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

Group of special students in classroom, a down syndrome girl, two handicapped boys and cute Asian teacher playing toy and game together.

Education, Special Needs

What Is an LEA? Local Educational Agencies Explained

Ever heard of an LEA and wondered what they do? Read on to learn everything you need to know about local educational agencies and how they affect your child.

Doctor giving the child new glasses for her vision.

Eye Conditions and Syndromes, Support, Visual Impairment

Coping with a Diagnosis: Emotional Support for Families with Visually Impaired Children

Families with emotional support are more resilient. Learn how to establish emotional support with peers, professionals, and the community to help your family thrive.

Special Needs

Green Thumbs Up: Inclusive Spring Gardening for Families with Special Needs Children

Looking for ways to explore nature this spring? Learn how to create sensory-rich, accessible gardening spaces while fostering growth and learning.

Nursery teacher sitting with a parent and her Down Syndrome son in the classroom.

Education, Special Needs

Smoothing the Transition to Special Needs Preschool

Sending your child to special needs preschool for the first time can be daunting, but knowing what to expect can make the experience smoother for you and your child.

Toddler child wearing a hearing aid at home.

Education, Special Needs

What Is an IFSP? Individualized Family Service Plans Explained

Wondering what an IFSP is and if your child qualifies for one? To find out, read our guide to individualized family service plans and how they work.

Outdoor activity like play, touch and sensory learning method for baby and kids.

Sensory Activities, Special Needs

Springtime Sensory Play: Outdoor Activities for Children with Sensory Processing Disorders

The natural world is the perfect setting for sensory exploration. Children with sensory processing disorders can engage with nature during outdoor sensory play.

Headphones with decals on them.

Autism, Behavior

Autism Headphone Decals

Many kids with autism wear noise-canceling headphones to help them deal with loud noises. These decals adhere to the headphones and let others know what they are for!

A toddler receiving early intervention services.

Special Needs, Visual Impairment

Why Early Intervention Is Critical for Blind Children

Children diagnosed with visual processing disorders, low vision, or blindness need specialized treatment. Early intervention programs can help.

Laughing disabled boy in wheelchair being hugged and kissed by two teenage girls on patio outdoors.

Special Needs

Balancing Act: Creating Quality Time for Siblings of Special Needs Children

It’s not easy for a mom or dad to balance the needs of all their children when a sibling has a disability. But when they can manage it, everyone benefits.

Relaxed beautiful woman meditating while doing yoga outdoors.

Special Needs

Revitalizing Parental Energy: Coping with Fatigue as a Caregiver

Learn strategies for revitalizing parental energy while coping with caregiver fatigue to continue providing your child the best support.

A little cheerful boy in a shiny green top hat and green clothes laughs.

Holiday Crafts and Ideas, Special Needs

Accessible Saint Patrick’s Day Crafts for Kids Who are Blind

If you’re celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day as a family, you’ll love these accessible Saint Patrick's Day crafts to try with your visually impaired child.

Anophthalmia

Eye Conditions and Syndromes, Visual Impairment

Anophthalmia: Navigating the Path from Diagnosis to Adaptation for Parents and Their Children

Anophthalmia is a rare disorder that results in childhood blindness. Early intervention services are important to help your baby maximize their potential.

Disabled biracial young boy in wheelchair building a snowman with father and sister during winter after heavy snowfall.

Special Needs

Weathering the Storm: Preparing Your Special Needs Family for Winter Weather Emergencies

People with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to winter emergencies, so planning ahead is crucial to keep your family safe during a severe weather emergency.

Reading time in an elementary school or kindergarten.

Education, Special Needs

Navigating the Path to a Least Restrictive Environment

Least restrictive environment means different things for each child, but one thing is certain—all children with disabilities have a right to an inclusive education.

A blogger girl makes a felt craft for Valentine's Day in the shape of a heart.

Holiday Crafts and Ideas, Special Needs

5 Accessible Valentine’s Day Crafts for Kids Who Are Blind

Everyone can get crafty this February with these creative, fun, and accessible Valentine’s Day crafts for children who are blind.

Children with bunny ears searching for colorful eggs in snow drop flower meadow.

Holiday Crafts and Ideas, Special Needs

Adapting Easter Egg Hunts for Kids With Disabilities

There’s no reason why children with disabilities need to miss out on Easter egg hunts. Throwing an accessible Easter egg hunt is the perfect way to celebrate.

Teacher assisting blind student in library at school.

Education, Special Needs

Expanded Core Curriculum Checklist for Visually Impaired Students

The Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) ensures visually impaired students can access the same education as their peers. This checklist explains how the ECC works in practice.

Nine year old disabled boy in wheelchair laughing with teen sister in kitchen.

Special Needs

Nurturing the Caregiver: Self-Care for Parents of Special Needs Kids

Looking for practical tips to balance self-care and caregiving? Discover why self-care for parents with special needs kids is so important here!

Sisters laughing and hugging disabled little nine year old brother in wheelchair outdoors.

Special Needs

Is It OK To Say “Special Needs?”

There are several alternative, respectful phrases instead of “special needs” you can use to address a person with disabilities.

African american female teacher teaching disabled girl to use digital tablet at elementary school.

Education, Special Needs

Understanding the Free Appropriate Public Education Mandate

FAPE ensures all eligible students with disabilities are given a quality education and offered the same opportunities as their classmates.

Autistic boy during ABA therapy look at teacher pointing to lesson timer.

Autism

5 Controversial Treatments for Autism and What You Need To Know

As autism research expands, treatment options do, too. Discover alternative treatments for autism, their risks and benefits, and learn what experts say here!

Sensory experiences for an autistic boy.

Eye Conditions and Syndromes, Visual Impairment

What is Visual Sensory Stimulation?

Age-appropriate strategies to develop a person’s visual processing abilities are an important part of meeting the body’s sensory needs.

Happy new year. Family watching fireworks.

Holiday Crafts and Ideas, Special Needs

8 Tips For a Successful Sensory-Friendly New Year’s Eve Party

Parties can be tricky if you have sensory processing issues. A sensory-friendly New Year’s Eve Party allows everybody to celebrate and have fun together.

Group of children having fun with dog during therapy.

Education, Special Needs

Should Therapy Dogs Be Allowed in Schools?

Therapy dogs offer support and companionship while creating a therapeutic setting. Understand the benefits and challenges of allowing therapy dogs in schools.