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
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.
Autism
Understanding Visual Stimming in Children with Autism
Children with autism may employ visual stimming to self-soothe. Find out more about visual stimming and ways to manage this often challenging behavior.
Special Needs
Developing Verbal Comprehension in Special Needs Children
Developing verbal comprehension in special needs children can be particularly challenging. Here are some ways to improve verbal comprehension.
Autism, Special Needs
Global Developmental Delay vs Autism: What’s the Difference?
Children with global developmental delay reach developmental milestones later, while those with autism spectrum disorder often exhibit behavior and social challenges.
Autism, Potty Training
Autism and Potty Training: A Parent’s Guide
Potty training an autistic child comes with certain challenges. We break down toilet training for kids with autism to guide parents.
Autism
Managing Repetitive Behavior in Children With Autism
Managing repetitive behavior in children with autism is possible, and it's an essential step in avoiding self-harm and improving social skills.
Autism, Special Needs
The Four Major Types of Developmental Delays Explained
The four major types of developmental delay are cognitive, motor, speech and language, and social and emotional.
Autism, Special Needs
Tics vs Stimming vs Compulsions: What’s the Difference?
Learn all about tics vs stimming and compulsions and the differences between each. We give you the facts on how to deal with these disorders.
Special Needs
Building Adaptive Skills in Children with Disabilities
Adaptive skills are the skills your child needs to care for themselves and gain independence. Children with disabilities may need more help learning these skills.
Autism, Special Needs
Understanding Global Developmental Delay in Children
Global developmental delay (GDD) is diagnosed in children under 5 with significant delays in two or more domains. Learn the signs and best ways to help.
Autism, Development, Special Needs
Understanding Cognitive Developmental Delay in Children
Cognitive developmental delays occur when a child’s thinking and reasoning are significantly below the expected average. Learn the signs and best ways to help.