Helping Kids Cope When Missing Loved Ones at the Holiday Table
I used to think the holidays were a time to focus on the now—have fun however that looks, make our memories, and keep going even when we’re missing loved ones.…
A Parent’s Perspective
Sensory Supports at School: 4 Classroom-Friendly Ideas
Sensory supports can quietly transform a child’s school day. We all take in sensory information—from a cool breeze to hallway chatter—and usually carry on. But then there’s that itchy shirt…
Back-to-School Tips Special Needs (Stress-Free Strategies)
A new school year is here, and these back-to-school tips special needs families can rely on will help you ease the transition. Whether you just waved at the bus or…
A Parent’s Perspective: Summer Planning
Quick answer: The best way to start summer planning is to plan as best you can. Research camps and activities, vet them by phone, visit in person, share your child’s…
Being the Expert on Your Child- Anticipating Emotions and Planning for that
Quick answer: When multiple changes hit at once, I try to (1) keep her schedule to a degree, (2) keep talking and communicating, and (3) anticipate emotions, including delayed reactions.…
Accepting Change and Embracing Growth Together: When Your Child’s Interests Shift
Quick answer: Special needs interest shifts can be normal for a child with special needs to love something for a season, then like it less later. It can be normal…
Transition from School to Summer: A Parent’s Perspective
Quick answer: To navigate the transition from school to summer, talk with the school team about summer focus areas, share the plan with private therapists, schedule therapies early, tuck “work”…
A Parent’s Perspective: Navigating the Therapy World
Quick answer: For us, therapy worked best when (1) the therapist was a true fit for my child, (2) the schedule was sustainable long term, and (3) we planned for…
Avoiding Backsliding: The Active Effort of Practicing Good Habits
Quick answer: When routines change, even strong skills can “backslide.” Practicing good habits helps us most. I STOP, pause my cues, and remember Elizabeth can do it and knows she…
A Parent’s Perspective: The Journey of Feeding & Mealtime
Quick answer: For Elizabeth, feeding was less about food variety and more about the motor planning steps of self-feeding. What helped was breaking utensil use into small steps, practicing often,…