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News > Research
When Studies Disagree: How to Make Sense of Conflicting Research as a Special Needs Parent
...across nearly every intervention parents consider: gluten-free diets for autism, screen time limits for ADHD, optimal therapy intensity, medication timing,...different people. A study on speech therapy outcomes for three-year-olds with autism who are minimally verbal isn't measuring the same thing as a study on speech...
Therapies > Other
Deep Pressure Therapy and Weighted Blankets: What Parents of Children with Special Needs Should Know
...worked for her has been replicated in children with autism, ADHD, and anxiety disorders. A 2020 randomized...weighted blankets reduced anxiety in children with autism spectrum disorder during dental procedures. The...anecdotal reports from parents and occupational therapists suggest benefit for children who seek proprioceptive...
Therapies > Play
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT): What It Is and How It Helps Special Needs Families
...structured, evidence-based protocol where a therapist coaches you in real time through...You're learning by doing, with a therapist watching through a one-way mirror...children with developmental delays, autism, ADHD, or sensory processing challenges,...your child's lead during play. The therapist coaches you to use specific language...
Therapies > Other
Alternative and Complementary Therapies for Special Needs Children: What the Research Says
Your child's therapist suggests craniosacral therapy. A friend swears...evidence behind it. Alternative and complementary therapies for special needs children range from well-researched...credentialing, and what research shows for children with autism, cerebral palsy, sensory processing challenges,...
Therapies > Music
Music Therapy for Special Needs Children: What Parents Should Know
When your child's therapist recommends music therapy,...intervention. A board-certified music therapist (MT-BC) uses rhythm, melody,...individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship. That's the...non-musical outcomes. A music therapist might use drumming to help...help a nonverbal child with autism practice turn-taking and joint...
Research > Genetics
Understanding Genetic Testing for Autism, Cerebral Palsy, and Developmental Disabilities: A Parent's Guide
Your child has a diagnosis. Autism, cerebral palsy, global developmental...After a Diagnosis. A diagnosis like autism or cerebral palsy describes your child's...child for clinical trials testing new therapies. It can guide medical monitoring for...is identified in fewer than 25% of autism cases, around 32% of cerebral palsy...
Research > Funding
Where Research Dollars Go: Understanding Funding Gaps Across Disability Conditions
You search for new treatments, better therapies, or hopeful clinical trial results for your child's...condition. The list is short. Then you search autism or diabetes and the volume is staggering. The gap...budget, priorities, and decision-making process. Autism research receives approximately $296 million per...
News > Research
How to Read Research About Special Needs: A Guide for Parents Who Aren't Scientists
...study: "New research proves this therapy works for autism." The link goes to a blog summarizing a press...But you're making decisions about your child's therapies, medications, and interventions based on research...language. The difference matters when you're choosing therapies, advocating with schools, or deciding whether...
News > Research
The Autism Research Panel That Controls $2 Billion Just Lost Its Scientists
The Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee,...billion in annual autism research funding,...coordinate federal autism research across agencies...money flows: which therapies get validation studies,...representatives from the Autism Society of America...between vaccines and autism. That reconstitution...for individuals with autism spectrum disorder."...
Health > Alternative Medicine
Alternative Medicine for Special Needs: A Parent's Guide to Evidence, Safety, and Decision-Making
...mineral supplements for children with autism. Over 30% of parents give their children...conversation about complementary therapies, but the data shows a significant...an important safety check. Which Therapies Have the Best Evidence. Music therapy...strongest research base for children with autism spectrum disorder. A PubMed-indexed...
Health > Alternative Medicine
Music Therapy and Art Therapy: When Creative Interventions Become Medical Treatment
...therapy "works" for autism. A friend mentioned...looking into creative therapies as part of a comprehensive...Board Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC) holds a credential...Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT). The credential...board exam. MT-BC therapists design individualized...by session. An Art Therapist Registered (ATR)...supervision. Like MT-BC therapists, ATRs work within...
Education > Other
Homeschooling Your Child with Special Needs: A Complete Guide
...layer: which curriculum formats suit different disabilities, how to access therapies you may not realize you can still keep, what your state requires, and how...needs. The right fit depends on how your child learns. For children with autism, structure and predictability matter. Scripted or highly sequential programs...