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

Mom writing near toddler kid with down syndrome and preschooler girl.

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.

Child psychotherapist working with little girl and her mother in office.

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.

Mother teaching child to use it as toilet.

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.

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

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.

Girl at speech therapist office.

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.

Little boy confused and doubtful shrugging shoulders.

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.

Happy kids with disabilities in preschool.

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.

Girl on the lesson of the development of fine motor skills in kindergarten.

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.

Smiling child psychologist and kid with dyslexia playing with building blocks.

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.

The Impossible Dream sail boat.

Special Needs

Impossible Dream Accessible Sailing

The Impossible Dream, a universally accessible catamaran, travels the world creating access to the water for thousands of people with disabilities.

Mother teaching her child to read.

Braille and Literacy, Special Needs

How to Teach a Child With Dyslexia

Dyslexia can be challenging for kids and parents, but there are ways to teach a child with dyslexia to help them achieve their literacy - and life - goals.

Two moms telling you to stop

Support

3 Things All Special Needs Moms Need To Do Now To Maintain Their Sanity

It’s natural for special needs parents to go above and beyond for their children, but we need to remember that it's important to take a break as well.

A boy with his grandfather.

Visual Impairment

10 Tips for Grandparents of Visually Impaired Children

What can you do when your grandchild is born with a disability? Here are tips to help you relate to your family and give them the support they need.

Child cover ears with hands and closed eyes.

Autism, Behavior

How to Deal With Sensory Overload in Children

You can help your child manage their symptoms and even prevent future meltdowns by learning how to deal with sensory overload.

Therapist working with low tone boy.

Special Needs

Understanding Low Muscle Tone in Children

Hypotonia, or low muscle tone, is a condition in which a child’s muscles appear floppy, weak, or less stiff than expected for a child.

CosmoBally

iPad Apps and Accessibility, Math and Science, Visual Impairment

Sonokids Apps Introduce Space, STEM, and Sonification to Kids Who Are Blind

These iPad apps from Sonokids feature the astronaut character CosmoBally who teaches blind children about space and sonification.

Ivan sleeping in his Safe Place Bedding Travel Bed.

Sleep, Special Needs

Safe Place Bedding Travel Bed Review

Traveling with a special needs child can be stressful! Having a safe, durable, and easy to use travel bed can make traveling so much easier!

Young girl with down syndrome playing with toy blocks alone and wearing noise cancelling earphone.

Autism, Product Reviews

13 Best Noise Canceling Headphones for Autism of 2023

Here are our 13 best noise canceling headphones for autism to help your child cope with loud noises, sound sensitivity, and sensory overload.

CCLVI logo on a purple background.

Visual Impairment

Council of Citizens with Low Vision International (CCLVI)

The Council of Citizens with Low Vision International (CCLVI) is dedicated to providing information and tips to help you live well with vision loss.

Sensory experiences for autistic boy.

Autism, Toys

The 10 Best Sensory Toys for Autism of 2023

There are many sensory toys for children with special needs that will help develop their sensory systems as well as being fun. Here are a few of the best!

Little boy with down syndrome cuddles up to his mother and looks a bit sad.

Autism, Special Needs

How to Help Special Needs Kids Cope with Social Anxiety

Searching for coping tools for social anxiety in children? You can use several effective strategies to help your special needs child cope with anxiety. Let us help!

A mother holding her son.

Special Needs

6 Hard Truths I’ve Learned Being a Special Needs Mom

Parenting a special needs child can be exhausting, both physically and emotionally, but it will also be the most rewarding thing you'll ever do.

Upset toddler having a meltdown.

Autism, Behavior

Sensory Meltdown Survival Guide for Parents

There are many remedies to handle your child’s sensory meltdown. They vary based on the environment and the type of sensitivities your child experiences. 

Little boy using a bowl as a drum.

Play, Visual Impairment

The 8 Best Indoor Activities for Blind Kids

Finding fun activities for your visually impaired child can be a challenge, especially when you are stuck inside all day!