Special Needs
Find support for parents of children with special needs. Learn how to advocate for your child, raise funds for needed equipment and find helpful organizations.
Filter by: Advocacy, Assistive Technology, Autism, Schools for the Blind, Support, Visual Impairment
Giveaways, Product Reviews, Special Needs
SAMi-3 Seizure Monitor Review (& Giveaway!)
The fully customizable SAMi-3 seizure monitor can alert you when your child has a seizure while also minimizing the number of false alarms you receive.
Special Needs
Your Child’s First SLP Evaluation: What to Expect
Speech-language pathologists will conduct an initial evaluation to determine how a child is using language, understanding language, and interacting with others.
Visual Impairment
Developing Multisensory Skills in Blind Babies
Multisensory play, combining sounds and touch, and encouraging reaching and exploration can help your blind baby develop better spacial awareness.
Special Needs
14 Tactile Input Activities, Toys, & More
Tactile input is important for the healthy development of every child. Try these activities and toys at home to engage your child's tactile system.
Special Needs
5 Benefits of Skin-to-Skin Contact for Babies With Special Needs
Skin-to-skin contact is particularly important for babies with special needs, such as premature babies, babies with disabilities, or babies in the NICU.
Special Needs
Habilitation vs Rehabilitation: What’s the Difference?
Habilitation and rehabilitation are services that often fall under the same umbrella. Curious to know how they differ? Read on below for more information!
Autism
Managing Repetitive or Stereotyped Behavior in Autism
Struggling with repetitive behaviors in your child with autism? Learn how to understand and manage these behaviors.
Potty Training, Product Reviews, Special Needs
Peelaways Disposable Bed Sheets Review
Changing sheets and cleaning up after bedwetting can be a challenge. Peelaway disposable bed sheets are waterproof and make changing sheets easy!
Special Needs
7 Winter Must-Haves for Kids in Wheelchairs
Winter can be challenging for parents of kids in wheelchairs. Luckily, there are things you can do to keep your child warm and safe in the winter.
Autism, Behavior
How to Discipline a Child With Autism
Disciplining a child with autism involves using consistent, gentle discipline techniques and understanding your child’s specific needs and behaviors.
Special Needs
Your Child’s First PT Evaluation: What to Expect
Preparing for your child’s first visit to a physical therapist? Find out what happens in an initial physical therapy evaluation!
Special Needs
10 Vestibular Input Activities and Toys
The vestibular system helps us to maintain postural control, balance, and coordination. Try these fun vestibular input activities and toys with your child!
Development, Visual Impairment
Development Charts for Blind and Visually Impaired Babies and Children
Blind children may have delayed development in several key areas. These development charts outline milestones for visually impaired babies.
Special Needs
What Is Adaptive Equipment… And How To Pay for It
Adaptive equipment and Durable Medical Equipment (DME) can increase your child’s independence and ease the physical burden on caregivers.
Crawling, Visual Impairment
When does a blind baby start crawling?
When does a blind baby usually start to crawl? When should I start to be worried that there is another issue besides blindness?
Autism, Development
What Is Fluid Reasoning and Why Is It Important?
If a child struggles to learn new ways to do things, it may be a problem with fluid reasoning. Learn about fluid reasoning, its importance, and ways to improve it.
Special Needs
11 Proprioceptive Input Activities and Toys
While proprioception is commonly addressed in physical and occupational therapy, there are a number of proprioceptive activities you can play with your child at home.
Fine and Gross Motor, Special Needs
What Does a Pediatric Physical Therapist Do?
Learn how to prepare for your child’s first physical therapist appointment so you can feel confident that they are getting the care they need.
Autism, Behavior, Visual Impairment
Managing Difficult Behaviors in Children Who Are Blind and Autistic
Parents of children who are blind and autistic often face unique challenges when it comes to managing behavioral issues. Many traditional behavioral management techniques rely on visual supports, which can...
Toys, Visual Impairment
10 Cortical Visual Impairment Toys for Kids With CVI
It's important to choose toys that are relatively simple in design, as complex patterns can be overwhelming for children with CVI.
Feeding and Eating, Special Needs
Developing Self-Care Skills in Children with Disabilities
Mastering self-care skills can be especially empowering for children with disabilities, helping them to gain independence and confidence.
Product Reviews, Special Needs
11 Best Tools for Teaching Self Care to Disabled Kids
For children with disabilities, adaptive tools are essential for learning how to master self-care skills like grooming, hygiene, and self-feeding.
iPad Apps and Accessibility, Visual Impairment
CVI Toddler Vision Eye Training App
This free digital visual training tool for computer or mobile devices is designed to help toddlers with CVI practice their visual skills.
Braille and Literacy, Visual Impairment
Reader’s Digest Partners for Sight
Reader’s Digest Partners for Sight is dedicated to fostering the independence of people who are blind and visually impaired.