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

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.

Teacher near preschooler girl and disabled child with down syndrome.

Education, Special Needs

Top Five Special Education Acronyms Explained

Confused by all the special education acronyms you see? Trying to remember what they all mean? Check out our list of the top five for everything you need to know.

Mother holding her new born baby boy.

Sleep, Special Needs

Sleep Regimen for Premature Babies: Special Considerations

It can take premature babies much longer than their full-term peers to sleep for long stretches. A preemie sleep schedule may encourage better sleep.

Teenage Boy In Wheelchair Playing Basketball With Friends.

Education, Special Needs

Empowering Students with Disabilities Through Adapted Physical Education

Understand the role of adapted physical education and how personalized and inclusive practices reshape physical education for students with disabilities.

Attentive girl looking at her doctor.

Eye Conditions and Syndromes, Visual Impairment

Stargardt’s Disease: Navigating the Challenges of Juvenile Macular Degeneration

Stargardt’s disease is the most common form of inherited retinal disease. Many accommodations are available to help with low vision and vision loss.

Frightened kid in spectacles looking from under table desk.

Eye Conditions and Syndromes, Visual Impairment

Leber’s Congenital Amaurosis (LCA): Early Diagnosis and Intervention Strategies

Leber’s Congenital Amaurosis is a genetic disease passed from parents to children that disrupts the development of the retina of the eye. This can lead to vision loss and even...

Family working on origami together.

Tactile Arts and Crafts, Visual Impairment

10 Ways To Help Your Blind or Visually Impaired Child Get Started With Origami

Find tips for parents on introducing and getting started with origami with their children who are blind or visually impaired.

One of the sets with text instructions for blind builders.

Toys, Visual Impairment

Bricks for the Blind

Bricks for the Blind provides text, audio, and braille instructions for LEGO sets that allows blind people to build LEGO sets independently.

A macro view on the eye of a young child suffering from Aniridia.

Eye Conditions and Syndromes, Visual Impairment

Aniridia: A Closer Look at Congenital Absence of the Iris and Its Effects on Vision

Aniridia is a condition where part of all of the iris of the eyes is missing. It can lead to blurry vision, light sensitivity, or even blindness.

A young boy with his eyes closed.

Eye Conditions and Syndromes, Visual Impairment

Microphthalmia in Children: Understanding its Causes, Implications, and Management Strategies

Microphthalmia is a condition where the eye does not fully develop. There’s no cure, but early intervention can improve function for children with poor vision.

An ophthalmologist examines a boy who complains of burning and pain in his eyes.

Eye Conditions and Syndromes, Visual Impairment

Congenital Glaucoma: Early Signs, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options for Young Children

Congenital glaucoma is a disease where the pressure inside your baby’s eye is too high. This can damage the optic nerve and can even make your child go blind.

Sense of Play by Dana Meachen Rau

Braille and Literacy, Product Reviews, Visual Impairment

Sense of Play

Dana Meachen Rau's book, Sense of Play, follows the adventures of Chip and Joy as they play. Chip is blind, but this doesn't get in the way of their play!