Proudly Productive Fulfills Life Dreams for Teens with Special Needs
While working with teenagers with special needs as an education assistant in a Perth, Australia high school, I would often listen to the kids and their parents talk about the hopes and dreams they had when they finished year 12. Many of these students, some of them with autism, suffered from anxiety and would voice […]
Continue readingRemarkable Mom Advocates for Special Needs Education Support Hayley Gripp
For the past 17 years, Raja Marhaba has been advocating for hundreds of special needs children in the education system. Raja founded The Jonathan Foundation when she learned both of her sons were special needs. She fought the school system for 10 years to get her sons the proper accommodations so they could succeed in […]
Continue readingThe Best Way to Serve People with Special Needs: Live with Them
Inclusion, or placing different ability levels together in the classrooms, has been a proven practice in education for years. Research has shown that this mixture has been good for everyone, including those with and without disabilities. The National Center for Education Statistics reports that 13 percent of public school students in the U.S. have a documented disability. Autism, […]
Continue readingThe Radiant Smile That Changed Our Lives
Earlier this week, my husband Andy and I sat around the kitchen counter eating dinner delving into the details of our day as usual. Leo, enjoying a rare night off from therapy, switched focus between playing with his beloved Toy Story figures, and gathering his fill of tickles, and scratches from us when needed. We […]
Continue readingImproving the Future for Young People with Autism
Almost all parents, including those who are actively involved in their child’s special education plan, feel unprepared to navigate the transition from high school to adult life. This article highlights important findings about outcomes for adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) from several new studies. (Warning: You may not like what you read). The discussion […]
Continue readingSpecial Needs and Safety: Ways to Keep Kids Protected
We’ve all heard of “baby-proofing,” wearing a helmet, looking “both ways,” or even putting a gate around the pool. These actions are pretty standard and aren’t usually too difficult. When it comes to ensuring the safety of our children with special needs or disabilities, this can take more thought, consideration, and perhaps some in-depth teaching. […]
Continue readingIssue 77 – Achieving Better Health with ASD
Buy Single Issue Subscribe today and save 50% Features: Back to School Advice for Parents With Kids on the Spectrum The CEO of Jaden’s Voice and mother to a child with autism gives proactive tips on ways to make school transitions easier for both you and your child. Terri Matthews How to Plan a Great […]
Continue readingMy Bright Grandson Struggles in the Classroom
My 6-year-old grandson has autism and struggles in school. He isn’t doing is work in the classroom but can play spelling and math games on his iPad. He has a very sharp memory but just can’t seem to focus at school. Any suggestions? — Barb Hey Barb, your grandson sounds like so many children I […]
Continue readingWays Autism Focused Couple Therapy Can Change Your Life
As a practicing clinician specializing in adult diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), I have noticed that as the diagnosis of children impacted on the spectrum has dramatically increased (current statistic from the Centers for Disease Control is 1:55), the first time diagnostic rates for adults on the spectrum also continue to skyrocket, making the […]
Continue readingHow to Keep Your Special Needs Child Busy When Stuck Indoors
Whether it’s raining cats and dogs or just too cold to go outside, it’s important that parents know how to entertain and keep their special needs kids busy when they’re stuck inside. Next time you and your kids are looking for a way to beat cabin fever, try one of these fun activities: 1. Bake […]
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