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 develops. According to MacLean, we have not one, but three brains that develop in a particular sequence, and each one has its own responsibilities and strengths. The three brains will ideally communicate with each other through the middle, mammalian brain. When they don't communicate properly, we end up "out of sync" and have a hard time feeling safe, learning, and expressing emotion – sound familiar? The Reptilian Brain or Hindbrain The first brain to "come online" is the reptilian brain, also known as the primitive brain or basic brain. It takes care of the basics we need to survive, such as our immediate safety and our instincts. It begins developing at conception and continues through fifteen months. As the reptilian brain develops, our vestibular system is also laid down. This system deals with our equilibrium, our sensory perceptions, and our orientation in space and time. When our vestibular system is fully functional, we can explore and learn. When it isn't, we experience fear and reluctance, and then our basic brain causes us to withdraw much like a frightened reptile. The beginnings of dyslexia can be found at this early stage in our development. The Limbic System or Mammalian Brain The midbrain,...

Triune Brain Theory explains the development of children's brains in three stages affecting survival, emotions, and higher functions.

How Your Child's Triune Brain Develops

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 develops.  According to MacLean, we have not one, but three brains that develop in a particular sequence, and each one has its own responsibilities and strengths. The three brains will ideally communicate with each other through the middle, mammalian brain. When they don't communicate properly, we end up "out of sync" and have a hard time feeling safe, learning, and expressing emotion – sound familiar?   The Reptilian Brain or Hindbrain  The first brain to "come online" is the reptilian brain, also known as the primitive brain or basic brain. It takes care of the basics we need to survive, such as our immediate safety and our instincts. It begins developing at conception and continues through fifteen months.  As the reptilian brain develops, our vestibular system is also laid down. This system deals with our equilibrium, our sensory perceptions, and our orientation in space and time. When our vestibular system is fully functional, we can explore and learn. When it isn't, we experience fear and reluctance, and then our basic brain causes us to withdraw much like a frightened reptile. The beginnings of dyslexia can be found at this early stage in our development.   The Limbic System or Mammalian Brain  The midbrain,...

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 integration happens without us realizing it, but it can be more difficult for individuals with special needs, such as autism. Certain therapeutic tools have emerged as a means of helping individuals with sensory processing disorders. Swings, such as the platform swings from Sensory Goods, might seem like simply a fun pastime, but they are excellent tools for improving concentration and vestibular movement. Vestibular therapy works by having a child produce motions that cause a dizzy sensation, while asking the child to concentrate on body position and movement. This process helps the brain develop and compensate for the loss of balance. Platform swings are large boards, usually covered with carpet or other soft material. Ropes that hang from the ceiling are connected to the boards, which allow repetitive swinging motion. This action can create a calming sensation for a child, especially if he is overstimulated, in addition to improving the functioning of the body's vestibular system. Sensory Goods also developed a "Bouncin' Swing," which helps build muscle tone as well as improvement of vestibular and proprioceptive systems. Proprioceptive senses include the sensory input and feedback from muscles and the body. The seat of the Bouncin' Swing is made of denim,...

Swings, like those from Sensory Goods, aid kids with sensory disorders in concentration, balance, and muscle tone improvement.

Sensory Integration Through Swings

  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 integration happens without us realizing it, but it can be more difficult for individuals with special needs, such as autism. Certain therapeutic tools have emerged as a means of helping individuals with sensory processing disorders.         Swings, such as the platform swings from Sensory Goods, might seem like simply a fun pastime, but they are excellent tools for improving concentration and vestibular movement. Vestibular therapy works by having a child produce motions that cause a dizzy sensation, while asking the child to concentrate on body position and movement. This process helps the brain develop and compensate for the loss of balance.   Platform swings are large boards, usually covered with carpet or other soft material. Ropes that hang from the ceiling are connected to the boards, which allow repetitive swinging motion. This action can create a calming sensation for a child, especially if he is overstimulated, in addition to improving the functioning of the body's vestibular system.   Sensory Goods also developed a "Bouncin' Swing," which helps build muscle tone as well as improvement of vestibular and proprioceptive systems. Proprioceptive senses include the sensory input and feedback from muscles and the body. The seat of the Bouncin' Swing is made of denim,...

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 that have jumping, rocking, swinging, or spinning in them have the biggest impact on the vestibular system. Children that have sensory processing issues have under developed or immature vestibular systems, which can lead to learning problems with under achieving; poor reading and math comprehension, writing skills, focus or attention; and behavioral problems. Balametrics, a program that provides products that improve brain functions, states that timing coordination is critical to the integration of our senses by using full brain processing. Activities that stimulate and develop efficient balance also refine the brain's temporal processes. Demands on timing require a significant expansion of neuron firing, which in turn increase cognition and intelligence. For example, it takes approximately 500,000 neurons to develop the timing ability to hit a target at five feet verus 32 million neurons at 10 feet. Essential Fatty Acids are the building blocks of the membranes of every cell in the body, with the brain having the highest concentration of fat. Brain synapses require long chain fatty acids (DHA) to be efficient. The forebrain, which is the part of the brain used for sustained attention, has the highest concentration of DHA. Essential Fatty Acids are specific fats that cannot be produced in the body....

Boost your child's processing skills with sensory integration, balance exercises, fatty acids, therapeutic listening, and NeuroNet.

5 Unexpected Ways to Jump Start Your Child

   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 that have jumping, rocking, swinging, or spinning in them have the biggest impact on the vestibular system. Children that have sensory processing issues have under developed or immature vestibular systems, which can lead to learning problems with under achieving; poor reading and math comprehension, writing skills, focus or attention; and behavioral problems.    Balametrics, a program that provides products that improve brain functions, states that timing coordination is critical to the integration of our senses by using full brain processing. Activities that stimulate and develop efficient balance also refine the brain's temporal processes. Demands on timing require a significant expansion of neuron firing, which in turn increase cognition and intelligence. For example, it takes approximately 500,000 neurons to develop the timing ability to hit a target at five feet verus 32 million neurons at 10 feet.     Essential Fatty Acids are the building blocks of the membranes of every cell in the body, with the brain having the highest concentration of fat. Brain synapses require long chain fatty acids (DHA) to be efficient. The forebrain, which is the part of the brain used for sustained attention, has the highest concentration of DHA. Essential Fatty Acids are specific fats that cannot be produced in the body....

Your toddler melts down in the grocery store when the fluorescent lights flicker. They refuse to wear certain clothes. They can't sit still for more than thirty seconds, or they seek out crashing into furniture. You've tried reasoning, rewards, consequences. Nothing works. You're exhausted, and you're starting to wonder if you're doing something wrong. You're not. What you're seeing might be sensory processing differences: the brain struggling to organize input from the senses. And recognizing that difference changes everything about how you respond. What Sensory Processing Means. Sensory processing is how the brain takes in, interprets, and responds to information from the environment. Most people think of the five senses: sight, sound, touch, taste, smell. But there are eight. The two most relevant to toddler behavior are vestibular and proprioceptive. Vestibular handles movement and balance. Proprioceptive is body awareness, the sense that tells you where your limbs are in space. When sensory processing works smoothly, you filter out background noise, tolerate tags in your shirt, and know how hard to press a pencil without breaking the tip. When it doesn't, the brain either over-responds to input, called hypersensitivity, or under-responds, called hyposensitivity. Sometimes both happen in the same child, with different senses. A hypersensitive child might cover their ears at normal conversation volume, gag at the texture of yogurt, or scream when you brush their hair. A hyposensitive child might not notice when they're hurt, seek out intense sensory input like spinning or crashing, or chew on everything in reach....

Distinguish sensory meltdowns from tantrums, recognize hypersensitivity in young children, and discover home strategies that work.

Understanding Sensory Processing in Toddlers: What Parents Need to Know

Your toddler melts down in the grocery store when the fluorescent lights flicker. They refuse to wear certain clothes. They can't sit still for more than thirty seconds, or they seek out crashing into furniture. You've tried reasoning, rewards, consequences. Nothing works. You're exhausted, and you're starting to wonder if you're doing something wrong. You're not. What you're seeing might be sensory processing differences: the brain struggling to organize input from the senses. And recognizing that difference changes everything about how you respond. What Sensory Processing Means. Sensory processing is how the brain takes in, interprets, and responds to information from the environment. Most people think of the five senses: sight, sound, touch, taste, smell. But there are eight. The two most relevant to toddler behavior are vestibular and proprioceptive. Vestibular handles movement and balance. Proprioceptive is body awareness, the sense that tells you where your limbs are in space. When sensory processing works smoothly, you filter out background noise, tolerate tags in your shirt, and know how hard to press a pencil without breaking the tip. When it doesn't, the brain either over-responds to input, called hypersensitivity, or under-responds, called hyposensitivity. Sometimes both happen in the same child, with different senses. A hypersensitive child might cover their ears at normal conversation volume, gag at the texture of yogurt, or scream when you brush their hair. A hyposensitive child might not notice when they're hurt, seek out intense sensory input like spinning or crashing, or chew on everything in reach....

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that affects communication, behavior, and social interaction in varying degrees. One of the less explored but highly impactful areas for many autistic individuals is the world of dance. This article delves into why dance holds a special place in the lives of many autistic people. Non-Verbal Expression Dance is primarily a non-verbal form of communication. For those on the autism spectrum who might struggle with traditional forms of verbal communication, dance provides a powerful medium to express emotions, ideas, and narratives. The rhythmic movement of dance can be a liberating experience, allowing autistic individuals to convey feelings that words sometimes cannot capture. Sensory Integration Many autistic individuals have unique sensory processing patterns. Dance can be a therapeutic tool, helping in regulating sensory input. The physical movements involved in dancing can aid in developing proprioceptive and vestibular senses, crucial for body awareness and balance. Furthermore, the tactile sensations, music, and visual patterns associated with dancing can be soothing and enjoyable for those with sensory sensitivities. Structured Creativity Autism often comes with a preference for structure and routine. Dance, especially when learned in a class setting, offers a structured way to be creative. Choreographed routines provide a clear framework within which individuals can explore movement, rhythm, and expression in a controlled and predictable environment. Social Connection While social interaction can be challenging for some with ASD, dance classes and events offer a structured social setting....

Dance offers autistic people a unique way to express themselves and connect with others, enhancing communication and sensory experiences.

Rhythmic Revelations: How Dance Unlocks a New World for Autistic Individuals

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that affects communication, behavior, and social interaction in varying degrees. One of the less explored but highly impactful areas for many autistic individuals is the world of dance. This article delves into why dance holds a special place in the lives of many autistic people.  Non-Verbal Expression  Dance is primarily a non-verbal form of communication. For those on the autism spectrum who might struggle with traditional forms of verbal communication, dance provides a powerful medium to express emotions, ideas, and narratives. The rhythmic movement of dance can be a liberating experience, allowing autistic individuals to convey feelings that words sometimes cannot capture.  Sensory Integration  Many autistic individuals have unique sensory processing patterns. Dance can be a therapeutic tool, helping in regulating sensory input. The physical movements involved in dancing can aid in developing proprioceptive and vestibular senses, crucial for body awareness and balance. Furthermore, the tactile sensations, music, and visual patterns associated with dancing can be soothing and enjoyable for those with sensory sensitivities.  Structured Creativity  Autism often comes with a preference for structure and routine. Dance, especially when learned in a class setting, offers a structured way to be creative. Choreographed routines provide a clear framework within which individuals can explore movement, rhythm, and expression in a controlled and predictable environment.  Social Connection  While social interaction can be challenging for some with ASD, dance classes and events offer a structured social setting....

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 Your Child's Triune Brain Develops

Sensory Integration Through Swings

5 Unexpected Ways to Jump Start Your Child

Understanding Sensory Processing in Toddlers: What Parents Need to Know

Rhythmic Revelations: How Dance Unlocks a New World for Autistic Individuals

Find Providers Near You

Special Needs Articles

How Your Child's Triune Brain Develops

Sensory Integration Through Swings

5 Unexpected Ways to Jump Start Your Child

Understanding Sensory Processing in Toddlers: What Parents Need to Know

Rhythmic Revelations: How Dance Unlocks a New World for Autistic Individuals

Find Providers Near You

Special Needs
Articles