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Complete List of Special-Needs Winners - About.com Readers' Choice Awards 2012

By , About.com Guide

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Recognizing the Runners-Up
Readers' Choice Awards Runners-Up
Reflecting the passion that parents of children with special needs have for their favorite resources, five special-needs categories in the 2012 About.com Readers' Choice Awards featured hard-fought two-way races that kept the voting lively right up to the end. Though they weren't the winners, these five runners-up got extraordinary support from their fans and deserve special recognition here. Read a little about them and then follow the links for more information or to express your appreciation.

Raising Rebel Souls by Heather Clark
Runner-Up for Favorite Special-Needs Parenting Blog
I asked readers what they love about this blog, and princessmom wrote, "Though I have never met Heather face-to-face, our families are connected in a very special way. I am so glad that our paths crossed, and that she chose to put her struggles, strength, and joy into words. Though I do not have a special-needs child, I teach children affected by autism. Reading Raising Rebel Souls puts the parental perspective in an interesting light, and has inadvertently made me a better educator. To top it all off, her boys are beyond adorable! They are genuine and inspiring, just by being themselves. Give it a read, and you'll fall in love too!" Read More About "Raising Rebel Souls" | Tell What You Love About It

Born Just Right
Runner-Up for Favorite Special-Needs Online Community
I asked Jen Reeves, page owner of Born Just Right, if she had a message for fans who voted for the group, and she wrote: "The Born Just Right community is small but mighty. I have asked so much of this group and they have followed through with nothing but love. We have raised money to send kids to camp, we have helped send a panelist to the SXSW conference, and most of all, we've given each other support. I'm honored so many people showed their support of this community. I can't wait to see what we can do together in the months and years ahead." Read More About Born Just Right | Tell What You Love About It

Autism Every Day by Alyson Beytien
Runner-Up for Favorite New Special-Needs Parenting Book
I asked readers what's special about this book, and KellyGee wrote, "THREE kids on the spectrum? And she is an autism consultant?? I mean, who wouldn't listen to this author? The book is organized very well with strategies at the end of every autobiographical chapter. Alyson's wit is sharp. Her words pack a punch and get right to the meat of what she has learned, both through her studies and through personal experience." Read More About "Autism Every Day" | Tell What You Love About It

I'll Tell You Why ... I Can't Wear Those Clothes by Noreen O'Sullivan
Runner-Up for Favorite New Special-Needs Children's Book
I asked readers what they love about this book, and Hollie wrote, "This book was a huge turning point for my daughter -- she started to believe us that she was not alone in her struggle with tactile defensiveness. The real photos of the author's daughter made it less of a fictional story (like other books on this topic) and that is what gave it credibility and validity for her. The diary format is fantastic too -- this allowed us to open up discussions with our daughter that we were not able to before. EVERY child with tactile defensiveness should have this book." Read More About "I'll Tell You Why ... I Can't Wear Those Clothes" | Tell What You Love About It

iTaalk Autism Foundation
Runner-Up for Favorite Special-Needs Regional Resource
I asked readers what they love about this organization, and Julie wrote, "My son received an iPad from iTaalk last year. It been amazing watching him learn from it! Not only has it encouraged his language development, but his fine motor and cognitive skills have improved from its use as well. It such a great tool for kids with autism. And, with the ridiculous cost of therapies, doctors, special diets, etc., it's not something we could have easily purchased on our own. And, in addition, iTaalk gives fantastic, thorough but easy to follow training that helps parents and professionals utilize these devices effectively with these kids. iTaalk is the best!" Read More About iTaalk Autism Foundation | Tell What You Love About It

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