nearly one quarter of American children
and adolescents has type 2 diabetes or is developing the disease.
Additionally, the...
Despite parent protests, New York City education officials
approved a plan to move special needs students into mainstream classrooms. Mayor Bloomberg’s Panel for Education Policy
voted for this inclusion plan, and many critics are saying that...
Social skills needed for peer relationships are not always
taught, and children with special needs do not always pick up these skills on
their own. Understanding emotions
is important for an individual and for learning how to interact in peer...
Learning disabilities impact the way children are able to process and understand information; they are neurological disorders that might manifest themselves as difficulty listening, thinking, writing, speaking, spelling, or doing mathematical...
For those of you who loved Simplex Spelling Phonics 1, get
ready for the next level up.
Simplex Spelling Phonics 2 covers the most frequently used words in the
English language, but excludes those already covered in Phonics 1.
The goal of...
Hundreds spend a fun-filled day at
Festival of Families event.
(WEST LOS ANGELES, Calif., May 23, 2012) -- Hundreds were on hand this past Saturday for Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services -- one
of the Southland's leading...
It is 2:00 am when the cell phone vibrates under my pillow reminding me to
get up. In a swift motion I swing my legs around and glide out of bed, barely
moving the covers. My husband sleeps soundly and so does my one-week-old baby, Nichole,
who...
Who says that fun apps and educational apps have to be
mutually exclusive? Bugs and
Buttons by Little Bit Studio is an app for iPad and iPhone that includes a collection of 18 games
with an educational purpose.
The look of the Bugs and...
It is a sad fact
that students in the United States are falling behind in the study of
mathematics. "Everybody Counts: A Report to the Nation on the Future of
Mathematics Education" from The National Research Council found that only
half of the...
ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is one of
the most commonly diagnosed conditions in children. While the cause of ADHD is not known, many people believe it
to be due to chemical imbalances in the brain, or genetic or...
Your baby can communicate with you before he can talk;
babies often point, wave, or blow kisses well before they say their first
words. It’s the way young children
communicate, so why not help them use gestures to explain their needs and
wants...
This review is courtesy of Wynsum Arts' Every App Has a Story, the stories behind Wynsum Arts' distinguished apps.Jungle EducationAndrew Short worked with Microsoft’s Excel software development team for six years. “I learned how ...
Everyone’s in the midst of planning summer vacations, signing up for camps and stocking up on popsicles and sunscreen.
May I make a recommendation? Take a break, maybe even a big break, from therapy at some point this summer.
Odd...
Funded by the Myelin Repair Foundation, Study Conducted by Case Western Reserve University Scientists Find Improvement with Mesenchymal Stem Cell Signals in Animal Models of Multiple SclerosisSARATOGA, Calif. -- May 20, 2012 -- The Myelin...
What are the common causes of allergies?
Fifty million Americans suffer from allergies. Itchy, watery eyes affect their ability to enjoy life, work and sleep. Allergies can be triggered by virtually anything around us. Some of the most common causes...
Research in recent years has shown that autism might be
linked to white matter in the brain.
White matter is responsible for neuropathways and connections between
regions of the brain, and it is also related to myelin, or the protective cover...
Multiple Meanings Library is another valuable app from Virtual
Speech Center, who provides software solutions for schools, speech
pathologists, and parents. For
students with receptive or expressive language disorders, word-finding
problems,...
I am a multi-faceted Mommy. If my job were likened to a
circus act, I would most certainly be a juggler… who juggles angry rattle
snakes… while riding a motorcycle… on a trapeze. Yes -- that would be me up
there. You can be my audience. I’ll try not...
Jayne Standley, a researcher and professor at Florida State
University, has been researching and pioneering new techniques for treating
premature babies for several years.
FSU announced a new device that uses lullabies to help premature babies...
For children with special needs such as sensory processing
disorder, autism, or other socio-emotional or physical difficulties, enjoyable
activities might be few and far between.
Children with these needs might have a list of symptoms,...
Cerebral palsy refers to a group of chronic conditions
affecting muscles and body movements.
It is caused by brain damage during fetal development and pregnancy, and
it can also occur during or shortly after birth. Children with cerebral...
Many parents might remember using flashcards and repetition
to learn vocabulary. Now in the
age of mobile technology, we have more lively and exciting ways to learn our
first words. KinderApp is a way
for toddlers and children to learn...
In San Jose California in March 2012, a mother of a child
with autism shot her son and then herself
I wrote this piece that evening
WHERE Were We? (A professional’s introspection on that awful
day)
I shot my son with autism and then I shot...
It’s the time that parents refer to as “IEP season,” and
many parents face it with a mixture of hope and apprehension. The IEP is an individualized document
designed to outline goals and treatment plans for children with special
needs. ...
The autism spectrum is just that -- a diverse spectrum with
many different variables -- a fact that makes treatment for autism wide ranging. Most commonly, treatment for autism
involves both behavioral and medicinal interventions. ...
We’ve all seen shelves covered in puzzle boxes -- now you can
get over 100 puzzles all in one app, Jigsaw Box, for the portable and slim
iPad. And since you can choose
from 12 pieces to over 200 pieces, the app is fun for the whole family and...
Let’s Hear It For
Almigal is the story of a confident little girl -- she feels like the
luckiest girl in the world most of the time, except when she can’t hear
everything she wants to hear.
Almigal introduces her friends; “each one is different,”...
Cerebral palsy (CP) is not a progressive disorder, meaning
it does not worsen over time, but going to therapy and treatment sessions will
help improve your child’s quality of life. Some symptoms can even improve with continued therapy for...
Let’s Name Things is a free educational app from Super Duper
Publications, a company that provides many learning apps for kids with special
needs.
Meant to be used by an educator or caregiver, Let’s Name
Things features 52 picture cards with...
Vocabulary is the pronunciation and meaning of words, and it
involves both oral and reading skills.
Learning vocabulary is one of a child’s early literacy skills, and vocabulary
games can give kids the tools to communicate and read. Try...
CHADD is a non-profit organization that serves children and
adults with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. With 16,000 members and over 200 chapters across the United
States, CHADD is the largest organization that serves the children...
Everyone learns at his own pace, but some children require a
little extra push or have special needs in education. Special ed, the common lingo for special education, refers
to alternative education programs that teach children with academic,...
Hyperactivity is the state of excess activity and might be
manifested by fidgeting, jumping, nervousness, or inability to sit still. Hyperactivity is a common symptom of
ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
To define what is...
This review is courtesy of Wynsum Arts' Every App Has a Story, the stories behind Wynsum Arts' distinguished apps.Adam Coccari grew up playing video games. Little did he know that years of playing -- and even dreaming up his own game concepts...
There
are many good reasons to create a Last Will and Testament (Will) prior to death.
First, it allows you to specify who will inherit your estate. In the absence of
a Will (or a trust or other arrangement to pass your assets at death), a state
law...
As our App of the Day reviews continues to grow, we are
constantly hearing parents of children with special needs say, “my kid LOVES his
iPad.” And yes, the word “LOVES”
is in CAPS, italicized, or surrounded by exclamation points. Many...
Planning for the future well-being of your children is a daunting task for any parent. Add the complexity of adequately providing for the future care of a son or daughter with special needs and the process becomes exponentially more...
According to the American Music Therapy Association, “Music Therapy is the clinical and
evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals
within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has
completed...
Starting with a mother’s need to protect her son, The Medi-Kid Company has grown to make the widest variety of arm, leg, and wrist immobilizers on the market
Parents do not want to physically immobilize their children, but sometimes it’s necessary...
The Help Group has four specialized day camp programs, which service kids ages 3- 21 with autism spectrum disorder and other special needs. Our unique programs assist with social development in a structured, creative and exciting way. ...
Mobile apps are turning our phones and tablets into
sophisticated communication devices.
Sounding Board is a free app that allows you to create custom boards for
communication.
Sounding Board is simple in design and performs functions of...
If it wasn’t bad enough being a teenager, it’s
a real bummer if you are developing symptoms of Bipolar. As parents, if we’re
honest, we want a bit of rebellion in our children. It’s healthy for them to be
reprobates -- within reason of course -- and...
Many parents of nonverbal children are familiar with the
term AAC, or augmentive and alternative communication. AAC devices can cost hundreds of
dollars, which is why many parents are turning to iPad apps as a reasonable
alternative. ...
The Social Security Administration, or SSA, offers some
benefits for children with disabilities.
SSI, or Social Security Income, is typically paid to adults who are 65
and older and who meet low income and limited resources requirements;...
Most of us have played the classic game of tag at some point
in our lives, and we continue to pass on this activity to our kids. Make this classic chase game more fun
with a few variations.
Balloon Tag
Activities for kids that involve...
Anyone who has taken a guitar lesson or picked up the
instrument knows it’s not necessarily an easy one to play. Many people have dreams of being a rock
star, and with two chords, you can be a rock star for children.
Two chords?
Yes,...
Many parents for special needs children know the term “activities
of daily living,” also referred to as ADL. These activities are the basic tasks of everyday life, and
they include tasks such as eating, bathing, clothing, and toileting. ...
If you’re looking for a music app that extends beyond the
realm of what is typical of iPad and iPhone apps, look no further. Bloom is a “music box for the 21st
century.”
Developed by ambient music pioneer Brian Eno and software
designer Peter...
Feeding disorders occur in anywhere from 6 to 40 percent of
typically developing children; the percentage of those children with special
needs rises to 18 to 80 percent. Children with feeding
disorders are often viewed as picky eaters, but...
Full
disclosure: I don’t have
kids. But this is such an
important topic that I decided to read up on it and summarize the highlights. And, I consulted with a good friend in
South Carolina, Dr. Dale Dingledine, a psychotherapist,...
Attention deficit disorder, commonly called ADD amongst the
general public, is a disorder characterized by distractibility, impulsivity,
and hyperactivity. Attention
deficit disorder is the same as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or...
Bright Minds InstituteA frequent question from both parents and teachers is how do you discipline children that behave badly -- and by that I mean become physically aggressive or start having tantrums and throwing things around physically.The first...
Bright Minds InstituteAs the diagnosis of Autistic Syndrome (ASD) grows, there are many therapies utilized in this field that had not been scientifically assesse d and may potentially have negative effects on the patient.One of these is ...
Bright Minds InstituteINTRODUCTION:The purpose of this paper is to present an objective view, governed by rigor and clarity, of so-called Neurofeedback, EEG Biofeedback, and/or Neurotherapy.This method of treatment has been used extensively to try...
While there is no single tool for testing for ADHD,
psychologists and physicians do use a standard set of guidelines for testing
for ADHD. These healthcare
professionals will use subjective and objective information from parents,
caregivers,...
On an unusually cold
day in Hong Kong, China my husband and I walked into an orphanage to meet a
four year old child who would soon become our son. Hours later we walked out of the orphanage not only with a new
family member in our presence,...
While there are staggering reports that adults with special
needs are not participating in daily recreational activities, the College of
Adaptive Arts is changing the lives of many of these individuals.
The College of Adaptive Arts offers arts and...
Sensory processing disorders cause children to have a
distorted sense of their surroundings, which often interrupts their learning
and exploration of their world. Sensory
integration is our brain’s ability to interpret and respond to sensory...
For those individuals with a language delay or limited
verbal skills, verbal expression of basic needs is a difficult task. QuickChoice gives them a way to express
themselves and make choices.
Use the existing photo library from QuickChoice...
Now that we’ve seen Starabella at home (Mystery Girl of Music) and in the community (New Adventures and Mixed Emotions), it’s time to travel with her to
school in book three of the Starabella series, Welcome to a Bright New World.
Starabella is a...
Bravery, down to earth nature, and love of Mixed Martial
Arts (MMA) -- well, that’s a start for describing Tyler Ransom, but it’s not
all-inclusive.
Tyler has Nephrotic Syndrome, a kidney disease in which valuable
protein in the blood leaks into...
Developed by a speech and language pathologist, Fun with
Directions is an iPad app designed to practice listening and following
directions.
In addition to teaching directions, Fun with Directions
enhances learning of colors, spatial...
Being an Equine Specialist for the Papillion Center for FASD has changed my life in the best way. I got certified through EAGALA in 2010. However, it wasn't until 2011 that we got a horse. In one trip we actually ended up...
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, also commonly
called ADHD, is a condition that affects children and adults and is
characterized by hyperactive, overactive, or impulsive behavior. Individuals with attention deficit
hyperactivity...
urTalker Lite is a communication device that gives a voice
to non-verbal individuals or those who struggle with speaking.
The app comes with 7 categories and over 150 images, and it
also includes the ability for customization, so you can...
Naxos is one of the most well known and respected names in
classical music, and their app My First Classical Music App is a demonstration of
their high quality and perseverance to get classical music into the hands of
children.
Music appreciation...
In neuroscientist John T. Caccioppo’s book “Loneliness: Human Nature and the Need for Social Connection”, brain scans, blood pressure, and immune functions are studied to show how social interaction is powerful enough to change DNA...
Almost every school activity, including listening to teachers, interacting with classmates, singing along in music class, following instructions in physical education, etc, depends on the ability for students to process sounds and have a strong...
One of the biggest challenges that parents of children on
the autism spectrum must cope with is their own stress. How you manage your
stress can be a huge factor in both the quality of your own life and in the
life of your child. If you are overrun...
The American Youth Symphony performed their first of three
concerts in the Elfman Project, a series that features the work of beloved film
composer Danny Elfman. The
audience was a varied group of AYS members, the player’s families, UCLA alum...
News reports of abuse against individuals with disabilities
have been exploding across the news.
Stories of children being left on the bus, subjected to electroshock
therapy, and even parents sending kids to school with a wire because of...
To
continue the theme from last month, “April showers bring May Flowers” I would
like to present three flower themed ideas for your family to enjoy. Spring
weather doesn’t always cooperate so kids can spend a rainy afternoon making
flowers for a...
From his voice, you wouldn’t know Shannon Rose has a
life-threatening disorder called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. And after speaking with him, you’d know
that he doesn’t let this diagnosis get in his way.
Rose says, “Since the age of birth, I’ve...
Lee R. Chasen’s book Social
Skills, Emotional Growth and Drama Therapy is the resource for the clinically proven approach to enhance social
and emotional growth for children on the autism spectrum.
Chasen gives a thorough introduction to...
Despite its slightly un-catchy name, Smart Oral Motor does
what it says -- it helps develop the skills needed for functions like eating and
speaking. There are many muscles
in your jaw, mouth, and lips that are needed for these functions, and...
I was helping Ben today with his
shopping list, which he mostly manages himself, but today he asked me when I
arrived at his house;
‘Have you worked out what we are
cooking today yet?’
A pretty complex sentence for him!
As I recovered I...
1) We are deep
philosophical thinkers and writers; gifted in the sense of our level of
thinking. Perhaps poets, professors, authors, or avid readers of nonfictional
genre. I don’t believe you can have Aspergers without being highly-intelligent...
May is Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, and as asthma
affects 25 million Americans, 7 million of them children, it is important to
know what triggers asthma.
Asthma is a respiratory disease that can be anywhere from
mild to life threatening....
An ideal app for young readers, Cimo Spelling helps teach
sight words with the help of an adorable penguin pal, Cimo. The app teaches a variety of high
frequency and sight words from the Dolch Sight Words list.
Cimo Spelling features the word...
Traveling
with children can be difficult; traveling with a special needs child can be a
nightmare! However, if you are
prepared ahead of time, it can (almost) be a breeze.
Two weeks before the travel date,
I create a columned...
The Diagnostic
Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders is the text for diagnosis the array
of mental illnesses. The manual
covers everything from an overview to lists of specific symptoms individuals
must meet in order to be given a diagnosis...
Need a little exercise? Try the Nintendo Wii.
A group of researchers discovered that video games, such as some
provided by the Nintendo Wii, help individuals with cerebral palsy by giving
them moderate physical activity, which helps...
Tap Times Tables is the next level up from Math Plus Minus,
developed by PKCLsoft. Originally
designed to be a way to learn and memorize times tables through repetition, Tap
Times Tables is a fun and interactive game with scores and rewards....
With the surge of gluten-free and casein-free (dairy-free)
diets, many parents might have difficulty ensuring their children are still
getting adequate nutrition. Many
of us know milk products are perhaps the easiest and most well known way to...
Everyone has heroes. I know I do.
Some of mine are MS heroes. I plan, from time to time, to share my MS heroes
with you, tell a bit about who they are and how they are important in the MS
world. My first MS Hero is Dr. Jean Martin Charcot (...
KiD’n
TOGETHER
Alex
& Ben, The Meisel Brothers
Making
Music and Building Community that
is Special-Needs-Connected
The music of KiD’n
TOGETHER started through our family’s love of Alex’s
son Matthew who was born with Down Syndrome...
Dear
Developmental Doc,
We
have a 10-year-old son who is on Resperidal and Zoloft who is having really
severe behaviors in school and at home when ANY type of demand is put on him.
He hits, scratches, spits, kicks, etc.
Any suggestions for us...
The Rooster Who Lost His Voice is a tale of a rooster and
his family in friends, but it is more than a simple storybook app; it is an app
full of lively animations and is more like a trip to the theater than just a
narrated story.
Developed...
Many parents are often overly conscious of their child’s
behavior -- when one thing seems odd, some parents jump to conclusions like “my
child must have autism.” Many
children might seem “obsessed” with behaviors such as organizing and...
Osteopenia is a precursor to osteoporosis, and it typically
occurs in adults over the age of 55.
So why are many children showing signs of bone loss? One cause might be celiac disease.
Osteopenia falls in between healthy bone and...
Auditory Workout is a way to get pumped up about improving
auditory attention and memory.
Developed by a speech and language pathologist, Auditory Workout is a
great app for children ages 4 to 10 with auditory processing disorders,
receptive...
As
an adult looking back I realize I have always had special needs people in my
life. More so I have often felt special needs myself from time to time. This is
now what my life revolves around. Special needs is in my life...
While the special needs population continues to grow,
government funding is decreasing.
In late March 2012, the CDC announced that 1 in 88 children have autism,
and a research study estimated the annual cost of autism in the United States
is $...
Storybooks brought into the realm of digital media are ways
of sharing stories anytime and anywhere.
My Friend Isabelle is the story of two friends, Charlie and Isabelle -- even
though they are the same age, they are different.
Written by...
Starabella is a captivating story about a young girl with
learning differences who expresses herself through music. In the second book in this series,
Starabella ventures out into the community and finds herself riveted by the circus
but later...
January 21,
2011. It was a day that started
off like any other day, except about noonish I found out that my daughter had
skipped school. I rushed home and
called around but nobody had seen her.
Then, about 4 p.m. or so the...
Humans by nature are musical beings -- most people you meet
will admit they love music. As a
music therapist, I encourage all parents I know to get their kids a drum and a
keyboard, no matter their age or level of ability. And now I have...
Scientists in the UK have successfully restored sight for
two British men who were completely blind. These two men had retinis pigmentosa, which is a genetic
condition that results in blindness.
UK doctors implanted a wireless device in the...
A study published January 2012 by the American Association
on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AIDD) says many adults with
disabilities do not have regular daily activities. This lack of educational-vocational activity leads to...
We spoke about afterschool enrichment programs last month
and now I’d like to discuss curriculum based programs that may be included in a
child’s IEP.
As previously discussed; enrichment programs are a great way
to introduce your child to the...
While nothing can really replace old-fashioned paper books,
interactive story apps like Bill the Fish certainly give them a run for their
money. Bill the Fish is a story
that celebrates individuality and teaches children that it’s okay to be...
Many of us have experienced the interactive book; it’s not
just a story, but an interactive game thrown into the mix gives it that extra
spark. In Martin King’s book Jack Hunter: Secret of the King, you
will find clues to a secret code-breaker...
The Myelin Repair Foundation (MRF) is changing the world of medical research, starting with developing a myelin repair therapeutic for multiple sclerosis faster than the status quo.This brief video by Scott Johnson, president and founder of the MRF...
Much research suggests that around 40 percent of all
children with autism also have epilepsy.
This finding proposes that the two are linked, and a study published
from the Boston Children’s Hospital suggests that a drug that has already...
My
name is Xiomara Montes, I am 35 years old, born on the island of Puerto Rico. I
have 5 years of marriage, and my husband served in the U.S. Armed Forces. We
have 3 beautiful children, two girls and one boy. Our first daughter is 10
years, a very...
Many blogs and special needs supporters are writing
responses to “I Wish I Didn’t Have Asperger’s.” These supporters do not know who this person is, but someone typed “I wish I
didn’t have Asperger’s” into Google, and now floods of parents,...
The genius of Dr. Stanley Greenspan, author of the
Developmental, Individual Differences, and Relationship model (DIR), laid in
his ability to understand the development of the natural human mind and
applying this progression to a model with...
May is Healthy Vision Month, and you can celebrate with
Lily’s Picturebook, a distinctive app that features white-on-black and
black-on-white images designed for the visually impaired.
Lily’s Picturebook also includes over 50 different word
signs...
Having a special need does not necessarily cause depression
amongst individuals -- rather, it is the frequent bullying or being left out
that causes emotional turmoil.
While much research points to the fact that bullying
increases risk for academic...
Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital in Toronto is
planning the first ever clinical trial of robot-assisted therapy for children with cerebral palsy.
The two-and-a-half year study is slated to start in June,
and it will investigate the...
Laughter is more than just a sound -- it’s a whole body
experience. 15 facial muscles
contract, our breathing becomes irregular as we half-close our larynx, and even
our tear ducts can become activated.
Our muscles throughout our bodies...
If you’re looking for an interactive journey through
different lands where you’re faced with obstacles and challenges, then Roxie’s
A-MAZE-ing Vacation Adventure is the app for you.
Ride in cars, boats, planes, and hot-air balloons as you
navigate...
The National Institute of Health reports that up to 15
percent of the U.S. population might have dyslexia. As one of the most common learning disabilities, dyslexia
has been the subject of much research.
A study published April 2012 in the...
What is Anxiety?
“It’s the extreme
fear of being scrutinized and judged by others in social or performance
situations: Social anxiety disorder can wreak havoc on the lives of those who
suffer from it. This disorder is not simply
shyness...
W is for Wellness
Of all the words associated with autism spectrum disorders the
word "wellness" tends to be a loaded term. Honestly I don't
truly understand why but it is. There are accepted medical practices which add
to a person's wellness...
Communication is hard for most people, and it can be even
more of a challenge for individuals with special needs. Abilipad gives children and adults a
means of communication through sophisticated notepads, keyboards, and
text-to-speech...
Raising a special needs child is by far not an easy task. Your daily life changes in ways that no parent can ever imagine
possible. Now add into that the fact that your child has a genetic syndrome
that doctors and medical professionals...
Many of us have seen felt boards in school classrooms, and
creating images with felt shapes is an exciting tactile experience for kids --
the Felt Board app brings that creativity and stimulation in a compact mobile
application.
Felt Board is...
Starabella is the heroine of a series of three audio and
picture books about a girl with learning differences whose eyes shine like
stars when she is happy. Book one
is entitled Starabella: Mystery Girl of Music,
and it centers around...
The Los Angeles City Council agreed to pay $2.1 million in
legal fees to a disability group for neglecting to include evacuation
procedures for individuals with disabilities.
The nonprofit organization Communities Actively Living
Independent and...
If you wanted more research about the causes and treatment
of learning disabilities, you’re going to get it. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) awarded $9 million over 5 years to the University of Houston’s Texas Center for Learning...
Mobile technology is not just for kids -- many professionals
are finding apps are great ways to stimulate their clients and provide
meaningful experiences in therapy sessions. SLP Minimal Pairs is an app for speech-language pathologists
to...
While the movement to label boxes of food as “gluten-free”
has certainly made a gluten-free diet much easier, eating right on any diet can
be a challenge. Gluten-free diets
can be just as healthy or unhealthy as any other diet, so it’s...
Hi everyone. How are you all today? As for me, good. Just chillin in my bedroom on Skype.For those of you who don't know me yet, hi my name is Dora. I am age 20, I am totally blind, I use a screen reader on both my Iphone 4 and my Windows XP Desktop...
If you’re the parent of a gifted
child, then you probably feel very proud of your child and his academic
accomplishments -- and rightfully so! Gifted children have so much to offer,
and a great deal of potential. Teachers often regard them favorably...
When looking at many apps each day, the ones that stand out
quite often are the ones that are the most versatile and will have applications
for many scenarios. Tapikeo HD is
an iPad app that allows you to create audio-enabled picture books,...
From the Editor: Going gluten free doesn't mean you have to sacrifice Macaroni and Cheese -- check out this incredible recipe from Gluten Free Mom Jamie Eppenauer.Gluten and Dairy Free Macaroni and Cheese
3 cups gluten free macaroni (we use...
“Let’s make the letter C mean cookies,” it says on Cookies
for Kids’ Cancer website. Cookies
for Kids’ Cancer in a non-profit organization founded by parents of a child who
fought pediatric cancer.
Gretchen and Larry Witt had their...
There are many ingredients in our food that we oftentimes
don’t know about -- and they can cause dramatic side effects. Food dyes are regularly added to food
products, and while they might make food look good, they might cause negative...
An experimental drug has implications for improving two
signature symptoms of autism -- repetitive behavior and awkward social
interactions.
The drug, called GRN-529, was successfully tested with
laboratory mice; these mice were bred with the...
Do you know what an infant seizure looks
like?
Until a year ago, just like many of you, I
would have answered no.
My daughter, Lola Anabelle Howell, was
born on January 4th, 2011 at 4:42 a.m. in a Costa Rican hospital. The doctors and...
We’ve heard mothers exasperated at their children’s claims
of “oh, I can’t do my chores -- my autism hurts.” With Chore Pad, you can easily keep track of daily chores,
so there’s no excuse for not completing routine activities or household...
“Welcome to a
bright new world -- where all children play and get along and are accepted for
exactly who they are,” says Tara Fialco, a composer and lyricist for the books
in the Starabella audio and picture book series, written by Sharon Fialco....
My husband is a pediatric neurosurgeon and a passionate
fisherman. He passed that love for fishing to our son, taking him at the age of
five in a jon boat out onto a lake to bait his first hook and catch his first
fish. Naturally, the fish was...
Legislation is pending in Pennsylvania, Missouri, and New
York for limiting the amount insurers can charge patients for physical, speech,
and occupational therapy. South
Dakota and Kentucky lawmakers have already passed laws regarding these...
I’ve written for 200 newspapers, Time magazine, and Business
Week. I have published a bestselling book on career advice but I have never
written for a special needs audience.
I don’t think I really thought of myself as special needs until the last...
“Music therapy is a remarkably therapeutic tool that is used
in a wide range of disabilities to help enhance social, physical, emotional,
and behavioral skills in those individuals,” says Judy Winter, co-founder of
the Eric “RicStar” Winter Music...
Parents of every stripe
have the primary mission of making sure their children grow up with the tools
they will need to be successful, useful, and prosperous as adults. We do whatever we can to make sure they
have opportunities to learn, grow...
Watch the following YouTube video from Stuart Chaifetz,
father of a boy with autism, and you will be shocked, horrified, and even get
angry. And you should.
On Februrary 17, 2012, Chaifetz sent his son, Akian, to
school wearing a wire. ...
Simplex Spelling is a top educational app for learning
reading, spelling, and phonics, and after just the introductory lesson, it’s
easy to see why.
A very pleasant voice narrates the user through the Simplex
Spelling app, and it is a high quality...
According to a study commissioned by the Massachusetts
Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, children from low-income
families are almost twice as likely to be placed in special education than
other students.
African American and...
Understanding Reactive Attachment Disorder -- An Overview of One
of the More Misunderstood Conditions Affecting Child Welfare
A few years ago, I spent a good bit
of my time crisscrossing the country lecturing on the topic of Reactive
Attachment...
Math is not everyone’s favorite subject, but kids need basic
math skills for school and everyday life.
Making math fun with apps like Math Plus Minus is a great way to
stimulate, encourage, and improve math skills.
Designed for young...
Angelman Syndrome is a neuro-genetic disorder that is often
misdiagnosed as autism or cerebral palsy.
Symptoms include developmental delay, seizures, lack of speech, and
motor disorders. Named after Dr.
Harry Angelman, who first noted...
Gluten-free diets are hot topics, even for children with special needs. Gluten intolerance is becoming more
common, and it is important to know the signs and symptoms of celiac disease,
which is one of the leading causes of gluten-related...
Most people are unaware of what occupational
therapists do and are surprised to learn that many of them work with children.
It helps to think about the “occupations” of a child’s life: play, school, and
self-help skills. If a child is struggling in...
If you
are a mother, you are connected to your children in an extraordinary way --
feeling their pain, shedding tears together, and celebrating in their triumphs,
no matter how large or small. You persevere, even when exhausted. You smile, even
when...
Mobile technology is changing the way people view therapy
for special needs. In return,
companies like Wynsum Arts and app developers are changing the way mobile
technology works for special needs.
Many lists of the best iPad Apps for...
Reading fluency is just an app away with Learning Touch
Sight Words Pro. The app features
over 300 words most commonly used in the English language, and it focuses on
core vocabulary all children will need.
Use Sight Words Pro to develop:...
Most people have heard about shock therapy treatments, a
popular method of treating individuals with emotional and behavioral disorders in
the 40s and 50s. What many people
don’t know is this treatment is still used.
Researchers are unsure...
For some kids, going to the doctor involves nail biting,
nerves, and even tantrums.
Transitions and new experiences are difficult for many children, and
using stories through technology can help prepare children for occasions like
trips to the...
22 Things a Woman with Asperger’s Syndrome Wants Her Partner
to Know
Most adults would agree that dating and relationships are
hard. Communication, control
issues, mood swings, and emotions all converge together in one pot, and
sometimes it...
Nxt App 4 Kids is an engaging and interactive math game that
encourages learning of basic math skills.
The app includes 5 stages of varying levels, so it is appropriate for a
variety of learners and age levels.
The Nxt App 4 Kids app asks a...
Enhance your child’s cognitive skills with the Which Does
Not Belong? app. The app is simple
in design and asks one question -- “which of these items does not belong with
the others?” Five pictures show up
on the screen, and the user...
Gluten-free and casein-free diets (also referred to as GFCF)
continue to grow in popularity as an alternative remedy for treating special
needs like autism or ADHD. While
some parents say their child’s symptoms disappear while on these diets,...
Imperfect parenting as seen through the eyes a CHImP.
If you've read many books on special needs parenting and
blogs, you’ve probably noticed that many of the authors have lots of impressive
initials after their name.
I, however, don’t.
In fact,...
With the increase of cases of autism and autism awareness
comes a wealth of information, and parents are often bombarded with both good
information and misinformation.
Licensed psychologist Dr. Gary Brown put together an applet called
Autism...
As
a country, we like to tout that we have the best medical care in the world,
that we are cutting edge, innovative, and of the highest of quality. We are simply fabulous. And we are, depending on the stick we
are measuring with. ...
Autism presents its own set of challenges when it comes to
parenting and disciplining at home and in school. Children with autism tend to have difficulty communicating,
and they typically either retreat into themselves or become frustrated and...
In light of autism awareness month, I have been pondering exactly what autism awareness means. As a neurotypical living within a family sprinkled with aspergians, I have learned most likely more from my family than them from me. Mostly, to step out...
Trying to sort through the hundreds of thousands of products
for special needs is a hassle.
With the rise of mobile technology also comes another slew of apps and
other products that may or may not have applications for special needs. ...
I hadn’t written a single song in my life when I decided to
become a music therapist, nor did I have plans to do so. But plans change, especially when I
started working with children who were diagnosed with autism.
I learned very quickly...
How many times have we heard children (and even adults) say,
“That’s retarded”? The answer is
probably too many to count. While
racial slurs and other derogatory terms have fallen out of popular use, the
words “retard” and “retarded” are...
Learn how to read and compose music with Jellybean Tunes! With a catchy name and colorful design,
Jellybean Tunes is bound to excite and stimulate your child.
Creativity is essential for child development, and some
children need an extra push...
Music therapy and
autism are buzzwords that are being heard often in the news recently. But many people still ask what is music
therapy? What is autism? And what is the connection between the
two? I am a board-certified music...
Hazardous Parenting:
How to Regain and Maintain Your
Life While Raising a Child with Dis-Regulated Behaviours and Behavior Disorders
Hazardous Parenting is a term I use to describe and define the
parenting experience of raising children who have...
Many parents have heard the phrase “early intervention,” but
what does it really mean? Early
intervention is key to helping prevent or lessen the symptoms of developmental
disabilities, such as autism.
Early intervention can help...
While the app entitled “i See-quence…My Daily Schedule,
Recall My Day and Learn Calendar Concepts” might be a mouthful, it capabilities
live up to expectations and fulfill a multitude of goals.
The app is a part of the “i See-quence” series, which...
Cystic fibrosis is a chronic disease in which the protein
product of a defective gene produces thick and sticky mucus, which clogs the
lungs and prevents the pancreas from helping the body break down food.
Symptoms of cystic fibrosis include:...
When going to the cinema, I love the previews almost as much
as actually getting to see the movie.
But on this weekend’s movie trip, the pre-movie advertising proved to be
infuriating.
Before a trailer for the documentary “Bully” was an...
Pervasive development disorder, often called a developmental
disorder or PDD, is another term for autism spectrum disorders. PDD includes autism, Asperger’s
disorder, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and PDD-NOS, or pervasive...
Ready for hours of iPad fun? Now you have it with Faces iMake.
Right-brain thinking, originality, having fun, exploring,
playing, opening your mind, learning, creating, discovering, trying new things,
and engaging in an open-ended activity...
Teaching kids with special needs to swim is not only a good
idea, it’s essential. Swimming
lessons help kids with special needs
in a number of key areas, including greater muscle strength and physical
endurance, increased flexibility, more...
ADHD and ADD are terms most often associated with children,
but ADHD in adults is commonly misunderstood and unmentioned in many reports. Many children with attention deficit
hyperactive disorder will carry these characteristics into their...
The right school is the key to your child’s educational
success. However, if your child
has learning disabilities or personality disorders, finding the right school
for him can be a challenge. Many
of these children are considered “at-...
On April 24, 2012, a mother of a special needs child
reported her son was restrained in a choke hold by a school supervisor on the
bus. Even when she was there to
pick up her son, the supervisor would not release her son until the police...
Many families of children with special needs make the common
mistake of not setting up a trust fund. The families think that there is no need to since they are
still healthy and young, or they think it may be a waste since they do not have
a...
“First, it’s important to know that a story about autism
isn’t a story about a single child.
It is a story about an entire family,” writes Glen Finland in her memoir
Next Stop. It’s a love story, and not just about romantic love, but the...
No one likes to think about the circumstances that can take
their life, especially when they have young children at home. Sadly, situations can occur, and if the
proper procedures are not taken while you were still alive, it can cause a lot
of...
Cerebral palsy is a disorder that affects as many as 500,000
children and adults each year. What
is cerebral palsy? Cerebral palsy
is the term used to describe the many disorders caused by abnormal development
or damage to the brain...
For individuals with special needs, sometimes completing
activities of daily living (ADLs) can be a challenge. ChoiceWorks is an excellent learning tool for teaching
children about daily routines and completing them.
Based on the ChoiceWorks...
In the fight for your child’s special education, there may be
issues along the way. While
special education was designed to meet children’s unique learning needs, there
are many times when a certain teacher or the school board cause more harm...
Most people will check to make sure they’ve turned off the
stove after cooking or turned off the lights when leaving the house. While the impulse to check things is a
typical human condition, people with OCD feel the need to check things...
As special needs children most often get more than their
“share” of their parent’s attention, siblings of special needs kids also have
their own special needs. Licensed
marriage and family therapist Rachel Bernstein gives parents some tips for...
Overview
of Common Types of Learning Disabilities
If your child has trouble with schoolwork and learning, it
can be both frustrating for you and your child. Your child may feel unintelligent, and you may feel that your
child is not trying his...
Apps for special needs don’t have to be complicated, and
apps can serve multiple needs or just one. The Learning Heroes Animal Sounds app is simple in design
and function, but it creates a fun atmosphere for learning animal sounds.
Learning...
The whole purpose of a special needs trust fund, which can
also be referred to as a supplemental needs trust, is to provide financial
support for a disabled person without disqualifying them from receiving
government assistance. Trust funds...
Life is unpredictable, especially if you are a parent of a
child with special needs. The one
thing that should not be unpredictable is what would happen to your child if
anything were to happen to you. Making
the proper plans now by...
Appointing a Trustee
for Your Special Needs Trust Fund
Setting up a trust fund for your child with special needs is
the best thing you can do to ensure that his or her future is secure in the
unlikely event of something happening to you or your...
There are many, many times
I feel I am a substandard mom, and I hold June Cleaver personally responsible.
Well, her, Carol Brady, Marion Cunningham, Cliff & Clair Huxtable, Elyse
and Steven Keaton and maybe even Marge Simpson.
After all, these...
Marriage by itself can be a hard thing to maintain -- when you
add a special needs child to the family, the stress placed on the system and
the marriage can cause friction.
Follow some tips from licensed marriage and family therapist Rachel...
When it comes to hiring a special needs attorney, there are many
things to consider. A special
education attorney can be a lifesaver when it comes to complex cases or special
education cases that require a lot of time and energy. The...
Alligator Apps is an educational app designer dedicated to
helping your child succeed. Their
apps teach children to learn how to read, write, and speak, and they introduce
math and problem solving techniques.
Their Phonics Genius app is...
“The
Interactive Metronome (IM) is a research-based training program that helps
children and adults overcome attention, memory, and coordination limitations,”
according to the official Interactive Metronome website. It is a therapy that...
What Is ADHD?
With the number of learning disorders and physical
disabilities treated each year, one that often gets misdiagnosed or
misunderstood is ADHD. What is
ADHD? ADHD stands for Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder. ...
Let’s face it -- most of us learned about counting from a
very cute and very hungry green insect.
Night & Day Studios brings our lovable friend to life in the app
Counting with the Very Hungry Caterpillar.
The app builds a basic math...
Do you suspect your child might have Asperger’s
syndrome? Has your pediatrician
recommended testing? You’re
probably stressed out and worried, wondering what comes next. It’s not going to be easy, but with a
positive mindset and an...
Emma ate a
slice of pizza last night.
That
sentence required some space. It needed to be written by itself with
nothing else. For most of you, this may seem like an
excuse-me-while-I-yawn moment. But for us, it was a
DID-YOU-SEE-...
Raise your hand if commercial non-dairy yogurt like So Delicious® and Amande have been a godsend. It sure has for this dairy-free, soy-free family!When we travel, we hit the nearest Whole Foods or Natural Grocers to stock the...
Autism is not just one thing. Some researchers have even compared it to conditions like
cancer -- there are many possible causes, and the autism science community is
hoping to pin down its etiology and hopefully find a cure or the best...
The CDC recently released their latest findings which state that autism is now found in 1 out of 88 children in the United States. This can be further divided into boys (1 in 54) and girls (1 in 252).The risks increases if you already have a...
Researcher Dennis Wall at Harvard Medical School says he can
diagnose autism in a matter of minutes.
Any parents who have gone through a diagnosis of autism for their
child know that it is a lengthy and complicated process. With the...
No More Us against Them;
Time for Us and Them…one professional’s perspective
Fear, budget cuts,
distrust, lack of knowledge, unrealistic expectations and no idea of priorities seem to form the foundation
of many special educational planning...
If you are angry, frustrated, or just plain feeling hopeless
about your relationship with your ADHD partner, you would not be alone. Many couples get married not realizing
that one or both of them has ADHD.
The undiagnosed symptoms...
With the rise of autism and the promotions to increase
autism awareness, April is a pretty full month. However, autism shares April with occupational therapy, and
the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. (AOTA) lovingly calls April...
How often do you enter a place of business, such
as a hospital, school, or fortune 500 company and you immediately come face to
face with its mission statement? Do you read that statement? Do you
know the purpose behind such a statement...
Bird and puzzle lovers unite for the Piece Me Birds app from
Fashion Buddha. Piece Me Birds is
one in a series of Piece Me Puzzle educational apps and features the art of Amy
Ruppel.
Using a simple design, Piece Me Birds is easy to navigate...
Special education is a program designed to meet and protect
children with unique needs. Special
education can serve many children of many different types of disabilities, from
physical disabilities to mental disabilities or learning...
The
children’s verse “April Showers bring May flowers” sets the theme for this
month’s fun ideas. For many
families spring does bring unpredictable weather with some warm days and some
cold days, rain and sometimes snow.
When it is too...
Parents respond in
different ways to a child’s special needs diagnosis. Some parents are devastated by the news. Many are relieved to have their
suspicions confirmed. Some need
time to think before taking action, while others want...
The average age for autism diagnosis is 4 years, but what if
we could diagnose it sooner?
IntegraGen, Inc. has announced the ARISk assessment test, which looks at
gender-specific genetic markers to assess the risk of autism in children. ...
Communication apps are enabling children to learn how to
communicate anywhere and at any time.
HaloTalk by AdastraSoft is simple yet powerful augmentive learning
software.
The app includes over 50 pairs of commonly used responses,
and each...
“The brain is centrally involved in everything,” says Sue
Othmer, clinical director of the EEG Institute in Woodland Hills, California. She and her husband became interested
in the area when their son was diagnosed with epilepsy. They...
In a study released April 9, 2012 by Pediatrics, researchers
looked at the possible link between metabolic conditions and autism. While there were more cases of autism
amongst mothers with metabolic conditions, such as diabetes, obesity, and...
In the world of special needs, there is a great amount of
statistics flying around, and one of the most shocking numbers is that an
estimated 80-90 percent of marriages involving special needs children end in
divorce. Rachel Bernstein, a...
As a parent, there are going to be many times when you have to
fight for your child’s education. This
fight is even more prevalent if you are a parent of a special needs child or a
child with a learning disability. Many
times you will be...
Many people spend their lives searching for a career that be not only financially lucrative, but also emotionally fulfilling. For those who want to make a difference in the lives of others, and earn a special place in someone's heart along...
Achievement and Learning Centers for Students with Learning Disabilities
As parents to children with special needs or
learning disabilities, it may feel like there is never enough you can do for
your child and his education. This
feeling may...
How to Select a
Special Needs Attorney: Questions to Ask Your Attorney Before Hiring Them
As a parent of a special needs child, you don’t plan on needing a special
needs attorney, yet sometimes certain circumstances just come up. While you...
Autism can seem like a mysterious disease that can affect
any family. It causes one to question,
“How do you get autism?” as well as make parents wonder if they did something
wrong to cause their child to be autistic. However, just as...
If you have a child with special needs, you may find yourself in certain
circumstances that require you to go to court and to use a special needs
attorney. No matter what the case
is, the right attorney is essential to find. The wrong...
Many parents appreciate books and resources from people who
“have been there.” Finally, there
is a book dedicated to the diagnosis of apraxia just for parents, written by
R.N. and B.S.N. Leslie A. Lindsay, who also happens to be a parent of a...
Stormy weather or natural disasters, such as earthquakes and
tornadoes, often scare any child, but these events can be magnified for
children with special needs. Most
parents understand these disasters, but are you prepared? Check out...
Natural Treatments
are the Best Treatments for Adult ADD
The stress of being an adult is hard enough with the
constant responsibilities and challenges. Add Adult ADD to the picture and life is even more complex. Work, relationships, and...
When it comes to your child and their education, it is
natural to only want the best. However,
if your child has special needs or a learning disability, a regular classroom
setting may not be best for them. In
fact, your child may be...
When enrolling your child with special needs or a learning
disability into school, you may have heard the phrase I.E.P. tossed around a
few times. If this is your first
child that needs to enter special education, the I.E.P. process can be a...
We have been
blogging for several weeks
about how to increase the odds of raising children with special medical needs
who are responsible, confident, and independent in all areas of life including
around self-care issues. Now let's look briefly at...
Aligning The Mis-aligned…Understanding your Parenting Style and
Aligning yourself as Parents
Every
person enters into the ever so bumpy journey of parenthood with an idea of what
it will be like based on childhood experiences and presently held...
Build phonemic awareness with Sound Sorting from Lakeshore Learning Materials!Phonemic awareness is a pre-reading skill, and the term refers to a child's understanding that words are built from sounds that can be arranged in different...
I’ll never forget the first time a child on the Autism
Spectrum showed up in my office, over twenty years ago. Chase was three years
old. He did not speak, did not respond to language. He did not even respond to his
name. Nothing seemed to grab his...
If you are a parent to a child on the Autism Spectrum, you
most likely have seen your child improve, at least somewhat, through therapy
and through your own efforts to help your child. At the same time you know the
depth of the mystery of your child...
The mystery surrounding autism’s causes frequently leads to
research, including gene studies.
New gene studies investigating hundreds of families of children with
autism have pointed out that mutations might be responsible for some cases of...
Enrolling your child into special education is the best
thing you can do for your child if they have severe learning disabilities or
special needs. However, getting
started with the program can be intimidating since there are so many steps and...
Individual Educational Plans (IEPs) are established for
special needs children or children with learning disabilities to ensure that
they have an equal chance at learning and education. The whole IEP process can be an intimidating and
time-...
As you may have already discovered, getting a child enrolled
in an Individual Education Plan, (IEP), and special education can be a
momentous task. However, once your
child gets evaluated and approved into special education, things will get...
The Importance of Neuro-Typical Play Dates for Children with
Autism
Dear Developmental Doc:
Do you have any ideas for helping my
autistic child make friends? I recently started to volunteer in my daughter’s
kindergarten classroom (she’s in a full...
SpecialNeeds.com is pleased to have this Q&A session with Dr. Kevin Ross Emery, a Certified Catalyst and author of books about ADD/HD. Read further for Dr. Emery's discussion of his practice and revolutionary ideas about ADD/HD.Q: ...
The stigma surrounding autism suggests that individuals with
autism are dumb or incapable of learning and work, but this picture is not very
accurate.
According to a study published March 2012 in the Journal of
Abnormal Psychology, people with...
With the CDC’s 2012 announcement that an estimated 1 in 88
children have autism, many researchers and parents are looking for
answers. Recent substantial
evidence points to environmental chemicals as a possible cause of autism. In 2010,...
Last year I spent one fall morning
filling out forms so that my 9-year-old son could see yet another specialist,
get yet another evaluation, have yet another appointment with someone we were
hoping could help us figure him out. At the time, his...
Discover the best apps for autism with Wynsum Arts i.AM
Search. This app makes it easy to
discover which apps for autism are right for your child.
As children with special needs are not “one size fits all,”
it can be difficult to find...
Out of several learning disabilities, dyspraxia is not one
commonly heard by many people. Dyspraxia affects about two percent of children, the majority
of which are males. Like many
other disabilities, dyspraxia can vary in its degree of...
When it comes to RAD, 8 seems to be our “magic number.” My daughter was 8 years old when she
was diagnosed. It took 8 years
before I could honestly say she seems to be healing. We’ve gone through 8 therapists. But most taxing...
ADD/HD
has been one of the top, steadily increasing diagnoses for children. The statistics are both amazing and
alarming that suddenly you can't go anywhere that some child or adult doesn’t
either know someone or is someone who has been...
Types of Learning
Disabilities: What is Dysgraphia?
With the several types of learning disabilities known, it is
not uncommon for your child to have one. Having a learning disability does not mean your child is
unintelligent. Many times...
The meeting of the Literary Society was just about to get
underway when the young man sitting next to me stood up and socked me in the
face. The impact knocked my
glasses across my nose and stung my cheek. He finished pulling off his...
Bring the traditional idea of storytime into the technological
age. The Lost Gorilla -- Mom, It’s
Me! App is a digital photo story that allows your child to put himself into the
story. Made by My Digital Photo
Story, this story is one of...
Types of Learning
Disabilities: What is Dyscalculia?
When it comes to the different types of learning
disabilities, everyone seems to know the common ones, such as dyslexia or the
learning challenges that come with attention disorders, such as ADD...
Testing for dyslexia is a good idea if your child is having
problems with schoolwork or reading and writing comprehension. You may want to test your child for
dyslexia if the child’s teacher recommends it as well. There are many signs...
One of the easiest ways to help children learn responsibility, make good choices about their bodies, and pave the way to a successful transition/transfer is using the power of example. Kids learn far more from the examples we set...
Many parents of special needs children lament their children
being left out of sports programs and other games at school. While many schools are supportive of
the mainstreaming and inclusion method for education, special needs children
are...
Fully immerse your child in a dynamic and interactive
counting learning experience with Montessori Counting Boards by Grasshopper
apps.
Many people might think learning to count is a simple
task. For some special needs
children, however,...
Don’t just learn math -- live it. The iLiveMath app series from iHomeEducator blends math with
themes from around the world. The
series includes the themes:
Animals of AfricaWinter SportsOceansSpeedTrainsFord CarsFarm FreshEntomology...
Many researchers, scientists, doctors, therapists, parents,
and caregivers agree that early intervention is the key to improving autism
symptoms and helping children with autism reach a high-functioning state. But can we detect autism early...
Why is it that some children with autism “get better,” while
others continue to struggle with their symptoms? Early intervention and therapy involving learning proper
social and communication skills are essential to reducing the prevalence of...
When we stop seeing ADD/HD
individuals as broken, we can stop trying to fix them, especially quick fix
them. When we can embrace working
with their own natural rhythms, harmonies, and their uniqueness, then we can
truly take advantage of a...
School Based Programs Revisited
My last article spoke briefly about afterschool enrichment
programs as well as curriculum based programs during the school day. I’d like
to discuss more about afterschool enrichment programs this month and next month...
Suitable housing is one
of the most important factors for independent living for persons with special
needs. It
can also be one of the most expensive, both in terms of capital investment and
annual costs. Use a business
approach to...
IWithin
the last decade there has been an increasing awareness of the relationship
between learning and cognitive skills.
The term “cognitive skill” refers to any mental skill that is used in
the process of acquiring knowledge, including...
Self-Tests for
Parents to Do at Home to Test for Dyslexia
When it is comes to testing for dyslexia, there is not one
true test that can be done. Because
of this problem, many children have dyslexia, yet go untreated for it, while
other...
How to Figure Out if
Child Has Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a common learning disorder that affects many
children and adults. The proper
recognition of dyslexia can help children and adults manage their learning
disability and even help them succeed...
An article in USA Today reported that home schooling
has been on a steady rise for the last five years and that the reasons for home
schooling have shifted. There are
now 1.5 million children being home schooled, which is up 74% since they...
Appealing Denials
of Insurance Coverage for Medical Treatment
Your child’s health insurance carrier
has denied coverage for a certain medical procedure or treatment. What’s your next step?
Most insurance companies have an
appeals process...
Barefoot World Atlas brings the world to your fingertips --
literally. Explore regions and
countries of the world with this interactive 3D globe for the iPad. Enlighten your child and his curiosity
and creativity through this app, which...
Just because someone said your child has
ADD/HD does not make it so. There
are many things that can cause a child to be irritated, hyper, act out, have
meltdowns and be inattentive. In
the email and posts that I get, often the sender...
Millions of children and adults are diagnosed with
ADD, ADHD, or LD, all of which fall under the category of ADD. With this diagnosis also comes the
prescription of medication, some commonly known to the public, such as Ritalin.
There is...
If you or your child has difficulty reading due to a
learning disability such as dyslexia, you understand how important it is to get
treatment quickly; the faster you can improve skills, the faster you can catch
up in the classroom or at work....
Tell green to stand aside for a month -- April belongs to
Autism Awareness.
In March of 2012, the CDC announced that the number of cases
of autism in the United States rose to 1 in 88. Autism is five times more likely to affect boys than...
There is no reason to avoid airports and traveling because you
have a child with special needs. Yes,
special measures and extra planning need to be done, but with the right
organization and a good attitude, flying with your special needs child...
As a parent or caregiver of a child with autism, there are
many resources and autism products that you can utilize. None of the autism products available
are going to cure your son or daughter, but they will make your job as the
caretaker much...
Does your child with autism thrive in his or her personal
therapy sessions? The right
therapy and therapist can work wonders with any child with special needs. Encourage your child’s therapy even more
with these cool toys and products...
With the rise of autism awareness comes further state
legislature for autism medical coverage.
Both Florida and Michigan have passed autism coverage bills for
review. These bills are intended
to help families in need pay for necessary...
Special needs children can thrive in a regular school setting, yet
many times, their behavioral issues can become a problem with the teacher,
staff, or other students. While it
may be hard to hear about your child’s behavior problems, there...
Successful Transitions: Building Hope and Resilience with Encouragement In our last couple of blogs in our transition series, we have talked about how to respond to children with medical issues when they make mistakes or poor choices. This...
Most children love going to the cinema, but while
movie-going is a pleasant experience for many families, it can be difficult for
families with children with autism.
The bright screen in a very dark room and the loud sounds from
surrounding...
Fun with learning just got colorful. PianoBall by 4baam is an exciting and
stimulating music and color tool for children.
The app features a keyboard with bright hues, and four balls
that rotate. The instrument ball
allows your children...
The majority of learning disabilities stem from underlying
sensory processing disorder. When the child's sensory processing issues are
addressed through sensory integration intervention, the road blocks to the way
the child processes starts to come...
5 Unexpected Ways to
Jump Start Your Child's Processing Skills
Sensory Integration, providing sensory processing activities
and exercises that incorporate a lot of vestibular stimulation can jump-start
your child's processing skills. Activities...
RESCUE LESS……empowering kiddos with special needs
How deep the pain and guilt must be when a parent cannot say
no to their son or daughter with special needs. How overwhelmed they must feel each day to allow their son
or daughter to dictate...
The CDC announced March 29, 2012 that an estimated 1 in 88
children have an autism spectrum disorder.
For over a decade, the CDC and the Autism and Developmental
Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network have been tracking cases of autism
spectrum...
The Best Toys for Autistic
Children
As a parent of a child with autism, it may be discouraging
at times when your child seems disinterested in several types of toys and
games. Because autistic children
process things differently and at a...
Gross Motor Skill
Activities for Special Needs Children
Most special needs children tend to have problems with their
balance, body strength, and coordination. These problems are affected by gross motor skills, or skills
that use the larger...
DTT Shapes is an app developed by Dr. Gary Brown, a licensed psychologist -- this app
is not a toy or a typical children’s game, but rather it provides therapy based
on scientific research. DTT stands
for Discrete Trial Training, and it...
For Teens in Transition, an Opportunity to AchieveAfter spending a year at a college with coursework tailored
to students with special needs, Mark lacked direction. The university environment had
supported him academically, but he needed...
Planning Stress-Free Road
Trips with Children with Special Needs
Everyone loves vacations and going to new places, but the journey
to get there can be a hard and long one. This idea is especially true when traveling with a special
needs child...
Tactile and Sensory
Activities for Special Needs Children
Many special needs children see the world with their fingertips. They learn best through “doing” and “feeling”
activities. Also, some special
needs children have challenges with...
Reading is an important first step on a child’s path to
success in life. A child that is
an excellent reader is a confident child, has a high level of self-esteem, and
is able to easily make the transition from learning to read to reading to...
Language Skill
Activities for Special Needs Children
When developing activities for special needs children, an
important skill to work on is language development and improvement. Daily activities that help improve
language skills are...
Discovering the Truth
About Asperger’s -- What Is Asperger’s?
Among many special needs children and disorders, one that is
commonly misunderstood is Asperger’s Disorder. In fact, many children with Asperger’s can go many years,
even into...
Improving ADD in a Different
Approach with Natural Remedies for ADD
The
most common approach doctors take towards treating children with ADD is to give
the parents a prescription for their child. Medications, such as Ritalin, come with risks...
First Book has a simple yet powerful mission: providing access to new books for children in need, throughout the U.S. and Canada. Since 1992, First Book has distributed more than 90 million books and educational resources to programs...
Preparing Your Child for the Future
Dr. William Lybarger, a special needs expert who provides
expert witness and executive coaching, wrote about “growing towards
separation.” When special needs
parents spend so much of their time caring for...
When asked why he
would jump out of a plane, Jesse Saperstein does not hesitate to reply, “Because
I’m insane.” All humor aside, he
adds, “I thought it would be an exciting an creative way to stop
bullying.” Indeed -- is there
anything...
Parents of children with autism, especially those children
who are non-verbal, understand the daily struggle of communication and lack of
understanding. In the book Carly’s Voice, father Arthur Fleischmann
details his personal story, with the...
Activities that Help
with Therapy and Development
If you have a child with special needs, you are most likely
very familiar with the therapeutic activities your child participates in when
they are with a therapist. While
one-on-one work with...
Starfall is an online educational resource, and now their
ABC section is available as an app for the iPhone and iPad.
When you tap on a letter, a screen shows the upper- and
lower-case letter while a voice announces the letter. Each screen...
Ten Things That 14 Year Olds Can Do To Start Preparing For a Successful Transition to Adulthood1. Get a Jump start on Your Career Path -- Explore!It’s never too early to start considering your career path, so why not start now? Having a career goal...
Organization can be
challenging for families living with a special needs child. As the parent of a daughter with
autism, I know about the overwhelming day-to-day effort that comes with raising
a child with particular necessities. ...
Sensory integration refers to the means of processing
incoming stimuli from our bodies and our environment. Our senses work together to give us an idea of ourselves and
our place within an environment.
For most people, sensory...
Multiplying Acorns by Operatio is a math-learning game for
children. By using detailed
graphics and lively music, this app creates a fun interface for learning
multiplication.
The app allows you to choose two numbers to multiply
together, and...
For a parent of a child with autism, it can be a confusing
time when it comes to getting the proper diagnosis. However, as many parents that have children with autism will
tell you, learning about their child’s diagnosis did not rob them from...
How weird! How can love as strong as
parental (or grandparent) love grow toward separation? Two weeks ago my wife
and I spent a portion of Spring Break with our grandson. He is in his first
real job out of college. We are particularly close to him...
Tap to Talk is a new application by Assistyx that “turns
handheld devices like smart phones and tablets into AAC (Augmentive and
Alternative Communication) devices.”
For those individuals unfamiliar with those terms, this app assists
nonverbal...
To celebrate Autism Awareness Month, Brookes Publishing
Company is holding several giveaways of their professional books. Each week in April, Brookes will select
two winners for a series of Paula Kluth titles or a selection from multiple...
ArtikPix is an exciting new app that helps students practice
words and articulations. Ideal for
students with speech and sound delays, the app is a fun way for children to
practice speech.
This intelligent app, developed by Eric Sailers, a...
Ahh…Reactive Attachment Disorder. It didn’t mean much to me when the therapist made that
diagnosis of my then 8-year-old daughter.
After all, I already knew her problems stemmed from the neglect she had
suffered as a baby. From...
Finding the Right
Special Ed School in California
California parents of special needs children will be happy
to know that there are several special ed schools available. These schools
range from private academies to non-public schools, which are...
I
see it in their faces…parents of teens with disabilities trying to imagine what
kind of future their son or daughter is heading towards. Often it is a look of
fear and one of exhaustion. Just
when other parents are excitedly getting their...
One of the big challenges that we face as parents of children with
special medical needs is dealing with the extra stress and frustration that
comes with the territory. When our kids make mistakes, especially around their
medical care, it’s so easy...
All About Me Storybook is one of the latest apps developed
by I Get It, LLC, who creates educational applications for iPhone, iPad, and
iPod Touch. The storybook is a
part of their Identification Series, which helps support individuals to...
It is not uncommon for parents to welcome home their
adorable, newborn baby and finding out a year later that their child has
cerebral palsy. New parents are
not to blame. Cerebral palsy is
very difficult to diagnose until the infant is...
The autism spectrum has recently been
undergoing something of a revolution in thinking thanks mainly to a number of
free-sharing individuals on the spectrum, most notably Rachel Cohen-Rottenberg,
who have spent the last few years sharing their...
Summer is just around the corner, so it’s time to start
thinking about summer camps for your special needs child. There are many exciting opportunities
for summer camps, and many are incredibly specialized -- many camps offer
summer programs...
Parents are often bombarded with advertisements for summer
camps, and it’s true there are numerous camps to choose from. The decision to send your child to a
special needs summer camp might not be easy, especially when you must weigh the...
Successful Transitions: How Do You Raise Wise Children?
All parents want to raise
wise kids. But where does wisdom really come from?
Intelligence is not the same as wisdom. Our children may have good information
about their medical conditions....
For parents of children with autism or ADHD, each day can
present new struggles for calming their children during a tantrum or
meltdown. While they are not used
much even today, weighted or pressure vests are tools, in addition to weighted...
Kids with ADHD Are Harder to Parent: Here’s How to Do It BetterSome people say that ADHD is the result of bad
parenting. There are even some
research studies that come to this same conclusion.
Here’s the part that’s true: parents of kids with...
As a parent who needs to work, daycares are a great resource to ensure your child gets the
proper care and love while you go to work. Even if you are a stay-at-home
parent, daycare is a good choice for many children because it can teach them...
Technology is revolutionizing the way therapy and treatment
modalities can be provided.
Webcams and the Internet are making it possible for therapists to help
individuals with special needs all around the world, and Lexercise is one...
Designed by Mobile Education Tools, Story Builder is one of
the highest-ranked reading apps for iPad.
The app is designed to achieve the following goals:
Improve paragraph formationImprove integration of ideasImprove higher level abstractions by...
Whether single or married, raising biological children or
other adopted children, potential adoptive families are guided by their desire
to make a difference in a child’s life, which is a wonderful starting point.
Successfully parenting a child with...
Picture this with me:
A dad. A mom. Two daughters -- one who is thirteen years old and one who
is ten years old. A nice little
family that remembers the baby days with fondness but is content for them to be
just that; memories....
It might seem as though spring has just begun, but camps are
already advertising and enrolling for their summer programs. Doing some research early will ensure
your child a spot in the summer camp of your choice. Consider the following...
Paving a successful educational road for your child can be
challenging and difficult. Depending on where your child is at on his or her
educational journey, you may have heard or researched a lot about individual
education plans (IEP) and special...
Fine Motor Skill
Activities for Special Needs Children
Many children with special needs have challenges with their fine motor skills. Therefore, it is important to
incorporate fine motor skills activities for special needs children in their
daily...
The app “iTouchiLearn Words” from Staytooned teaches
children about words through interactive word association games. Staytooned’s motto is “Edutaining Apps
for Kids,” and this app is truly an entertaining and educational experience.
Using...
For many kids the signs of spring are simple; warmer
weather, flowers in bloom, an occasional rainbow and the appearance of bugs.
However spring doesn’t arrive at the same time everywhere. So if there is still
snow on the ground at your house or the...
Most
parents are aware that swimming is a lifesaving skill that must be taught at an
early age. Sadly, drowning remains
the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for children between
one and fourteen years of age, and...
iComm, short for “I Communicate,” is a picture and voice
communication aid for children -- it works well for pre-speech toddlers and
children with disabilities who have trouble communicating. Using pictures and words, the program allows...
Weighted blankets are affordable tools that nearly any child
with special needs should have.
Sensory Goods is a company that designs these blankets to help
individuals with developmental disorders, including those with autism and
sensory...
I saw this
quote the other day and thought about how it applies to my daughter Kayla, who
has Down syndrome, and people who have disabilities. The quote is
"Different, not less."
Yes my daughter is different in that she has an extra chromosome. (...
We
just celebrated Rare Disease Day on February 29th, which in itself is rare!
Having
a child with a rare diagnosis is a hard, wonderful, terrifying, liberating, and
exhausting thing. There are 6,000-8,000 rare diseases that have been...
The view of special needs children and their parents is not
always a pleasant one. The stigma
of parents with special needs children often leads to those parents fearing for
their reputations, which can result in extreme behavior. ...
Many parents are given discouraging news about their
children with disabilities -- this prognosis gives little hope to parents of
these children, which is an unfair and negative situation. There are therapies many parents have
never heard of,...
In my previous life (before I was a special needs mom),
I was a social worker. My resume is almost as eclectic as I am and I worked
with a large variety of people. Foster care, adoption, child protective
services, group homes, palliative, Native...
Today I’d like to bring your attention to martial arts
programs that may be available to your child during their day before they even
get home!
For many years schools have offered enrichment programs for
children after school. Many of these...
Bipolar disorder is a condition that affects the brain areas
that regulate impulse control, emotions, speech, thought, planning, and
memory. Children with bipolar disorder
are extremely influenced by their impulses and surroundings. ...
Great Expectations of
Special Education Professionals
Call me naïve or whatever you will,
but I am the kind of person who likes to believe people will do the right thing
-- especially people who work in the special
education field. But...
Parents of special needs children know about everyday
struggles, and oftentimes feelings of hopelessness cannot be avoided. Anat Baniel’s new book Kids Beyond Limits offers a method
supported by brain research with a healthy side dose of...
It seems that with the rise of awareness of autism, the rate
of diagnosis of the disorder is ever increasing. In 2007, the Centers for Disease Control reported that
nearly 1 in 150 children have autism; in 2009, the numbers rose to 1 in 110....
Original article posted on Redwood City PatchWhy I Filed a Child Abuse Report Against a Special Ed AideBy Dorie Johnson, as told to Redwood City Patch Editor Stacie Chan(Editor’s Note: Dorie Johnson was a former employee of the Redwood City...
In the current economic climate, it is easy to assume that
schools are sacrificing everything but the kitchen sink, and the lives of
special needs students are no exception.
According to CBC news, a Winnipeg School Division cut
$900,000 from the...
Imagine a calm room with zen music streaming from the
speakers, and an instructor directs the people in the room to place their hands
on the floor and their buttocks in the air. You might recognize the pose as the downward dog, but it
might...
As a pediatric nurse practitioner, I remember frequently telling my parents that they know their children better than I ever will. Now, as a mother of a little girl with Down syndrome, I know that to be true. I will always know my...
Successful Transitions: Start Early, Little by LittleTransition should be a step-by-step process starting as early as possible, preferably when our children are toddlers. You've all seen the milestone charts we get from our pediatricians at...
When we drop off our kids at school, we assume they are in a
safe environment. While nearly
every institution has a code regarding seclusions and restraints, most parents
don’t stop to think such tactics will be used on their children.
Civil...
According to Arizona state officials, no it’s not. The new legislature, which states that
doctors who fail to clearly articulate an unborn child’s risk of birth defects
are protected against malpractice suits, is meant to prevent women from...
The Road to HomeschoolingI could feel like a failure as a mom. For 6 years I raised a
child with special needs without realizing it.
I knew he was a bit different; challenging and special, but
even having a friend with a child with autism, I didn’t...
Many parents of children diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome follow a long, twisting path as they try to find out what is going on with their child. Many children with AS are initially diagnosed with everything from ADHD to mood disorders.When...
Choosing the right college is perhaps the most important choice for a
high school senior. While many students
have an idea of what they want to do for a career, still others are uncertain
of this important life decision.
Finding the...
Dear Developmental Doc,
My son is 10 years old with a moderate form of autism. He struggles in almost all areas of development, particularly since he is non-verbal. I have recently read that there are iPad apps that help kids like mine become more...
. . . A strategy for helping your child with special needs learn
to problem solve.Moms and Dads of children with special needs tend to take on
the role of butler and maid far too long for the well-being of their son or
daughter. As a consultant I...
Does one of you consistently promise to do chores but then forget them? Does your relationship suffer from chronic nagging or anger? Does one of you feel that you are living with another child, rather than a spouse? Did you used to feel important to...
No one was more surprised than Randy Burklund, owner of
Kinderlift, that a ski vest designed to keep kids safe on the slopes would find
a market in the special needs community. Kinderlift was created by a mother
whose son fell off a ski lift when he...
Wild Onion Press took off in 2009 on the mission to change
minds one at a time about children (as well as about all creatures great and
small) with physical differences.
We aimed to do this through literature, believing that a story is a...
Estate planning
and lifetime planning for parents with a child with a disability present
special challenges. The goals of the parents are to utilize their assets in
such away to enrich their child’s life while, at the same time, preserving the
child...
Ten-year-old Cooper is teaching his twin brother to play Hot Cross Buns on the piano. Cooper, who has Down syndrome, has been playing the piano since he was 8 ½ years old. I ask him how his brother is doing. Cooper says: “I showed him how to...
Build a Train is an app kids love because it not only allows
them to choose which engines and cars to put on the train, it also challenges
them with different tracks and maps.
There are a variety of colors and designs of cars for your
child...
David Andrews, age 18, wears number 40 on the Germantown
High School basketball team, just outside of Memphis, TN. Much like the Knick’s
Jeremy Lin, Andrews spent quite a bit of time warming the bench during his
team’s games before ever getting to...
Imagine taking a vacation with the whole family--a real
vacation. And on that vacation, parents can rekindle their relationship,
siblings can go on adventures, and kids with special needs can be themselves
and have fun doing things like ice skating...
The I Hear Ewe app has 36 pictures of animals and vehicles
paired with sounds for your child to click on. Children can use their palm or several fingers to click on an image. When they do, the app verbally describes the animal
or vehicle and then...
No doubt about it, when people stare at our children (or us), they make us squirm. Let's face it, people rarely stare at us because they're mesmerized by our great beauty. More likely, they are sizing up our glaring imperfections. For kids with...
It is all well and good to be told, as a parent, you must be ready for when your child with a developmental disability is no longer in special ed full time. Yet, to me that time crept up in 2000. When my son with autism, now 31, was...
Many people with special needs benefit from a gluten free
diet. For parents who are carefully watching their children’s diets, the Is
That Gluten Free? app is an excellent tool. It is the number one gluten free
app in the App Store.
Users can...
Last time we talked about making sure a child has enough information to make good choices and learn responsibility. This week we will focus on taking advantage of teachable moments with your child.Every day, we have a new...
For years, parents of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have mistakenly passed along the erroneous statistic that 80% of marriages of such parents will end in divorce. This myth also has been perpetuated by professionals and the media....
As a parent and a doctor, I have plenty of experience with our fragmented and confusing healthcare system. I have seen firsthand the challenges faced by patients who navigate it. From the first sign of illness to the last medical bill, our...
Motion Math: Hungry Fish makes learning math a fun game for
children and even adults! It is a highly visual app in which a hungry goldfish
must be fed with numbers. There are up to 18 levels of increasing difficulty,
from matching numbers, to adding...
Parents who are looking for something fun to do with their
kids away from electronic devices this spring may want to consider the things that can be done with a coffee
filter. This versatile item that is common to most households can be used to...
A typical day for a special education teacher is hard to
define because the job description varies widely, unlike that of a classroom
teacher. What all special education teachers do have in common, though, include
a case load of students who have an...
When
the doctor came back into the room and told me I was a diabetic, my reaction
was similar to being told I had a sinus infection. I expected the doctor to
just write me a prescription, and send me on my way, but instead I was on my
way to the...
Comprehension TherAppy is designed to help people with aphasia
and alexia (acquired reading disorder). It comes with three modes: Listen, Read,
or Listen and Read. The 500 + photographs of nouns in the Listen section were
selected by speech-language...
Jerry
is a tall, lanky 19-year-old with autism and gastro-intestinal issues. He began
coming to YogAbility, a nonprofit organization, 10 years ago. He used to have
frequent tantrums, screaming fits, and wore a protective helmet. Since he began
yoga...
A study
reported in Science Daily confirms that the active form
of Bisphenol A (BPA) is absorbed more rapidly into the body than
previously thought. BPA is a toxic chemical found in paper and plastic used to
store food and beverages. As an...
Hospital stays are rarely fun for anyone. But for a child in the hospital, the experience is unfamiliar at best and frightening at worst. However, parents can make a child’s stay easier by implementing three strategies before and during...
"Is my child
getting all the services he/she needs or am I falling behind?"
"My son is a year old, but all he does is make noises, I’ve
never heard any words come out of his mouth. I’ve mentioned this to the pediatrician on numerous...
Clicky Sticky is an app that allows children to place
animated stickers in different scenes. It is a great tool for learning about things
like the ocean, aviation, the arctic, space, and clothing. Clickey Sticky has
also been used for building...
Here are three practical, simple solutions
caregivers can use to help reduce anxiety and deal better every day with a
child who has anxiety from autism.
Autism
spectrum disorders and anxiety go hand-and-hand like sneezing and a cold.
We
all...
I never thought I would be a
homeschooling parent. My husband
and I bought a house in a neighborhood that gave us access to the area’s best
public elementary school. When my
twin boys were babies, I would cruise by the school,...
A Present for Milo is an engaging story book app for young
readers and those not yet able to read. Children will get a kick out of over 80
tap-interactive objects within the story. It is a tale of a cat and mouse game,
as Milo the cat chases the...
Actor and singer Nick Jonas spoke to CNN’s Soledad O’Brien
recently about what it has been like for him to live with type 1 diabetes. The
star of Broadway’s How to Success in
Business without Really Trying was diagnosed with diabetes at age 14 and...
A font has been developed by a Dutch graphic designer, which
will make letters easier to read and comprehend for people with dyslexia. Designer
Christian Boer is dyslexic himself. He created a font called Dyslexie to keep
letters "tied down,"...
Tappie Puzzles is a wonderful app for children ages 4 and
up. It comes with 10 interactive puzzles that help children learn to navigate their
way around the world. Most of the puzzles have animals that nod along when the
child puts a piece in the...
It all started with a documentary from Iceland called A Mother’s Courage: Talking Back to Autism.
The film needed an English-language narrator, and Oscar-winner Kate Winslet was sent a copy to
watch. The story of Margret Ericsdottir's
journey to...
“Why me, God?!!” I screamed tearfully after BOTH of my two sons were diagnosed with autism. That was 100% of my children! I had considered myself a good, Christian person who tried to help others and obey the Scriptures. The irony of this...
Most days lately I have begun to wonder if my life is actually real or am I part of some sort of made-for-television movie game. The last seven years have been interesting to say the least. My middle child, now seven, has accumulated initials after...
Gube is an app that curates child-friendly videos from
YouTube onto parents’ phones. All videos are pre-screened and safe to watch for
even young children. This app is a lifesaver for those whose kids want to be
able to choose videos for themselves...
Millions of people are scrambling to order flowers for their
sweethearts on Valentine’s Day. This year Roses for Autism is one special
flower business that stands out among all the others. Started in 2009 by Jim
Lyman, a man with experience in the...
Since knowledge is power, it’s worth staying informed about
some of the latest AD/HD research findings. Here are a few of my favorites,
which combine an "oh duh" component with a dash of "what a good idea."
The “oh duh” category of...
Speech-Based Activities to Do with Your Kids with Apraxia at Home and in the Community A lot of parents ask, "How can I help my child with apraxia?" In fact, it may very well be the number
one question I get after "What is
apraxia,...
Colorific is a great coloring app for kids. It includes over
40 templates where they can fill in the colors. There are also blank pages
where children can create whatever pictures they like. Template categories are numbers,
animals and birds,...
Christopher Knauf is the founder of Knauf Associates in
Santa Monica, CA. His law firm specializes in disability rights and
education-related legal disputes. He has also served as an independent hearing
officer for Section 504 special education...
Millions of people, including shy or defiant children, may
be wrongly labeled mentally ill according to an upcoming revision of the
influential Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Many
experts are calling new categories in...
Sprout’s Good Night Star app teaches your little one about
bedtime routines. The goal is to help the adorable Star character get ready for
bed by brushing his teeth, washing his face, reading a story, tucking him in
and rocking him to sleep.
Based...
The following is an Interview with Dr. Esther Hess regarding her upcoming research study and understanding
the feelings of the neurotypical siblings of children impacted by autism. Editor: Dr. Hess, I understand
that you are conducting a...
The second edition of Dr. Thomas W. Phelan’s influential
guide, All About Attention Deficit
Disorder, explains in layman’s terms the symptoms and treatments for this
all too common condition.
All About Attention
Deficit Disorder asks the reader,...
I began homeschooling my son soon after he was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, at 6 years old and in his second year of schooling. I quickly realized that his school knew even less than I did about Asperger’s, and while I soon educated...
After an autism-friendly showing of The Lion King on Broadway last fall, the Theatre Development Fund
received interest in other shows from approximately 1,500 people. Now The Fund
has bought out the 1,797-seat New Amsterdam Theatre and 1,677-seat...
A
few weeks ago, as I was sitting in a professional development meeting with a
team of educators at New York City Public School PS79, located in Harlem, I was
overcome with unexpected emotion. For several years, I have been a vendor to New
York’s...
In a new study of more than 9,500 children in Denmark who
had been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, researchers found that
children born to a parent over the age of 35 had a higher risk of developing
autism. Interestingly, the data also...
This app focuses on improving receptive language skills but
is also good for expressive language skills. It asks the user to select which
item out of a group goes with another item, based on use or function. For
example, a child who is shown a...
Last time we
talked about how to use choices and questions to help children learn
responsibility at as early an age as possible. This week, we talk about an
important part of asking questions and giving choices: making sure a child has
enough...
Four years ago, Ruby Dee Philippa was riding her scooter
down the road in Austin, TX. She was a singer. Her band, Ruby Dee and the
Snakehandlers, was just about to release a new album. She was careful on her
ride. She wore a motorcycle jacket, hefty...
Astrojammies is a Demibooks app that tells the story of Jimmy
and his magical pajamas that turn him into an astronaut. The book is written in
rhyming verse by Stacy Williams-Ng and the text can either be narrated aloud on
the iPad or the narration...
Blue Shield of California Life & Health Insurance Co.
agreed this week to immediately cover the cost of applied behavior analysis
(ABA) therapy for autism patients. This decision was the result of a settlement
with state regulators, stemming...
Easy to Love, but Hard
to Raise is a collection of essays from the parents of children with “invisible”
but very real disabilities. As these parents share their stories, a sense of
empathy and support emerges until the reader comes away feeling that...
Karen Shirk is the founder and executive director of 4 Paws
for Ability, a nonprofit organization that places service dogs with people
rejected from the big service dog agencies. These include children with special
needs. When Shirk found out that...
Thanks for coming back to my monthly article for children with special needs and karate. I hope to bring you closer to understanding the
multitude of benefits the martial arts bring to our children.
Over the years I’ve found myself answering the...
This app offers three games, all modern twists on the
classic way to play marbles. Marble Mixer is a fun and effective way to introduce
children to game playing and strategy. In the Monster Picnic game, players must
flick marbles into the monster’s...
Women who take antidepressants and learn that they are
pregnant must consider not just the potential risks of the drugs but also the
impact of untreated depression on a developing fetus. Untreated depression could
lead to low birth weight,...
. . . Gain Some Cooperation Up until
now, in this series on transitioning from
the pediatric to adult medical systems, we have focused on defining transition and why it matters.
Now, we are going to start looking...
Frankie did not enjoy fitness activities when we first began our sessions about seven years ago. Prior to this, his most consistent activity was jumping up and down while hitting his chest with his hand and the more-than-occasional all out tantrum...
When a song plays on Mixeroo, children can slide faders up
and down to explore the music in different ways. They can isolate the different
instruments, such as the piano, bells, violin or bongos. There are four songs
to chose from on the app: “...
Changing the Mindset of Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders In our therapeutic work with children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), we expanded upon our earlier writings about a resilient mindset, especially given the...
Phil Keoghan has been the impeccably dressed and proper host
for 20 seasons of CBS’s The Amazing Race.
On February 18, audiences will see him in a different role: as the subject of a
new documentary, The Ride, which
follows Keoghan as he bikes...
Not every 13-year-old girl with a powerful singing voice
gets the opportunity to record it on an album. It is even less likely that she
would have a single written for her by a noted producer. Rarer than that is
when that girl wants to give a...
All About You, All About Me is a social skills app with 56
illustrated picture cards that ask questions related to getting to know
someone. Questions range from basic ones like, “What is your home address?” to
open-ended prompts such as, “Tell me...
Cystic Fibrosis affects 30,000 people in the U.S. It causes
an imbalance of salt in the body, which affects the pancreas shortly after
birth, impedes proper digestion, and causes airways to fill with mucus, leaving
patients vulnerable to lung...
Couples who plan to adopt often look to other countries with
cultures similar to their own. That is why Megan and Keith Nakamoto began the
China adoption process in 2005. "My husband is Japanese, so we are familiar
with the Asian culture. We thought...
Fish School by Duck Duck Moose uses beautiful images, bright
colors, and music adapted from the classic ABC song to capture your child’s
attention and hold it. There are eight different activities for learning,
including letters, numbers, and shapes...
Psychologists have found that people with autism possess the
ability for "inner speech," which is the process of talking things through in
their heads--though they do not use it in the same way as typically developing people.
In a study...
As a private consultant I have the pleasure of supporting families
as they work to become knowledgeable members of their son’s or daughter’s IEP
team. They are often anxious weeks before the scheduled date, worrying if their
student will receive the...
I am an elementary school reading specialist in a large public school system, so I have the opportunity to work with a large range of reading needs on a daily basis. For me, dyslexia is one of the most intriguing reading deficiencies I have studied...
The recent airing of the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie A Smile as Big as the Moon created such
a surge of interest in attending Space Camp that the camp’s website was unable
to handle the flood of traffic. The site crashed last night, but it is now...
Developed by the parents of a child with autism and seizures
who were looking for a way to make their lives easier, the iBioMed app helps
caregivers keep track of their children’s health information--particularly those
with complex conditions such...
In a study by Middle Tennessee State University’s (MTSU)
Department of Health and Human Performance, a treadmill at the bottom of a tank
filled with 270 gallons of water has been helping paraplegics make great
strides. This same technique has also...
The elite high schools of New York City have been put on
notice. Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott has mandated that screened high
schools must either admit more students with special needs or the Education
Department would place the teens for them...
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) just announced two new summer programs for kids and teens interested in learning more
about epidemiology, which is the study of health-related states or events,
including diseases and the control of...
If you want to play games with your child, you can do it with materials no fancier than yesterday’s newspaper, today’s empty cereal box and a smile.
Playing with your child lets her or him know that you enjoy their company and want to spend...
Dexteria is a fantastic app for children with apraxia or who
are on the spectrum, or even people recovering from injuries. It strengthens
fine motor skills and enables pointing, pinching, and writing.
There are three sections to the app. The first...
Autoimmune reactions have long been a concern connected with
Gardisil, the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. It has become common for the
vaccine to be recommended to adolescents and young adults to protect against
sexually transmitted infections...
Altering Our Perspective: One Family's Journey with Autism He came to us on a Tuesday, slowly and painfully easing his
way into the world just after the new year. When the doctor placed Benjamin on my belly I felt that we
had finally done it …...
ConversationBuilder helps elementary-age children who have
trouble conversing with peers in social situations. This app gives the user
options in choosing who begins the conversation (“student” or “peer”) and which
phrase to say to either initiate...
A Smile as Big as the
Moon is an inspiring story about a class of special education students who
dream of going to Space Camp. What began as a memoir written by real-life
special education teacher Mike Kersjes has now been made into a Hallmark Hall...
As a young
child, Ann LeZotte was diagnosed as autistic because she banged her head. Eventually it was discovered that her
head-banging was merely a response to the fact that she could not hear. Born prematurely and deaf, Ann
also has trouble with...
iWriteWords teaches your child to write using whimsical
sounds and graphics. The way to play is to help Mr. Crab collect all the
numbers in sequence on the screen by tracing them with your fingers. As the
numbers are traced, a letter appears. Once...
Two biotech companies recently announced that sequencing the
human genome--each person’s individual DNA blueprint--would soon be possible to
do within a single day and for approximately $1,000.
The day following this announcement, researchers...
This is our fourth article our Transition series. The last three articles discussed what transition is and why
it matters. This week, we start looking at parenting strategies for raising
children with special healthcare needs who are...
Dyslexia is typically diagnosed in children when they are
around second or third grade in school. A team from Children’s Hospital Boston
reports that they have discovered signs of dyslexia in children as young as 4
or 5 years old by studying their...
Doodle Buddy Gold is a popular finger painting app that can
be great for calming children with anxiety issues. There are tons of colors to
choose from and fun stamps that make silly sounds when your child adds them to
the picture. Doodle Buddy also...
Many parents might not fully realize the dangers of leaving
medications within reach of young children. According to a press release from
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in every 150 two-year-olds
in the U.S. visits an...
A Life Transformed by Going Gluten Free, Casein Free and Chemical Free My son threw things, screamed, had uncontrollable meltdowns, had severe sensory challenges, very poor social skills and never changed his diet from pretty much eating peanut...
Behavioral problems in children can
range from mild mischievousness to serious misconduct that can interfere with
normal development. Children and adolescents with extreme behavioral problems,
more than typical childhood misbehavior, should be...
Labeled a “21st century rattle” by Children’s Technology
Review, the Sound Shaker app lets children experiment with sounds by tapping. After
the child chooses a sound like a chime, whistle, barnyard animal, or drum from
the main menu, each tap of...
A documentary directed by James Redford (son of Robert
Redford) uses animation and live interviews to explore the complex world faced
by those who have dyslexia. In the film titled The D Word: Understanding Dyslexia, the audience follows Dylan, a...
One in 110 children in the U.S. are currently estimated to
have autism, according to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention. With the rate of diagnoses skyrocketing in recent years, some
newly proposed changes to the definition of autism...
Some children with special needs react with difficult
behaviors like tantrums when going into a store. Going Shopping Social Story is
an app that focuses on things that can be fun while shopping. Because children
with special needs such as Down...
After
beginning our Transition article series, we
received a question from a reader telling us about her experience going from a
pediatric clinic to an adult clinic. This patient explains to us her common
concern that so many others experience...
Push Girls, a
reality show set to debut in April on the Sundance Channel, follows the lives
of four women who have been paralyzed by either disease or tragic accidents. While
each of these women use wheelchairs in everyday life, the title of the...
Planning for health care decision making includes two key
components:1. Preparation of a written advance directive, more commonly referred to as a living will, durable health care power of attorney, or health care proxy.2. Appointing someone to be...
The Story Land app allows children with special needs to
build stories by selecting a background and adding in various characters and
objects. It is extremely interactive: users can choose from over 320 fully
animated characters and create over 300,...
What is a Self-Funded
Special Needs Trust?
A trust is a
legal document that provides for the control and distribution of assets held by
a "trustee" for the benefit of another (the "beneficiary"). The assets in
a trust may be money, stocks,...
A new study conducted by researchers at Florida Atlantic
University is proving that infants use more than their ears to learn how to
talk. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,
tested groups of babies ranging...
Current research shows
that an organized, methodical approach to transition is crucial. A.
Kennedy et al. states: "Increasing evidence shows that
adverse health consequences occur when inadequate transition arrangements are
in place. Poor...
Employers are realizing more and more that there is a group
of potential employees in the autism community who can be productive workers if
given a chance. Chris Simler is the director of career development services at Turning
Pointe Autism...
Dragon Dictation is a useful tool for people who have
difficulty typing or translating their thoughts into written words. This voice
recognition app is powered by Dragon Naturally Speaking and allows the user to
speak the content of emails, text...
Surrogate Decision Making for People with Developmental Disabilities Susie is 18 years old. She has been diagnosed with
Asperger’s syndrome, which makes it difficult for her to socialize and
communicate with others. She attends a school for...
Soon to join a growing list of television characters on the
autism spectrum is Jake Bohm, an 11-year-old boy with an extreme form of autism
who is also nonverbal. Portrayed by David Mazouz, Jake’s character is at the
center of a new show called...
One theater in Massachusetts recently began hosting
sensory-friendly screenings of movies for children with special needs. The families
who attend these showings do not typically have a chance to see movies in
theaters because some children have...
Ultra-accessible family fun park Morgan’s Wonderland is
teaming up with Extreme Makeover: Home
Edition (EMHE) to build a new home for a wounded warrior and his family in
San Antonio, TX. According to a joint press release, the deserving recipient of...
Injini: Child Development Game Suite Lite’s collection of learning games for young children is
one of the best apps on the market for toddlers and preschoolers with language,
cognitive and fine motor delays. Included are nine games that feature...
Tim Tebow is the most talked about athlete in America right
now. With his 80-yard OT touchdown pass in the playoffs against the Pittsburgh
Steelers last week and subsequent 9,420 tweets about him on Twitter per second,
Tim Tebow makes news wherever...
Dr. Gil Tippy, co-author of Respecting Autism and a founder of the Rebecca School in New York, talks to SpecialNeeds.com about his book and the philosphies that the school was built upon, many of them Dr. Greenspan's legacies.SN: Dr. Tippy,...
"The Cloud Boy" is the first in a series of stories in the
My Tale collection for iPad. It is about a boy who always has his head in the
clouds and often gets distracted or lost. He must learn to pay attention in
order to keep his parents from...
Now that the holidays are done and even though it is not yet Spring, the time is now to get ready for what is commonly known as "IEP season." While the thought of the next annual review or domains meeting to decide on a round of evaluations may be...
Transferring from pediatrics into the adult medical system is a
big step for families who have children with special needs. The medical care models are very different. Even
prepared parents and young adults express shock at how different the two...
Turn Taker teaches sharing using visual and audio cues to children with
Down syndrome, autism, ADHD, and other special needs. Sharing is a key skill
for growing and maintaining social relationships, which in turn promote an
improved use of language...
No one wants to talk about it, but sadly bad things happen during pregnancy. Sometimes babies die and sometimes babies are not born perfect with "10 little fingers and 10 little toes." Since no one talks about these things, going through a difficult...
Parents of a special needs child also have special needs. They need more flexibility to deal with the unknown and adapt to situations that are often completely different from what they expected, more time and money to take care of their child, more...
Parents are outraged at one elementary school’s use of what
have been termed as “scream rooms” on their children with special needs and
behavioral problems. Teachers and staff at Farm Hill Elementary School in Middletown,
CT, reportedly used the...
Tap Tap Baby for iPad is a great app for children who experience severe
developmental delays and/or fine motor difficulties. It features a total of six
games, including a monkey face that goes through a range of emotions, a
xylophone game, and...
The school day was over, but in a classroom tucked away at a
far end of Rio Real Elementary School in Oxnard, CA, a group of 10 students were
just getting started. Many of them were hovering around two rows of computers
being set up with cables...
Studies continue to show that the use of antibiotics
disrupts the delicate balance in the digestive tract and colon of patients with special healthcare needs. This
compromises healthy liver, immune and bowel function. Research in the journal ...
The Hidden Financial Costs of Having a Child with Special Needs: Part Two It costs around $15,000 a year to raise the average child in the United States. You can expect this number to nearly double if you have a child with complex medical needs...
There are approximately one million people living with
autism in the United States today. By the year 2050, it is predicted that this
number will increase fivefold, with 1.7 million of these people being adults.
In her book, Autism Solutions: How to...
Winner of the 2010 Irish Web Awards and United Nations World
Summit Award Mobile, the Grace App features a picture database for nonverbal people
to use to create sentences. Both adults and children with autism will find this
app useful for...
Successful Transitions: Moving from Childhood into Adulthood and from Pediatrics into Adult Care Whether your child is a toddler or a teenager, transition is a word you need to know. As the parent of a teenager with asthma, allergies...
The Hidden Financial Costs of Having a Child with Special Needs: Part OneLast year my daughter's out-of-pocket medical costs were more than $200,000. Yes, you read that right. Fortunately, supplemental Medicaid picked up a good chunk of that, but we...
Who May Benefit from
a Weighted Blanket and Why
My daughter with Rett syndrome and Mitochondrial disease
suffers greatly from sensory integration dysfunction. She has trouble sleeping through the night, cries when her
hair is brushed, suffers...
"I don’t want a boy like that in my class," writes Ms. Linden upon hearing that she is to be my son Neal’s teacher. A boy like that! My mind goes to lyrics from West Side
Story, "A boy like that " he kill your brother... forget that boy...
Out of more than 120 submissions from high schools and colleges across the country, 15 emerging artists with disabilities were selected to showcase their works at the Ripley Center, part of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. The chosen...
Keeping Hope Alive When Your Child Has Special Needs I pull into the carpool lane to pick my kids up from school and am yet again touched by the sight of a service dog with a bright pink lunch pail hanging from her mouth as she trots alongside...
These days, there are more children and teenagers, including those with special needs, using digital devices to learn, play and be entertained than any generation before. From smartphones to e-readers, and computers to digital tablets, young people...
Oh, man. There goes the bell for the end of 4th period. I hate this bell. It means I have to go to my locker and unload all my stuff from the first four periods and pick up everything else I need through the end of the day. I only go to my locker...
Three and a half years ago, Diane Solomon was at the end of
her rope. Her son Adam was in second grade and nobody knew what was wrong with
him. When Adam was 18 months old, he had been diagnosed with a rare childhood
inflammatory disease called...
When signing up my child for
baseball one cold Saturday morning I asked the chairperson, "Is there a coach
familiar with autism?" He responded kindly enough, "Yeah we have one that is
ADHD." Wow, I thought. Autism has been around for many years, and...
The ASL Dictionary includes 4,800 signed words accompanied by easy-to-follow videos to teach users Sign Language. It features common English phrases, the entire numerical system, dates, symbols, and 765 multiple meaning words, as well as 55...
According to the Children’s Defense Fund, 19 million
children in kindergarten through eighth grade are regularly in nonparental care
before and after school. One of the many benefits of sending your child to a
licensed child care center is the...
Student Rights Advocates (SRA) works to protect student
rights and ensure excellence in public education, particularly for those
children who have special needs. Co-founder Debbie Papaj talks about her work
and who might benefit from having an...
Special needs trusts generally fall into one of two categories, and the treatment and effect of any given trust varies depending on which kind of trust is involved. This has led to a tremendous amount of confusion and, in some cases, a significant...
Families with special needs may now have an easier time navigating
airport security screenings. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently
rolled out a new toll free hotline called TSA Cares. Travelers with special
medical conditions...
On the first day of fifth grade, Bryan Yglesias woke up
feeling weaker on his left side. He walked with a limp, and over the course of
the day he felt worse and his speech began to slur. His parents, Nick and
Kathy, took him to the hospital, but the...
Childhood obesity is a rising problem in the United States,
both for typically developing children and children with special needs. According
to a Fact Sheet released by the University of Illinois at Chicago’s Department
of Disability and Human...
Americans--including children--are taking more prescription drugs
than ever before. Things can go wrong when these drugs are mixed with other
prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, herbal remedies, and even
caffeine. Many patients and...
What bigger crisis does one face than learning their child has been diagnosed with a chronic condition? It’s virtually impossible to collect your thoughts, let alone organize them. For me, organizing the many aspects of my life after receiving that...
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