Parenting Special Needs: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Fun Things to Do
Running out of inspiration? Here's a handful of things to do -- with your kids, or for your own procrastinating self -- to keep you informed, amused and occupied.
Running out of inspiration? Here's a handful of things to do -- with your kids, or for your own procrastinating self -- to keep you informed, amused and occupied.
School Behavior Plans
Blank forms and sample behavior management plans can help parents be active participants in the process of devising a plan for their student -- or proposing a plan themselves.
Blank forms and sample behavior management plans can help parents be active participants in the process of devising a plan for their student -- or proposing a plan themselves.
Tea Tree Oil for Head Lice
The dangers of pesticide shampoos have left parents looking for natural solutions to the problem of head lice. Tea tree oil shampoo can chase the bugs away and keep them away.
The dangers of pesticide shampoos have left parents looking for natural solutions to the problem of head lice. Tea tree oil shampoo can chase the bugs away and keep them away.
What is a 504 plan?
Information on accommodations for disabled students under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Information on accommodations for disabled students under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
What Is a Paraprofessional?
Learn more about the aides who help children and teachers in special education classrooms.
Learn more about the aides who help children and teachers in special education classrooms.
Make Behavior Charts Work
Awarding points or checkmarks for jobs well done can be effective motivational tools for kids, but behavior charts are often too abstract for children with special needs. Here are some ways to make them work.
Awarding points or checkmarks for jobs well done can be effective motivational tools for kids, but behavior charts are often too abstract for children with special needs. Here are some ways to make them work.
What Is BIP?
Learn more about Behavior Intervention Plans and how they can help improve your child's behavior in the classroom.
Learn more about Behavior Intervention Plans and how they can help improve your child's behavior in the classroom.
Do Vaccines Cause Autism?
Do vaccines cause autism? The controversy rages. Learn the pros and cons, and make up your own mind.
Do vaccines cause autism? The controversy rages. Learn the pros and cons, and make up your own mind.
Smother Head Lice
One non-toxic way to deal with head lice is to put a substance on the head that kills lice by smothering them and also makes the nits easier to comb out. Learn how to put this plan into action.
One non-toxic way to deal with head lice is to put a substance on the head that kills lice by smothering them and also makes the nits easier to comb out. Learn how to put this plan into action.
Emergency Time-Wasters
No matter how organized the parent, there will always be times when kids need distraction and there are no books or playthings at hand. Here are 101 informal time-wasters to amuse your child when you've nothing more than your wits about you.
No matter how organized the parent, there will always be times when kids need distraction and there are no books or playthings at hand. Here are 101 informal time-wasters to amuse your child when you've nothing more than your wits about you.
Printable Reward Coupons
Whether you need an easy gift add-on, a motivational tool for behavior charts, or a quick token to mark a job well done, these printable coupons give kids those little things they really want -- or lets them make you do those little things you don't usually want to do.
Whether you need an easy gift add-on, a motivational tool for behavior charts, or a quick token to mark a job well done, these printable coupons give kids those little things they really want -- or lets them make you do those little things you don't usually want to do.
What Are "Special Needs"?
An explanation of the term "special needs," and a look at different children's diseases, disorders and disabilities that fall under that umbrella.
An explanation of the term "special needs," and a look at different children's diseases, disorders and disabilities that fall under that umbrella.
Make a Textbook Cover
An early homework assignment in a lot of schools is to cover textbooks. Here's how to turn a brown paper bag into a textbook protector -- just cut, fold and (if things look a little messy) tape.
An early homework assignment in a lot of schools is to cover textbooks. Here's how to turn a brown paper bag into a textbook protector -- just cut, fold and (if things look a little messy) tape.
504 plan vs. IEP
Learn about the difference between accommodations offered under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and services offered through an IEP under IDEA. Both help your child with special needs survive in school, but only one will be appropriate.
Learn about the difference between accommodations offered under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and services offered through an IEP under IDEA. Both help your child with special needs survive in school, but only one will be appropriate.
Write a Good Paragraph
Organizing thoughts into a coherent piece of writing can be hard for children with learning disabilities. Here's how to help your child write a strong five-sentence paragraph, whether for an elementary assignment or a open-ended exam.
Organizing thoughts into a coherent piece of writing can be hard for children with learning disabilities. Here's how to help your child write a strong five-sentence paragraph, whether for an elementary assignment or a open-ended exam.
Pick a Student Planner
It's simple: If your child doesn't bring home information on the assignment, he or she can't do the homework. Planners are important, but what kind will work best for your student? Here are six options to consider.
It's simple: If your child doesn't bring home information on the assignment, he or she can't do the homework. Planners are important, but what kind will work best for your student? Here are six options to consider.
Gluten-Free Brownies
Brownies are a delicious treat, but for kids with wheat allergies, they may be off limits. These recipes from around the Web take the wheat flour out but leave all that chocolatey goodness in.
Brownies are a delicious treat, but for kids with wheat allergies, they may be off limits. These recipes from around the Web take the wheat flour out but leave all that chocolatey goodness in.
Pick a 3-Ring Binder
Your child's school binder may be a wonder of organizational technology or a wreck held together by duct tape and cardboard fibers, but whatever's getting stuffed in that backpack each morning, make sure it suits your child's special needs.
Your child's school binder may be a wonder of organizational technology or a wreck held together by duct tape and cardboard fibers, but whatever's getting stuffed in that backpack each morning, make sure it suits your child's special needs.
Behavior Analysis
Information on how to perform an analysis of troubling behavior and change the environment to change the child.
Information on how to perform an analysis of troubling behavior and change the environment to change the child.
Homemade Therapy Toys
Can't afford the fancy therapy items in sensory integration and speech therapy catalogs? Make or find your own using these 20 easy suggestions.
Can't afford the fancy therapy items in sensory integration and speech therapy catalogs? Make or find your own using these 20 easy suggestions.
Special Education Classrooms
Learn about the different types of classrooms special-education students may be placed in, and why each might be right -- or wrong -- for your child.
Learn about the different types of classrooms special-education students may be placed in, and why each might be right -- or wrong -- for your child.
Special-Needs Swim Gear
Children with special needs may face special challenges when it comes to water play -- from keeping ear tubes dry to finding extra-large swim diapers. Here's the gear they'll need to stay cool in the pool.
Children with special needs may face special challenges when it comes to water play -- from keeping ear tubes dry to finding extra-large swim diapers. Here's the gear they'll need to stay cool in the pool.
Sensory Integration Tools
A listing of sites that offer products to help children with sensory integration problems.
A listing of sites that offer products to help children with sensory integration problems.
Writing an Essay: Example 3
Example of the third step of creating an outline.
Example of the third step of creating an outline.
Writing an Essay: Example 4
Example of the final step of writing an essay.
Example of the final step of writing an essay.
How do I get a 504 plan?
Learn how to get the accommodations offered by a 504 plan for your child with special needs.
Learn how to get the accommodations offered by a 504 plan for your child with special needs.
Gluten-Free Candy
Where to find lists of candies that are safe for children on a gluten-free diet
Where to find lists of candies that are safe for children on a gluten-free diet
Write an Essay
Writing a standard five-paragraph essay can be difficult for children with learning disabilities. But how to do you help without just writing the whole thing? Here's how to help your child make an outline and turn it into a well-organized paper.
Writing a standard five-paragraph essay can be difficult for children with learning disabilities. But how to do you help without just writing the whole thing? Here's how to help your child make an outline and turn it into a well-organized paper.
Recognizing Emotions
Identifying emotions -- in other people, and in themselves -- can be hard for children with special needs. Here are five fun ways to help your child learn what facial expressions mean, how to recognize emotions in others, and what those same emotions feel like to them.
Identifying emotions -- in other people, and in themselves -- can be hard for children with special needs. Here are five fun ways to help your child learn what facial expressions mean, how to recognize emotions in others, and what those same emotions feel like to them.
Speech Therapy Games
Chances are the word games you're playing with your child are already ones that help strengthen speech and language skills. Here's how to tweak them for some impromptu speech therapy.
Chances are the word games you're playing with your child are already ones that help strengthen speech and language skills. Here's how to tweak them for some impromptu speech therapy.
Cutting and Self-Mutilation
Excerpt from the book "My Kind of Sad: What It's Like to Be Young and Depressed" by Kate Scowen focuses on cutting and other forms of self-mutilation in teens.
Excerpt from the book "My Kind of Sad: What It's Like to Be Young and Depressed" by Kate Scowen focuses on cutting and other forms of self-mutilation in teens.
Make a Teacher Info Packet
You've looked at our "Preparing the School for Your Child with Special Needs" pages. Now what? Here's how to put them together with a personalized note in a package that will get the teacher's attention.
You've looked at our "Preparing the School for Your Child with Special Needs" pages. Now what? Here's how to put them together with a personalized note in a package that will get the teacher's attention.
What Is FBA?
Learn more about Functional Behavioral Assessments and how they can help improve your child's behavior in the classroom.
Learn more about Functional Behavioral Assessments and how they can help improve your child's behavior in the classroom.
What Is DSI?
A definition of DSI, with links to more information.
A definition of DSI, with links to more information.
Stop School Misbehavior
School behavior problems may start small, but they're a sign that something is not working for your child. Here are five ways to fix them before they get out of control.
School behavior problems may start small, but they're a sign that something is not working for your child. Here are five ways to fix them before they get out of control.
What Is FAE?
Definition of Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE), with links to more information.
Definition of Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE), with links to more information.
Improve Your Child's Behavior
From choosing realistic goals to picking your battles, here are ten strategies for making your child more manageable.
From choosing realistic goals to picking your battles, here are ten strategies for making your child more manageable.
Book Cover Step-by-Step
An early homework assignment in a lot of schools is to cover textbooks. Here's how to turn a brown paper bag into a textbook protector -- just cut and fold.
An early homework assignment in a lot of schools is to cover textbooks. Here's how to turn a brown paper bag into a textbook protector -- just cut and fold.
Notes for the Teacher
The best way to make sure that teachers have all the information and resources they need to work with your child is to provide those things yourself. Here are suggestions, tips and fact sheets on a variety of special needs you can copy, rewrite, print out, and send in to give your child and his or her teacher the best chance at success.
The best way to make sure that teachers have all the information and resources they need to work with your child is to provide those things yourself. Here are suggestions, tips and fact sheets on a variety of special needs you can copy, rewrite, print out, and send in to give your child and his or her teacher the best chance at success.
Alphabet Soup Quiz: Special Education Edition
Test your special-education acronym acumen.
Test your special-education acronym acumen.
Sample Letter of Intent
If you were to die suddenly, would those left behind know all the details of your child's everyday life -- doctors, school programs, activities, medications, behavior strategies, routines? Put down all those things you handle so well in a Letter of Intent to guide your child's guardians.
If you were to die suddenly, would those left behind know all the details of your child's everyday life -- doctors, school programs, activities, medications, behavior strategies, routines? Put down all those things you handle so well in a Letter of Intent to guide your child's guardians.
What Is an IEP?
Introduction to Individualized Education Plans.
Introduction to Individualized Education Plans.
Emotional Disturbance
A fact sheet from the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHCY) offers the IDEA definition, incidence, characteristics, and educational implications for the classification of emotional disturbance.
A fact sheet from the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHCY) offers the IDEA definition, incidence, characteristics, and educational implications for the classification of emotional disturbance.
At-Home Speech Therapy
Professional speech therapy, at school or in a private office, can be invaluable to a child with speech and language problems. But what do you do when school's out, or the therapist is unvailable? Try these five ideas for being an at-home speech therapist -- and keep them up even when therapy's in session to maximize your child's progress.
Professional speech therapy, at school or in a private office, can be invaluable to a child with speech and language problems. But what do you do when school's out, or the therapist is unvailable? Try these five ideas for being an at-home speech therapist -- and keep them up even when therapy's in session to maximize your child's progress.
First Five: DSI
A handful of easy, quick suggestions to help you get a fast start on helping your child diagnosed with sensory integration problems.
A handful of easy, quick suggestions to help you get a fast start on helping your child diagnosed with sensory integration problems.
Dairy-Free Brownies
If milk or eggs are a problem for your child, you don't have to put brownies off-limits. Whip up one of these recipes that use soy milk, tofu, oil, fruit puree, and other ingrediates as substitutes for dairy products.
If milk or eggs are a problem for your child, you don't have to put brownies off-limits. Whip up one of these recipes that use soy milk, tofu, oil, fruit puree, and other ingrediates as substitutes for dairy products.
Write a Research Paper
Organizing and writing a research paper can be difficult for children with learning disabilities. But how to do you help without just writing the whole thing? Here's how to help your child make an outline and turn it into a well-structured report.
Organizing and writing a research paper can be difficult for children with learning disabilities. But how to do you help without just writing the whole thing? Here's how to help your child make an outline and turn it into a well-structured report.
Charity Wristbands
Wristbands that support a cause are everywhere these days. Here are an armful for child-related charities.
Wristbands that support a cause are everywhere these days. Here are an armful for child-related charities.
22 Ways to Love Your Child
Inspirational ways to show your child how much you care.
Inspirational ways to show your child how much you care.
What Is FASD?
Learn more about Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Effects, and the many ways they can impair a child's development.
Learn more about Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Effects, and the many ways they can impair a child's development.
After the Diagnosis
Information on the next steps to take after you receive a diagnosis for your child with special needs. Includes listing of fact sheets on the First Five Things to Do for specific disabilities.
Information on the next steps to take after you receive a diagnosis for your child with special needs. Includes listing of fact sheets on the First Five Things to Do for specific disabilities.
"No Pants" Toilet Training
Step-by-step description of a potty training method suited to children with special needs, who may have trouble focusing on the task or sensing their need to go.
Step-by-step description of a potty training method suited to children with special needs, who may have trouble focusing on the task or sensing their need to go.
What Is ARND?
Defines the acronym ARND, describing fetal alcohol impairment.
Defines the acronym ARND, describing fetal alcohol impairment.
Teaching Self-Care
You want your child to learn things like shoe-tying, tooth-brushing, bed-making, food-cutting, but how on earth do you teach it to kids for whom those things don't come naturally or easily? "Steps to Independence" has the tips and techniques you need.
You want your child to learn things like shoe-tying, tooth-brushing, bed-making, food-cutting, but how on earth do you teach it to kids for whom those things don't come naturally or easily? "Steps to Independence" has the tips and techniques you need.
Peanut Allergy at School
School can be a dangerous place for children with a peanut allergy. Let the school know what your child needs to be safe with these tips and printouts.
School can be a dangerous place for children with a peanut allergy. Let the school know what your child needs to be safe with these tips and printouts.
Autism at School
School can be a difficult place for children with autism -- academically, behaviorally and socially. Let the school know what your child needs to be safe and successful with these tips and printouts.
School can be a difficult place for children with autism -- academically, behaviorally and socially. Let the school know what your child needs to be safe and successful with these tips and printouts.
What Is IDEA?
Definition of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, with links to more information.
Definition of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, with links to more information.
CP at School
School can be a difficult place for children with cerebral palsy -- physically, socially and academically. Let the school know what your child needs to be safe and successful with these tips and printouts.
School can be a difficult place for children with cerebral palsy -- physically, socially and academically. Let the school know what your child needs to be safe and successful with these tips and printouts.
FASD Resources
Start with these recommended resources for finding facts, strategies, and advice on parenting children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.
Start with these recommended resources for finding facts, strategies, and advice on parenting children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.
DSI Resources
Start with these recommended resources for finding facts, strategies, and advice on parenting children with Dysfunction of Sensory Integration.
Start with these recommended resources for finding facts, strategies, and advice on parenting children with Dysfunction of Sensory Integration.
Who Attends an IEP Meeting?
Description of the Child Study Team.
Description of the Child Study Team.
DS at School
School can be a difficult place for children with Down syndrome -- academically, behaviorally and socially. Let the school know what your child needs to be safe and successful with these tips and printouts.
School can be a difficult place for children with Down syndrome -- academically, behaviorally and socially. Let the school know what your child needs to be safe and successful with these tips and printouts.
Breathing Techniques
An excerpt from "The Floppy Sleep Game Book" tells how breathing techniques can reduce anxiety and improve behavior for children with special needs.
An excerpt from "The Floppy Sleep Game Book" tells how breathing techniques can reduce anxiety and improve behavior for children with special needs.
Special Education Acronyms
Is your child getting a FAPE in the LRE with a BIP, OT, PT, APE, and SLP? Find your way through all those acronyms with this quick guide.
Is your child getting a FAPE in the LRE with a BIP, OT, PT, APE, and SLP? Find your way through all those acronyms with this quick guide.
No Wheat, No Dairy Cookies
Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookies from a recipe in "The Gak’s Snacks Allergy Cookbook: Baked Treats for All Occasions."
Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookies from a recipe in "The Gak’s Snacks Allergy Cookbook: Baked Treats for All Occasions."
Nurtured Heart
This excellent behavior-management approach helps focus intense, energetic kids into more positive patterns, and gives parents something to feel good about too.
This excellent behavior-management approach helps focus intense, energetic kids into more positive patterns, and gives parents something to feel good about too.
The Explosive Child
Help your child get "unstuck" from bad behavior with this calm, practical guide to reducing frustration -- yours and your child's.
Help your child get "unstuck" from bad behavior with this calm, practical guide to reducing frustration -- yours and your child's.
What Is RAD?
A definition of RAD, with links to more information.
A definition of RAD, with links to more information.
Is a 504 plan necessary?
Why you may want to pursue a legal document specifying the accommodations that will be given to your special-needs child rather than making agreements informally with the school.
Why you may want to pursue a legal document specifying the accommodations that will be given to your special-needs child rather than making agreements informally with the school.
What Is Speech Therapy?
A definition of speech therapy, with a link to more information.
A definition of speech therapy, with a link to more information.
MMR and Autism
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) investigated the possibility that the MMR vaccine causes autism and issued a report that has been widely reported as proving that no connections exist. But in fact, the committee called for more research on the subject. Read this FAQ from the IOM for more on its findings.
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) investigated the possibility that the MMR vaccine causes autism and issued a report that has been widely reported as proving that no connections exist. But in fact, the committee called for more research on the subject. Read this FAQ from the IOM for more on its findings.
Euthanasia and Disabilities
The case of Terri Schindler Schiavo is at heart a disability rights issue. Do people with severe cognitive or physical disabilities have rights? Should they be allowed to waive them? Should others be encouraged to do that for them? And who decides when a life no longer has value? Parents of special needs, as caretakers of the helpless and voiceless, need to make sure their children's rights are being respected. Here's a look at the issues involved.
The case of Terri Schindler Schiavo is at heart a disability rights issue. Do people with severe cognitive or physical disabilities have rights? Should they be allowed to waive them? Should others be encouraged to do that for them? And who decides when a life no longer has value? Parents of special needs, as caretakers of the helpless and voiceless, need to make sure their children's rights are being respected. Here's a look at the issues involved.
At-Home SI Therapy
Occupational therapy with a Sensory Integration approach often has a strong element of parental involvement, with Mom and Dad asked to perform tasks like brushing and joint compression. There's more you can do, though, whether filling in for the therapist during school breaks or just augmenting the work being done. Here are five ways to start.
Occupational therapy with a Sensory Integration approach often has a strong element of parental involvement, with Mom and Dad asked to perform tasks like brushing and joint compression. There's more you can do, though, whether filling in for the therapist during school breaks or just augmenting the work being done. Here are five ways to start.
What Is FAPE?
Learn more about your child's right to a Free Appropriate Public Education.
Learn more about your child's right to a Free Appropriate Public Education.
Choosing Your Battles
When dealing with children with special needs, not every behavioral misstep is worth fighting over. Here's how to be a benevolent dictator.
When dealing with children with special needs, not every behavioral misstep is worth fighting over. Here's how to be a benevolent dictator.
Time-Out Spots
Looking for a place to put your kids in time-out where they're not going to enjoy being? Sending them to their room, and their stereos, cell phones and TVs, is probably out of the question. Try one of these spots for a little instant boredom.
Looking for a place to put your kids in time-out where they're not going to enjoy being? Sending them to their room, and their stereos, cell phones and TVs, is probably out of the question. Try one of these spots for a little instant boredom.
Sensory Integration at School
School can be a difficult place for children with sensory integration problems -- academically, behaviorally and socially. Let the school know what your child needs to be safe and successful with these tips and printouts.
School can be a difficult place for children with sensory integration problems -- academically, behaviorally and socially. Let the school know what your child needs to be safe and successful with these tips and printouts.
Special-Needs School Tools
Help your child sit stiller, write better, and read easier with these cool school tools for students with learning disabilities, fine motor delays, sensory integration challenges, or a bad case of the wiggles.
Help your child sit stiller, write better, and read easier with these cool school tools for students with learning disabilities, fine motor delays, sensory integration challenges, or a bad case of the wiggles.
Summer Survival Kit
Are you ready for the summer? The absence of school is relaxing, but the lack of routine can be stressful. Help your family survive the formless school-free months with these tips for lessening risks and increasing rewards.
Are you ready for the summer? The absence of school is relaxing, but the lack of routine can be stressful. Help your family survive the formless school-free months with these tips for lessening risks and increasing rewards.
What Is BPD?
A definition of Borderline Personality Disorder, with a link to more information.
A definition of Borderline Personality Disorder, with a link to more information.
Dealing with Toxic People
You can't believe some of the things people say to you about your special-needs child or your parenting. If you can't avoid those folks who can't say anything nice, you can manage their behavior -- and yours -- more effectively.
You can't believe some of the things people say to you about your special-needs child or your parenting. If you can't avoid those folks who can't say anything nice, you can manage their behavior -- and yours -- more effectively.
Gluten-Free Christmas Cookies
Giving up gluten doesn't mean giving up Christmas cookies. Follow these links to recipes for crunchy, festive goodies that can be enjoyed even by kids on gluten-free diets.
Giving up gluten doesn't mean giving up Christmas cookies. Follow these links to recipes for crunchy, festive goodies that can be enjoyed even by kids on gluten-free diets.
Head Lice and School
No Nits policies aim to keep lice infestations under control, but can keep kids out of school, and parents out of work, for extended periods. This is a particular concern for kids in special education, who may miss out on needed services and therapies, suffer for lack of routine, and have a hard time tolerating head lice treatments. Is No Nits necessary, or no good?
No Nits policies aim to keep lice infestations under control, but can keep kids out of school, and parents out of work, for extended periods. This is a particular concern for kids in special education, who may miss out on needed services and therapies, suffer for lack of routine, and have a hard time tolerating head lice treatments. Is No Nits necessary, or no good?
Research a Disability
The About Parenting Special Needs is full of information on specific disabilities and general behaviors and issues that apply to kids with special needs. Here's how to find the information you're looking for, and more.
The About Parenting Special Needs is full of information on specific disabilities and general behaviors and issues that apply to kids with special needs. Here's how to find the information you're looking for, and more.
First Five: ODD
A handful of easy, quick suggestions to help you get a fast start on helping your child diagnosed with Oppositional Defiant Disorder.
A handful of easy, quick suggestions to help you get a fast start on helping your child diagnosed with Oppositional Defiant Disorder.
Writing a Research Paper: Example 2
Example of the first step of outlining a research paper.
Example of the first step of outlining a research paper.
Get an IEP for Your Child
Whether you've requested an Individualized Educational Plan for your child or have been asked to consider one by school or state personnel, these are the steps you'll go through, from initial referral through provision of services and triennial reevaluation.
Whether you've requested an Individualized Educational Plan for your child or have been asked to consider one by school or state personnel, these are the steps you'll go through, from initial referral through provision of services and triennial reevaluation.
Boost Your Child's Self-Esteem
Children with special needs can be bad at feeling good about themselves. Here are five ways to boost your child's self-esteem, and make yourself a more effective parent.
Children with special needs can be bad at feeling good about themselves. Here are five ways to boost your child's self-esteem, and make yourself a more effective parent.
Set Get-able Goals
Whether setting goals for your special child, your family or yourself, thinking small and short-term can help you find big, long-lasting success.
Whether setting goals for your special child, your family or yourself, thinking small and short-term can help you find big, long-lasting success.
At-Home Occupational Therapy
Professional occupational therapy, at school or in a private office, can be invaluable to a child with fine motor problems. But what do you do when school's out, or the therapist is unavailable? Try these five ideas for being an at-home occupational therapist -- and keep them up even when therapy's in session to maximize your child's progress.
Professional occupational therapy, at school or in a private office, can be invaluable to a child with fine motor problems. But what do you do when school's out, or the therapist is unavailable? Try these five ideas for being an at-home occupational therapist -- and keep them up even when therapy's in session to maximize your child's progress.
Taking Your Child to Disney
Taking a child with autism or sensory processing problems to an amusement park can be scarier than any thrill ride. In this excerpt from The Sensory Processing Disorder Answer Book, an occupational therapist offers tips for getting your sensory-sensitive child ready for a trip to Disney, or any overwhelming play park.
Taking a child with autism or sensory processing problems to an amusement park can be scarier than any thrill ride. In this excerpt from The Sensory Processing Disorder Answer Book, an occupational therapist offers tips for getting your sensory-sensitive child ready for a trip to Disney, or any overwhelming play park.
RAD at School
School can be a dangerous place for children with an attachment disorder -- and for the families that send them there. Let the school know what your child needs to be safe with these tips and printouts.
School can be a dangerous place for children with an attachment disorder -- and for the families that send them there. Let the school know what your child needs to be safe with these tips and printouts.
Writing a Research Paper: Example 1
Example of the first step of outlining a research paper.
Example of the first step of outlining a research paper.
Behavior ABCs
Learn how to improve your behavior management and handle specific behaviors and situations with an ABC primer listing helpful articles and books.
Learn how to improve your behavior management and handle specific behaviors and situations with an ABC primer listing helpful articles and books.
First Five: RAD
A handful of easy, quick suggestions to help you get a fast start on helping your child diagnosed with attachment disorder.
A handful of easy, quick suggestions to help you get a fast start on helping your child diagnosed with attachment disorder.
Writing an Essay: Example 2
Example of the second step of creating an outline.
Example of the second step of creating an outline.
Work Out with Your Child
Getting out of the house long enough to get some decent exercise can be hard for parents of children with special needs. These products can help you get moving right where you are -- and have fun with your child at the same time.
Getting out of the house long enough to get some decent exercise can be hard for parents of children with special needs. These products can help you get moving right where you are -- and have fun with your child at the same time.
504 Accommodations
In this excerpt from "A Parent's Guide to Special Education," the authors describe 504 Plan accommodations for students with asthma, ADHD, bipolar disorder and epilepsy, and those who are emotionally disturbed.
In this excerpt from "A Parent's Guide to Special Education," the authors describe 504 Plan accommodations for students with asthma, ADHD, bipolar disorder and epilepsy, and those who are emotionally disturbed.
DIY ESY
Extended School Year (ESY) is a helpful summer program for children in special education, but unless you can prove your child's going to regress over those months off, you may not be able to get it. You can still keep the learning going at home, though. Here are some ideas for setting up your own ESY.
Extended School Year (ESY) is a helpful summer program for children in special education, but unless you can prove your child's going to regress over those months off, you may not be able to get it. You can still keep the learning going at home, though. Here are some ideas for setting up your own ESY.
First Five: FASD
A handful of easy, quick suggestions to help you get a fast start on helping your child diagnosed with alcohol-related birth defects.
A handful of easy, quick suggestions to help you get a fast start on helping your child diagnosed with alcohol-related birth defects.
Eye Contact
In this excerpt from "Freaks, Geeks and Asperger Syndrome," 13-year-old Luke Jackson explains how kids with AS feel about eye contact.
In this excerpt from "Freaks, Geeks and Asperger Syndrome," 13-year-old Luke Jackson explains how kids with AS feel about eye contact.
What Is ASD?
Definition of ASD, with links to resources for getting more information.
Definition of ASD, with links to resources for getting more information.
CAPD at School
School can be a difficult place for children with auditory processing problems, full of academic, social, and behavioral misunderstandings. Let the school know what your child needs to be succeed with these tips and printouts.
School can be a difficult place for children with auditory processing problems, full of academic, social, and behavioral misunderstandings. Let the school know what your child needs to be succeed with these tips and printouts.
Review: SPD Answer Book
Got questions about Sensory Processing Disorder? This book has answers -- 250 of 'em -- along with a lot of good ideas and solutions.
Got questions about Sensory Processing Disorder? This book has answers -- 250 of 'em -- along with a lot of good ideas and solutions.
Beware of Lindane
You want to get rid of head lice. But do you want to put something on your child's head that could cause neurological damage or cancer? Proceed with caution.
You want to get rid of head lice. But do you want to put something on your child's head that could cause neurological damage or cancer? Proceed with caution.
ODD Resources
Start with these recommended resources for finding facts, strategies, and advice on parenting children with Oppositional Defiant Disorder.
Start with these recommended resources for finding facts, strategies, and advice on parenting children with Oppositional Defiant Disorder.
ODD at School
School can be a difficult place for children with Oppositional Defiant Disorder -- and difficult for those who try to work with them. Let the school know what your child needs to be successful with these tips and printouts.
School can be a difficult place for children with Oppositional Defiant Disorder -- and difficult for those who try to work with them. Let the school know what your child needs to be successful with these tips and printouts.
Lying vs. Truthiness
Is your child really lying, or just dealing in truthiness? The term used by Stephen Colbert to satirize politicians and public figures applies equally well to kids who, without malice or intent, state what they wish or believe to be true rather than what actually is.
Is your child really lying, or just dealing in truthiness? The term used by Stephen Colbert to satirize politicians and public figures applies equally well to kids who, without malice or intent, state what they wish or believe to be true rather than what actually is.
Diabetic Christmas Cookies
Bake up some no- and low-sugar cookies to make the holidays brighter for kids and adults with diabetes.
Bake up some no- and low-sugar cookies to make the holidays brighter for kids and adults with diabetes.
Start a Reading Routine
Reading with your child every day helps reluctant readers improve their skills, and gives parents and kids some special one-on-one time to share together.
Reading with your child every day helps reluctant readers improve their skills, and gives parents and kids some special one-on-one time to share together.
Learning Games
Playing games with your child not only provides you with nice together-time, but can also reinforce educational concepts.
Playing games with your child not only provides you with nice together-time, but can also reinforce educational concepts.
First Five: Tourette's
A handful of easy, quick suggestions to help you get a fast start on helping your child diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome.
A handful of easy, quick suggestions to help you get a fast start on helping your child diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome.
Parenting Special Needs - QuickTips
An index of QuickTips for the Parenting Special Needs guide site.
An index of QuickTips for the Parenting Special Needs guide site.
What Is Early Intervention
A brief definition of the services offered for young children with special needs.
A brief definition of the services offered for young children with special needs.
First Five: Cerebral Palsy
A handful of easy, quick suggestions to help you get a fast start on helping your child diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
A handful of easy, quick suggestions to help you get a fast start on helping your child diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
Picking the Perfect Pencil
Does your child's pencil suit his needs? Before you stock up on school supplies, be sure to pick a pencil that really works for your child.
Does your child's pencil suit his needs? Before you stock up on school supplies, be sure to pick a pencil that really works for your child.
What Is OCD?
A definition of OCD, with a link to more information.
A definition of OCD, with a link to more information.
What Are Motor Skills?
An explanation of the term "motor," with links to more information.
An explanation of the term "motor," with links to more information.
Inspiring Journal Ideas
Writing in a journal is a great way for parents of children with special needs to get in touch with their feelings and confront their worries, but it can sometimes be hard to find the energy or inspiration to keep up with one. Here are five ideas that will give you the motivation you need.
Writing in a journal is a great way for parents of children with special needs to get in touch with their feelings and confront their worries, but it can sometimes be hard to find the energy or inspiration to keep up with one. Here are five ideas that will give you the motivation you need.
Teach Me How to Say It Right
Review of a book on children's speech problems to help parents understand and help.
Review of a book on children's speech problems to help parents understand and help.
Before You Vaccinate
The debate rages over whether vaccines are safe and necessary for anyone, but even those who argue in favor of vaccinations admit that there are situations in which they should be withheld or given with caution. Is your child's disease or disorder on the list?
The debate rages over whether vaccines are safe and necessary for anyone, but even those who argue in favor of vaccinations admit that there are situations in which they should be withheld or given with caution. Is your child's disease or disorder on the list?
The Challenging Child
Review of Dr. Stanley Greenspan's guide to "understanding, raising, and enjoying the five 'difficult' types of children."
Review of Dr. Stanley Greenspan's guide to "understanding, raising, and enjoying the five 'difficult' types of children."
Sugar-Free Brownies
Taking the sugar out of brownies doesn't have to make them less of a treat. These recipes from around the Web use sugar substitutes and fruit to help you keep your child in chocolate.
Taking the sugar out of brownies doesn't have to make them less of a treat. These recipes from around the Web use sugar substitutes and fruit to help you keep your child in chocolate.
IEP Meetings
What to expect when you attend an IEP meeting, at various stages of your child's education.
What to expect when you attend an IEP meeting, at various stages of your child's education.
IEP FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the Individualized Education Plan
Frequently asked questions about the Individualized Education Plan
Asperger's at School
School can be a difficult place for children with Asperger syndrome -- academically, socially and behaviorally. Let the school know what your child needs to be successful with these tips and printouts.
School can be a difficult place for children with Asperger syndrome -- academically, socially and behaviorally. Let the school know what your child needs to be successful with these tips and printouts.
What Is a Papoose Board?
Definition of a device used to immobilize children for medical procedures.
Definition of a device used to immobilize children for medical procedures.
What Is AS?
A definition of AS, with links to more information.
A definition of AS, with links to more information.
Steps to Independence
Teach your child self-care, home-care, play and information skills with this book's patient, step-by-step instructions and helpful techniques.
Teach your child self-care, home-care, play and information skills with this book's patient, step-by-step instructions and helpful techniques.
Relieve School Anxiety
School can be a stressful and fearsome place for children, especially those with special needs. If your child is upset about school, here are some good ways to start a dialog and lessen the load.
School can be a stressful and fearsome place for children, especially those with special needs. If your child is upset about school, here are some good ways to start a dialog and lessen the load.
504 FAQ
If your child doesn't qualify for an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) but still requires some accommodations and modifications to fully participate in the classroom, a 504 plan may be called for. Learn more about this tool for enforcing your child's right to a Free and Appropriate Public Education.
If your child doesn't qualify for an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) but still requires some accommodations and modifications to fully participate in the classroom, a 504 plan may be called for. Learn more about this tool for enforcing your child's right to a Free and Appropriate Public Education.
Freaks, Geeks and Asperger's
A thirteen-year-old with Asperger Syndrome explains it all for you.
A thirteen-year-old with Asperger Syndrome explains it all for you.
8 Quick Ways to Get Inspired
Parents of children with special needs all seek a little inspiration now and then ... or maybe every day. Here are eight quick ways to find it when you need it.
Parents of children with special needs all seek a little inspiration now and then ... or maybe every day. Here are eight quick ways to find it when you need it.
What Is ADD?
A definition of ADD, with links to more information.
A definition of ADD, with links to more information.
Help Your Child Sit Still
If your child's teacher constantly complains that he's out of his seat or squirming in it, suggest one of these techniques for increasing desk-chair comfort and control.
If your child's teacher constantly complains that he's out of his seat or squirming in it, suggest one of these techniques for increasing desk-chair comfort and control.
What Is Mosaic Down Syndrome?
A definition of Mosaic Down syndrome, with links to more information.
A definition of Mosaic Down syndrome, with links to more information.
What Is Gross Motor?
An explanation of the term "gross motor," with a link to more information.
An explanation of the term "gross motor," with a link to more information.
Autism and PDD
A fact sheet on autism and other pervasive developmental disorders, including Asperger syndrome and PDD, with information, resources, and recommended reading.
A fact sheet on autism and other pervasive developmental disorders, including Asperger syndrome and PDD, with information, resources, and recommended reading.
Emergency Behavior Chart
Most behavior charts are intended to improve your child's performance over time, or provide weekly motivators for staying in line. Sometimes, though, you need to reward behavior in the short-term. Using a chart to break down a challenging activity into small rewardable increments can make it easier for your child to get it done.
Most behavior charts are intended to improve your child's performance over time, or provide weekly motivators for staying in line. Sometimes, though, you need to reward behavior in the short-term. Using a chart to break down a challenging activity into small rewardable increments can make it easier for your child to get it done.
MR at School
School can be a difficult place for children with intellectual disabilities -- academically and socially. Let the school know what your child needs to be safe and successful with these tips and printouts.
School can be a difficult place for children with intellectual disabilities -- academically and socially. Let the school know what your child needs to be safe and successful with these tips and printouts.
Alphabet Soup Quiz
Test your acronym acumen.
Test your acronym acumen.
Control Your Reactions
Your child may push your buttons, but giving big reactions to bad behavior may send the wrong message. Showing that you can control your feelings and avoid meltdowns yourself models appropriate behavior for your kids, and leaves you feeling better, too.
Your child may push your buttons, but giving big reactions to bad behavior may send the wrong message. Showing that you can control your feelings and avoid meltdowns yourself models appropriate behavior for your kids, and leaves you feeling better, too.
Special Needs Kids in Church
Making it through a worship service with a child with special needs can be a spiritually trying experience, but setting appropriate expectations and incentives can give you a prayer of success.
Making it through a worship service with a child with special needs can be a spiritually trying experience, but setting appropriate expectations and incentives can give you a prayer of success.
Seizures at School
School can be a difficult place for children who have seizures -- academically, behaviorally and socially. Let the school know what your child needs to be safe and successful with these tips and printouts.
School can be a difficult place for children who have seizures -- academically, behaviorally and socially. Let the school know what your child needs to be safe and successful with these tips and printouts.
Play the "Dots" Game
Here's a quick distraction to get fidgety kids through boring events like car rides, restaurant waits and, alas, church services. It's quiet, it's attention-grabbing, and it can expand to fill as much time as you need.
Here's a quick distraction to get fidgety kids through boring events like car rides, restaurant waits and, alas, church services. It's quiet, it's attention-grabbing, and it can expand to fill as much time as you need.
Video: Brain Gym
A occupational therapist who runs Brain Gym workshops demonstrates many of the activities that make up the program of educational kinesiology.
A occupational therapist who runs Brain Gym workshops demonstrates many of the activities that make up the program of educational kinesiology.
Special-Needs Air Travel
Before you take your child with special needs on a plane trip, consult these airline web pages for more information on their rules and services for passengers with disabilities.
Before you take your child with special needs on a plane trip, consult these airline web pages for more information on their rules and services for passengers with disabilities.
What Is SID?
A definition of SID, with links to more information.
A definition of SID, with links to more information.
Savant Syndrome
In this excerpt from "Some Kind of Genius," the story of musical savant Tony DeBlois, an expert explains some theories of savantism, and how parents can make a difference.
In this excerpt from "Some Kind of Genius," the story of musical savant Tony DeBlois, an expert explains some theories of savantism, and how parents can make a difference.
What Is OT?
A definition of occupational therapy, with a link to more information.
A definition of occupational therapy, with a link to more information.