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

Parents with a Little Son Sitting at the Table in a Restaurant

Behavior, Special Needs

5 Tips for Dining Out with Children Who Have Sensory Sensitivities

Worried about dining out with sensory sensitivities? Try these tips for less stress and more fun the next time you take your family out to eat.

Autistic boy playing with colorful dice being watched by a psychotherapist sitting in the background.

Autism, Behavior

OCD vs Autism in Children: How To Tell the Difference

OCD and ASD are fundamentally different, but their symptoms are very similar. Learn how to tell the difference to support your child.

Woman praying

Special Needs, Support

How Do You Keep Faith Alive When Your Child Remains Ill?

I understand the emotional toll of chronic illness, but I also believe in the power of faith and community to uplift and sustain us.

Barbie® Introduces the First Blind Barbie Fashionista Doll

Toys, Visual Impairment

Barbie® Introduces the First Blind Barbie Fashionista Doll

Mattel, in partnership with AFB, announced the addition of a blind Barbie doll with white cane and sunglasses.

Black line drawing of two people hugging with a puzzle piece symbol.

Autism

When Autism Advocacy Goes Wrong: Supporting Parents of Profoundly Affected Children

If you’re not personally affected by autism or don’t work with autistic individuals, you might be unaware of the growing debate within the autism community.

Boy with autism spectrum disorder bite hand and negative expression behavior.

Autism, Behavior

Managing Autism Burnout Symptoms in Children

Are you concerned your autistic child may be burnt out? Find out how to manage autism burnout symptoms here.

Smiling schoolgirl and teacher using digital tablet in classroom at school.

IEPs, Special Needs

What Is an Out-of-District Placement, and Who Needs One?

Learn all about out-of-district placement, which is ideal for a child whose individual needs are not met by their current school district.

Grand mother and smiling grand daughter with down syndrome use a laptop.

IEPs, Special Needs

5 Ways AI Can Benefit Special Needs Students

AI in special education classrooms can help create highly personalized experiences and improve inclusivity. Read about more benefits here!

Young couple managing finances, reviewing their bank accounts using laptop computer and calculator at modern kitchen.

Special Needs

Financial Planning for Families With Special Needs Children

With special needs financial planning, you can secure necessary resources for your child now while ensuring they will be cared for in the future.

Kids play with pop it sensory toy.

Autism, Sensory Activities, Toys

5 Best Sensory Seeker Toys

Check out our guide to the best sensory seeker toys for kids who like to rock, spin, chew, and fidget. It’s not just about fidget spinners!

Child daughter congratulates mom and gives her flowers tulips and postcard.

Special Needs

Mother’s Day Self-Care: Recognizing and Addressing Maternal Mental Health Needs

It may feel impossible to practice mom self-care, but these simple strategies can help you to prioritize yourself at the top of your to-do list.

Smiling young Hispanic mom and small ethnic daughter relax on sofa in living room have fun play together.

Autism, Behavior

7 Ways To Stop Your Child’s Perseveration

You can support your child’s perseveration with practical strategies, support, and a better understanding of their behavior.

Happy Asian family doing activities together at home on vacation.

Special Needs

10 Ways to Strengthen Your Marriage While Raising Special Needs Kids

Even the strongest relationships can feel strained when parenting a special needs child. Learn how to strengthen your bond with your best friend—your spouse.

Kid daughter feels upset while parents fighting at background.

Special Needs

5 Reasons Why Special Needs Parents Are More Likely to Divorce

Parents of special needs children face unique challenges and stressors. Why do these factors make them more likely to divorce?

Elementary teacher and her students using laptop during computer class at school.

IEPs, Special Needs

Can AI Write My Student’s Next IEP?

While there are pros and cons, educators can use AI to help write a child’s IEP, streamlining the process.

Happy children, baby little girls running in the tunnel and playing toys in children's play room on her birthday.

Special Needs

What Does “Sensory-Friendly” Mean?

Sensory-friendly environments help children with sensitivities to sounds, smells, textures, movement, and other types of sensory inputs.

Happy schoolboy on way to school running away from mother.

Behavior, Special Needs

7 Strategies to Address Elopement in Special Needs Children

From structured routines to environmental modifications, learn how to create a supportive framework to enhance the safety and well-being of children who elope.

Female psychologist working with boy suffering from autistic disorder.

Autism

What Is a Visual Schedule and How Do I Make One?

Thought about making a visual schedule but aren’t sure where to start? We’ve put together a guide to help you make the best visual schedule for your child.

Cute little girl in a red beret with special needs enjoy having fun spending time with mother outdoor in aututm time.

Special Needs

Finding Peace in Your Choices: Embracing Decision-Making as a Parent of a Medically Complex Child

The strain of making choices for a medically complex child is real. Learn how to build confidence in your decision-making abilities by embracing your role.

Front view of happy diverse school kids standing in outside corridor at school while a Caucasian schoolgirl is sitting on wheelchair in foreground.

Play, Special Needs

6 Tips To Help Your Special Needs Child Make Friends

Is your child struggling to make friends? Discover these six practical tips to assist your special needs child foster meaningful friendships.

Asian teacher teach ukulele to girl with Down's syndrome.

Autism, Music Play

6 Ways Music Therapy Can Support Children With Autism

By harnessing the power of music, autistic children can develop communication, social, emotional, cognitive, and motor skills. Here’s how!

Attractive middle aged woman embrace little preschool frustrated kid sitting on couch together at home.

Special Needs

7 Tips for Grandparenting a Child With Special Needs

Read on for tips on how to strengthen the special bond between grandparents and grandchildren with disabilities and how to support your special needs family.

Father pushing disabled boy in special needs handicap swing.

Play, Special Needs

Inclusive Playgrounds: How To Create Play Spaces for Children of All Abilities

Inclusive playgrounds should involve the community in planning and be designed with accessibility, inclusive social play, and safety in mind.

Nursery pick up and drop off.

Education, Special Needs

How To Build a Relationship With Your Child’s Special Ed Teacher

Unsure how to build a genuine connection with your child’s special ed teacher? Understanding their role and how to support them will help!