Homeschooling is something I swore I’d never do with my kids. Many of my siblings were homeschooled and I had strong (negative) opinions about it—until I had children of my own. Both my sons—one who is non-speaking and Autistic and the other who struggles with…
The Brain and the Digestive Tract: Recognizing the difference between a fussy eater and a problem feeder Kids with ADHD, OCD, Tourette’s, Asperger’s, Autism, learning disabilities, and other neurological issues are all problem eaters, to one degree or another. Is it coincidental that children with…
On February 11, 2015 we welcomed our fourth child into the world about two weeks early. She appeared completely healthy, weighing 6 lbs. 6 oz. We were surprised she was a girl, as my husband and I spent the entire pregnancy preparing for a boy….
With an increasing number of college programs and supports available, more and more students with disabilities are exploring college as an option post-high school or transition. The thought of attending college is exciting, but preparing for the experience can be an overwhelming process. Identifying a…
“Even the NORMAL kids experience stress on the first day.” The words hit me like a punch in the stomach. I had just asked why my child with a genetic deletion was pulled from the sixth grade orientation activities and put in a separate room…
Our family is excited about Halloween (my youngest son has been decorating since February!), but as much as I love this time of year, picking out a costume for my kids with special needs can be a challenge. Here are tips from friends whose kids…
Fall is a time of transitions. Days get shorter and routines have to be adjusted accordingly; and pumpkins and Halloween costumes appear in stores. It’s my favorite season, but it can easily overwhelm my children with special needs. Luckily, the last eight years of parenting…
A child’s response to “What do you want to be when you grow up?” can elicit a variety of responses, anything from a fire truck (my all-time favorite response from a 3-year-old) to professional athlete, police officer and astronaut. As children grow older, career aspirations…
A new school year means a new grade, new teachers, new goals and maybe a new school for some students. In order to help ease the transition for students with special needs, here are some helpful back-to-school tips. 10 Tips to Ease Transition Visit the…
For a very long time, autistic children were seen as broken versions of “normal” kids. It hurts my heart to type that sentence, but I’m so grateful to live during a time when that paradigm is shifting. Thanks to the tireless work of writers with…