 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 get calcium, which is important for growing bones and teeth. However, there are alternate sources of calcium that will likely fit into your child's modified diet.     Why Do We Need Calcium?    Calcium helps growing bodies build strong bones, regulates the heart's rhythm, and helps send chemical messages through nerves. The body gets calcium in two ways; through foods you ingest or by taking it from the bones. Vitamin D is also necessary for the body to absorb calcium and strengthen bones. Muscle, nerve, and immune system function also relies on Vitamin D. The body produces Vitamin D naturally when exposed to sunlight. Foods such as fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, and tuna) are high in Vitamin D, and products like milk and other beverages are usually fortified with Vitamin D because they do not have much of it naturally.    Lack of calcium and Vitamin D can cause rickets, or a condition of soft bones, and it can increase the risk of osteoporosis. One easy way to ensure your child gets Vitamin D is to let them get fresh air and sunlight on a daily basis. You can also make sure they are getting calcium and Vitamin D through their diet.  ...

Explore non-dairy calcium sources such as leafy greens, nuts, and fortified milk alternatives, along with sunlight for Vitamin D.

How to Get Calcium without Milk

Explore non-dairy calcium sources such as leafy greens, nuts, and fortified milk alternatives, along with sunlight for Vitamin D.

Your child eats the same six foods every day. Their pediatrician mentioned vitamin levels at the last visit. You've seen supplement ads targeting autism and ADHD families, but you're not sure what's marketing and what's medicine. Research documents specific nutrient gaps that occur more frequently in children with autism and ADHD than in neurotypical children. Some deficiencies result from selective eating patterns common in both conditions. Others connect to gastrointestinal issues that affect nutrient absorption. Here's what testing shows, which deficiencies have the strongest research backing, and how pediatric dietitians approach supplementation. Documented Nutrient Deficiencies in Autism and ADHD. Multiple studies identify consistent patterns in children with autism and ADHD. The most commonly documented deficiencies include: Vitamin D: Low vitamin D levels appear in 40-60% of children with autism, compared to 30% in neurotypical children. ADHD research shows similar patterns. Vitamin D supports immune function, bone health, and neurotransmitter production. B Vitamins: B6, B12, and folate deficiencies occur frequently. B6 plays a role in neurotransmitter synthesis. B12 supports nerve function and red blood cell production. Many children with selective eating patterns avoid the animal proteins and leafy greens that provide these vitamins. Magnesium and Zinc: Both minerals show up as deficient in multiple autism and ADHD studies. Magnesium affects muscle and nerve function, sleep regulation, and anxiety levels. Zinc supports immune function, wound healing, and neurotransmitter activity. Calcium: Children who avoid dairy due to texture preferences or casein-free diets often test low for calcium. This affects...

Specific nutrient gaps are common in autism and ADHD. Here's what testing reveals and how dietitians address it.

Nutritional Deficiencies in Autism and ADHD: What Parents Should Monitor

Your child eats the same six foods every day. Their pediatrician mentioned vitamin levels at the last visit. You've seen supplement ads targeting autism and ADHD families, but you're not sure what's marketing and what's medicine. Research documents specific nutrient gaps that occur more frequently in children with autism and ADHD than in neurotypical children. Some deficiencies result from selective eating patterns common in both conditions. Others connect to gastrointestinal issues that affect nutrient absorption. Here's what testing shows, which deficiencies have the strongest research backing, and how pediatric dietitians approach supplementation. Documented Nutrient Deficiencies in Autism and ADHD. Multiple studies identify consistent patterns in children with autism and ADHD. The most commonly documented deficiencies include:  Vitamin D: Low vitamin D levels appear in 40-60% of children with autism, compared to 30% in neurotypical children. ADHD research shows similar patterns. Vitamin D supports immune function, bone health, and neurotransmitter production.  B Vitamins: B6, B12, and folate deficiencies occur frequently. B6 plays a role in neurotransmitter synthesis. B12 supports nerve function and red blood cell production. Many children with selective eating patterns avoid the animal proteins and leafy greens that provide these vitamins.  Magnesium and Zinc: Both minerals show up as deficient in multiple autism and ADHD studies. Magnesium affects muscle and nerve function, sleep regulation, and anxiety levels. Zinc supports immune function, wound healing, and neurotransmitter activity.  Calcium: Children who avoid dairy due to texture preferences or casein-free diets often test low for calcium. This affects...

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) has people reaching for their natural detox products, especially those who are headed to the beach or swimming pools. Many of America's beaches are filled with pollution from stormwater and boats, while swimming pools expose us to large concentrations of chlorine. These toxins can be harmful to your health. A careful study published in an issue of Occupational and Environmental Medicine demonstrated chlorine used in swimming pools that sting your eyes and irritate your skin can also disrupt the sensitive tissue of your lungs. This is associated to the destruction of the cellular barriers that protect the deep lung (respiratory epithelium), making them "leaky" and more vulnerable to the passage of allergens. The effects were the same for children wherever they lived and they were strongest in the youngest children. To minimize the effects chlorine can have on you and your child we recommend taking 3 – 5 drops of NDF® or NDF Plus® in clean water before swimming and/or immediately after. Our research has shown NDF® binds to free chlorine additive, the specific type used for spas and swimming pools. After NDF® is added to chlorinated water the chlorine can no longer be detected using a conventional 'free chlorine' specific dipstick. Given that NDF's method of...

Use NDF(r) or NDF Plus(r) to reduce chlorine exposure from pools and safeguard your health. The NRDC offers a tool for cleanest beaches.

Minimize Chlorine in Yourself and Your Child

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) has people reaching for their natural detox products, especially those who are headed to the beach or swimming pools. Many of America's beaches are filled with pollution from stormwater and boats, while swimming pools expose us to large concentrations of chlorine. These toxins can be harmful to your health. A careful study published in an issue of Occupational and Environmental Medicine demonstrated chlorine used in swimming pools that sting your eyes and irritate your skin can also disrupt the sensitive tissue of your lungs. This is associated to the destruction of the cellular barriers that protect the deep lung (respiratory epithelium), making them "leaky" and more vulnerable to the passage of allergens. The effects were the same for children wherever they lived and they were strongest in the youngest children. To minimize the effects chlorine can have on you and your child we recommend taking 3 – 5 drops of NDF® or NDF Plus® in clean water before swimming and/or immediately after. Our research has shown NDF® binds to free chlorine additive, the specific type used for spas and swimming pools. After NDF® is added to chlorinated water the chlorine can no longer be detected using a conventional 'free chlorine' specific dipstick. Given that NDF's method of...

Visitors to Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf stores during the holiday season may notice a "Deck the Walls" campaign while waiting for their orders. If they take a closer look, they will see that all proceeds from the purchase of stickers to put on the wall benefit The Help Group, as they have for the past 10 years. The Help Group was founded in 1975 and has become the largest, most comprehensive nonprofit of its kind. The Help Group focuses on serving children with autism spectrum disorders, learning disabilities, ADHD, mental retardation, abuse and emotional problems. With a wide range of mental health and therapy services and seven specialized day schools for pre-K through high school students, The Help Group's programs reach over 6,000 children with special needs a year. Now that winter has rolled around, The Help Group is set once again to begin its popular Kids Like Me winter day camps. Overseen by highly trained counselors and designed to address specific age and ability levels, The Help Group's winter camps are essential tools in helping children with autism spectrum disorders and developmental disabilities connect with others and enjoy a sense of belonging. Jake, an 8-year-old boy with autism spectrum disorder, attended the 2011 Village Glen camp for the summer session. Jake had difficulty making and keeping friends at his school and often ate lunch by himself. His challenges with social skills often led to teasing by the other children, so Jake became increasingly withdrawn and isolated. After his...

The Help Group runs camps for children with autism, funded by Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf's holiday campaign.

The Help Group Serves Children with Autism

Visitors to Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf stores during the holiday season may notice a "Deck the Walls" campaign while waiting for their orders. If they take a closer look, they will see that all proceeds from the purchase of stickers to put on the wall benefit The Help Group, as they have for the past 10 years. The Help Group was founded in 1975 and has become the largest, most comprehensive nonprofit of its kind. The Help Group focuses on serving children with autism spectrum disorders, learning disabilities, ADHD, mental retardation, abuse and emotional problems. With a wide range of mental health and therapy services and seven specialized day schools for pre-K through high school students, The Help Group's programs reach over 6,000 children with special needs a year. Now that winter has rolled around, The Help Group is set once again to begin its popular Kids Like Me winter day camps. Overseen by highly trained counselors and designed to address specific age and ability levels, The Help Group's winter camps are essential tools in helping children with autism spectrum disorders and developmental disabilities connect with others and enjoy a sense of belonging. Jake, an 8-year-old boy with autism spectrum disorder, attended the 2011 Village Glen camp for the summer session. Jake had difficulty making and keeping friends at his school and often ate lunch by himself. His challenges with social skills often led to teasing by the other children, so Jake became increasingly withdrawn and isolated. After his...

The Help Group runs camps for children with autism, funded by Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf's holiday campaign.

You're already logged in! If you've forgotten your password and would like to reset it, <a href="/logout/?redirect=/forgot-password/" alt="Logout page link" title="Logout page link">log out</a> first.

Forgot Password

Login

Zippedy Zap, You're Out!

Poof! You're Logged Out!

Logged Out and Ready to Go!

See You Later, Friend!

Bye for Now!

Farewell, Buddy!

Adios, Amigo!

Until Next Time!

So Long, Friend!

Ciao, Buddy!

Bon Voyage, Friend!

Goodbye for Now!

Hasta Luego, Amigo!

Catch You Later!

See You Soon!

Farewell for Now!

Bye-Bye, Friend!

Until We Meet Again!

Logout

Let's give you a brand new password. Please fill in the boxes below with your details. 📋✏️

The reset ID you provided is invalid. Please check the link you used to get here and try again. To request a new reset link, please visit the <a href="/forgot-password/">forgot password page</a>. 🔄

Let's get your password reset. Please fill in the boxes below with your details. 📋✏️

Reset Password 🔑

Your password has been reset! You can now <a href="/login/" alt="Login page link" title="Login page link">log in</a> with your new password. 🔒

Aw, shucks! We're not quite ready for more friends to join in just yet. 😿But here's the good news! We have a special, sparkly waitlist made just for you! 🥳🎉All you have to do is hop over to <a href='/waitlist/' alt='Waitlist Page' title='Waitlist Page'>the waitlist</a> and sign up. We'll get everything ready and before you know it, you'll be part of our SpecialNeeds.com family!🌟🤗💕 We can't wait to see you soon, 😃

Let's get you signed up so you can join our family. Please fill in the boxes below with your details. 📋✏️

Sign Up

The link you clicked appears to have embarked on its own adventure. Double-check it and let's try again, explorer! 🧭

Just a few more details and your fantastic journey begins! 😊 Rest assured, your data is as safe as a treasure in a dragon's den! 🐉🔒

Checkout

Title

Contact Listing Owner 🗣️

Looks like you need to join our fantastic community to contact the owner. Sign up now and dive into the adventure! 🎉

Whoa, There! 🖐️

This magical form lets you send an initial message to the listing owner. Just jot down a snappy topic (50 characters or less) and your message. Let's get the conversation rolling! 💌

Step right up! 🎪

Find local special needs events near you.

Events

Frequently Asked Questions

Discover the inspiring stories and experiences of our users who have found invaluable resources, support, and connections through SpecialNeeds.com.

Feedback

John Luthor

SpecialNeeds.com has been instrumental in helping me find the right resources for my child. The wealth of information and supportive community is invaluable.

Sarah Taylor

As a teacher, SpecialNeeds.com is my go-to website for understanding my students' diverse needs. The strategies and tips shared have been very helpful.

Alex Hales

The user interface of SpecialNeeds.com is very friendly and easy to navigate. It's a great platform with a lot of useful features for individuals with special needs.

David Warner

SpecialNeeds.com is a beacon of hope for parents like us. The online resources are fantastic and the supportive community is heartwarming.

Jessica Brown

The speech therapy resources on SpecialNeeds.com are top-notch. They've been incredibly helpful in my practice.

Michael Johnson

I've found so much support and understanding in the SpecialNeeds.com community. It has made all the difference for my family.

Emily Davis

SpecialNeeds.com is an invaluable tool in my classroom. The educational resources and community support are amazing.

Oliver Smith

SpecialNeeds.com offers practical and actionable occupational therapy strategies. It's a resource I use daily in my practice.

Sophia Miller

Navigating the world of special needs parenting can be challenging, but SpecialNeeds.com provides resources and a community that truly help.

User’s Feedback About SpecialNeeds.com

Guide your special needs-related business to reach its full potential. Here's the straightforward path to success

Begin by signing up for an account to join our community and initiate your journey.

Join Our Community

With your account set up, it's time to create your business listing. A well-crafted and engaging listing can attract more visitors.

Create Your Listing

Choose from our range of packages for your listing, including various features to suit your needs. We offer multiple options, including a free package.

Select Your Package

Once you submit your listing, our team will review it. Upon approval, your listing will be published on the site for public viewing.

Await Approval

Congratulations! Your listing is now live. You can view it on our site and begin attracting new visitors.

Your Listing is Live

How It Works

Discover our extensive directory featuring a wide range of special needs-related listings. Add your listing to join our growing community.

Explore Our Directory

Engage directly with users through our messaging feature. Manage all your conversations efficiently from your dashboard.

Connect and Communicate

Draw more visitors and grow your business. You have full control over your listing and can update or modify it as needed from your dashboard.

Enhance Your Listing

Supporting Your Business Growth

New Chat Received! 🎉

Enter your name

Pricing

Privacy Policy

Hi there! At SpecialNeeds.com, we care a lot about keeping your information private. We promise to do our best to keep your information safe and sound. This means we collect only the necessary information to provide you with the best possible experience on our site, and we take all the necessary steps to protect your information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure.

1. Our Promise

When you join our site, we collect your email, display name, and password. We don't ever collect your location unless you tell us it's okay. Additionally, we use various analytics tools, which may collect other information like which pages you visit on our site, your IP address, and other data related to your use of our site. These tools help us understand how our site is used and enable us to improve your experience.

2. What We Collect

We collect information from you when you fill out forms on our site, like when you sign up. We also use cookies and Google Analytics to learn more about how you use our site. If you choose to enable the distance search feature, we'll collect your location information after getting your consent by clicking a button.

3. How We Collect It

We use your information to help you use our site and to make our site better for you. We also use it to see how people use our site, so we can make it better for everyone. Your location information, if you choose to share it, is used to help you find resources and services near you.

4. How We Use It

The majority of your information is kept confidential and is not shared with any third parties outside of SpecialNeeds.com. However, for users interacting with our directory listings (such as camps, schools, etc.), we may share aggregated and anonymized analytics data with the owners of these listings. This data may include metrics like the number of page views, time spent on the site, and other related usage statistics. It's important to note that this shared data will not include any personally identifiable information and is solely used to provide insights to our paid listing owners.

5. Who We Share It With

We use some fancy tech stuff to keep your information safe, like HTTPS for secure browsing, bcrypt to keep your password safe, and encryption to keep your location safe if you choose to share it with us. We also store your encrypted location information (if provided) in your browser's local storage and not on our servers, to add an extra layer of security.

6. How We Keep It Safe

You can change your email and password whenever you want. You can't change your display name once it's set, though. If you want to delete your account, you can do that, too. And remember, you can always tell us to stop using your location info by revoking your consent.

7. Changing or Deleting Your Info

Our site isn't made for kids under 13. We don't collect information from anyone under 13, and if we become aware of any such information, we will take steps to delete it.

8. Kids Under 13

Our site is made for people in the U.S. Even though we collect some information from people outside the U.S. through Google Analytics, our website is not targeted at them, and we do not use their information for anything other than Google Analytics.

9. People Outside the U.S.

Sometimes we might need to change this policy. If we do, we'll send you an email, and we'll put a notice on our site and on our social media accounts, if we have any. Please keep checking so you always know our latest policy.

10. Changes to This Policy

Remember, we're here to help. If you have any questions about this privacy policy, just ask!

Privacy Policy for SpecialNeeds.com

Terms and Conditions

Terms and Conditions for SpecialNeeds.com

Hi there! Welcome to SpecialNeeds.com. We're a website that helps people learn about special needs resources, like camps, schools, and therapists. We also share articles and news about special needs topics. But before you start exploring, we need you to understand and agree to our rules.

1. Welcome to Our Site!

Our site is primarily made for people who are 13 years or older. However, individuals under the age of 13 may access the content on our site under the supervision of a parent or legal guardian. While they cannot register for an account, they are welcome to read and learn from the information available with appropriate guidance.

2. Who Can Use Our Site

We want everyone to have a good time here, so we have some rules. You can't use our site to do anything illegal, to bother other people, to share spam, or to post mean or offensive things. And please, don't share anything that belongs to someone else without their permission.

3. Our Rules

Users can add items to our directory, but we'll need to say okay first. We use a smart computer program to check if anything mean or offensive gets posted. And we'll take down anything that's not okay right away.

4. Adding to Our Directory

If you break any of our rules, we might have to stop your account. This means you won't be able to use our site anymore. We don't want to do this, but sometimes we have to.

5. Accounts and What Can Happen

We do our best to share good, helpful information. But we can't promise that everything is perfect or right for you. We're not doctors, and we don't give medical advice. Always check with your own doctor or do your own research.

6. What We Can Promise

If we have a disagreement, we'd like to work it out with you. But if we can't, then we'll have to ask a neutral person or group (this is called an arbitrator) to help us solve it.

7. What Happens If We Disagree

Sometimes we might need to change these rules. If we do, we'll send you an email, and post on our social media accounts, if we have any. Please keep checking so you always know our latest rules.

8. Changes to These Rules

Remember, we're here to help. If you have any questions about these terms and conditions, just ask!

At SpecialNeeds.com, we strive to foster a community of trust and reliability. One significant way we ensure this trust is through our Verified Badge. You may have spotted this little checkmark symbol on our platform. But do you know what it signifies? Allow us to pull back the curtain on this important aspect of our platform. The Verified Badge isn't merely decorative - it's a symbol of authenticity, accuracy, and connection. When you see this badge associated with a company, you can rest assured that the company has been thoroughly vetted and is confirmed to be genuine. But how do we ascertain this genuineness? The process is both rigorous and meticulous. To earn the Verified Badge, a company representative or a SpecialNeeds.com staff member must first register with us and provide evidence of their affiliation with the company. This is typically in the form of a business email address. However, the badge doesn't just signify affiliation. It's also a testament to accuracy. The representative or our staff member is responsible for verifying all information associated with the company - from contact details to rates and features. Only when every piece of information has been scrutinized and confirmed do we award the coveted Verified Badge. Maintaining the Verified Badge isn't a one-time effort - it requires an annual renewal. Each year, company representatives are required to reaffirm their details and reverify their information. This ensures that the data associated with Verified Badge holders remains up-to-date and accurate. If the information isn't refreshed yearly, the Verified Badge status lapses. This renewal requirement serves as an ongoing commitment to accuracy, reinforcing our dedication to providing reliable, current information for our community. But why is this badge important? Why should you, as a user of our platform, trust it? The answer is simple. The Verified Badge is your compass on SpecialNeeds.com, guiding you with the assurance of truth and reliability. This badge is our commitment to you. It's our guarantee that the information you're viewing has been checked for accuracy and confirmed for authenticity. Whenever you see this badge, you know you're looking at a company that has been meticulously verified. That's our promise to you. So, as you explore the vibrant world of special needs-related businesses on SpecialNeeds.com, remember to look out for our Verified Badge. It's more than a symbol - it's the mark of trust you can rely on.

Verified Badge

Verified Listing: Last verified <lastVerified>. Click to learn more.

Special Needs
Articles

How to Get Calcium without Milk

Nutritional Deficiencies in Autism and ADHD: What Parents Should Monitor

Minimize Chlorine in Yourself and Your Child

The Help Group Serves Children with Autism

Find Providers Near You

Special Needs Articles

How to Get Calcium without Milk

Nutritional Deficiencies in Autism and ADHD: What Parents Should Monitor

Minimize Chlorine in Yourself and Your Child

The Help Group Serves Children with Autism

Find Providers Near You

Special Needs
Articles