Family holiday planning with special needs
Mom blogger Lisa Lightner borrows the acronym SWEEPS to give families with special needs a smoother holiday season.
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It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year… Really!
The seasonal rush and commercialism don't dim mom blogger's enjoyment of the holidays. She experiences Christmastime through her kids and finds happiness.
EARLY INTERVENTION
If you suspect a developmental delay, initial services could be critically important to your child.
Is it a developmental delay?
If you're worried that your toddler is not developing normally, observe, track and communicate rather than 'wait and see,' say experts.
Why is 'people first' language important?
End dehumanizing definition of people by their disabilities, proclaims mom blogger Lisa Lightner. Children have so much more to offer than their special needs.
When the first born becomes the older sibling: children's books to help with the transition
Mom blogger Marissa Kiepert Truong has found books that incorporate important ideas as her daughter gets ready for the birth of her new little brother.
Hurry up and wait
Mom blogger Marion Kase resolves to enjoy more moments with her kids, rather than rushing through their childhood.
Grandparents special role: support
The number one “special need” of any child is unconditional love, and a grandparent of a child with special needs has the unique ability to furnish it.
Does your child with special needs have an elevator pitch?
Having 2 or 3 sentences that describe their best assets can avoid kids from being defined by their disabilities, says mom blogger Lisa Lightner.
Help teens gain medical self-reliance
As kids with special needs grow older, assuming responsibility for medical decisions and health care requires careful preparation.
Education Shifts at Ages 3 & 5
The Federal IDEA law mandates that kids transition from early intervention into a school jurisdiction or intermediate unit after third 3rd birthday.
Artists Enrich Summer Programs
Kids in summer camps and programs learn creative skills and gain confidence through special art days and programs.
Invited to the carnival…but can’t ride any of the rides.
With no provisions for special needs, kindergarten registration becomes a cruel experience for mom blogger Lisa Lightner.
Camps Teach Special Skills
If you have a child with special needs seeking to develop skills such as bike or horseback riding, arts, drama or sports, look into summer camps.
Using Animals as a Part of Your Child’s Programming
Blogger Lisa Lightner describes animal therapy options and her own experience as owner of a therapy dog.
Take the Scare Out of Dental Care
Visiting the dentist can be frightening to kids with special needs and their parents, but it doesn't have to be.
Therapeutic Photography
Blogger Lisa Lightner describes the therapeutic effects of a photo project involving her son, who has special needs.
LET'S MAKE A DEAL
For a child who lacks social skills, a behavior contract needs to be clear and thorough.
7 Games Promote Toddler Behavior
These fun activities can get your child to cooperate with you while having fun.
Are You a Disability Tourist?
Blogger Lisa Lightner urges greater understanding between parents of typical kids and kids with special needs.
Respite: You Deserve a Break Today
Caregivers of children with disabilities, chronic or terminal illnesses or the elderly need time away. Here's how to find it.
5 Special Needs Vacation Ideas
When planning a vacation with a child who has special needs, begin months ahead and be prepared for false starts. These ideas can help.
It's camp fair time!
Delaware Valley parents can find a camp fair on almost every weekend from January through March, including the MetroKids Super Camp Fair, Sun., Jan. 27, 2013 in Conshohocken, PA.
2010 Special Needs Law Update
In a quiet year for special needs legislation, bullying became a national focus and two major laws marked anniversaries.