Blog Archives - Page 13 of 18 - KidCompanions Chewelry & SentioCHEWS

April 19, 2013

My Child Does Not Like Sports or Any Physical Activities: Now What?

Asperger's, Autism, Blog, physical activities, Special needs children

If you’re a parent, chances are you’re constantly advocating for doors to open for a better life for your child. A fit child has the odds stacked in his favor for a better life everything from a hearty appetite, to increase attention for seat work, to a good night’s rest. Also physical activity is important because usually inactive children are likely to become inactive adults. Parents can be role models for an active lifestyle. Lead by example, make physical activities a family affair and best of all play and have fun!

2 Comments

April 15, 2013

Savvy Sensory Parenting! By Britt Collins, M.S., OTR/L

Asperger's, Autism, Blog, Sensory Processing Disorder, Special needs children

Are you looking for answers to help you understand sensory processing disorder (SPD)? Our site, Special Needs Book Review, found just the right parenting book to recommend. Sensory Parenting: The Elementary Years: School Years Are Easier when Your Child’s Senses Are Happy! by Britt Collins MS, OTR and Jackie Linder Olson. It is a sequel to their popular book, Sensory Parenting: Newborns to Toddlers published in October 2010.

April 10, 2013

Why Have an IEP? – Tips for Parents on Their IEP Role

ADHD, Asperger's, Autism, Bipolar Mental Health, Blog, IEP Accommodations School, Sensory Processing Disorder, Special needs children, special needs moms

Are you parenting a child with special needs? Has your child been evaluated and is eligible for special education? Most likely he will receive individualized support through his IEP? What is an IEP? The IEP, Individualized Education Program, is a written document that’s developed for each public school child who is eligible for special education.

This post will focus on the following:

◘TIPS for Parents on Their IEP Role

◘Who Develops the IEP?

◘Why Have An IEP?

◘What is the Role of the Parents on the IEP Team?

◘Who Makes Up the IEP Team?

The IEP identifies learning expectations that are modified and/or any accommodations and special education services needed to assist the student in achieving his or her learning expectations. It is an ongoing planning-tool that must be reviewed and revised on a regular basis.

14 Comments

April 8, 2013

FREE Autism Empowerment Telesummit 2013 – Discover the KEY to Unlock Your Child’s Potential

Asperger's, Autism, Blog, Sensory Processing Disorder, Special needs children

Pierrette and I appreciate when the authors we meet through our Special Needs Book Review site keep in touch. One amazing young woman we have met is Tali Field Berman, co-author of Play to Grow! Over 200 Games Designed to Help Your Special Child Develop Fundamental Social Skills. In my review of Play to Grow! I wrote that parents and team members of children on the autism spectrum or with other developmental delays should all have this book by Tali Field Berman and Abby Rappaport.

April 5, 2013

A Smooth Transition to a New School Year Starts in the Spring

ADHD, Asperger's, Autism, Bipolar Mental Health, Blog, IEP Accommodations School, Sensory Processing Disorder, Special needs children

Are your summer months marred by a child’s anxious questions about his next school term? Is the first day of school marked by tears and meltdowns? Is the Fall term at school a failure due to stomach aches and headaches resulting in many absent days? What can parents do to make the transition to a new school year or a new grade easier for the child and themselves? Back to school is always a big transition because your child needs to cope with a new teacher, more academic demands and probably a changing social circle. Timely preparation can make all the difference your child needs.

7 Comments

April 2, 2013

A Parents’ Guide to Extended School Year Services: Summer Break a Teaching and Learning Opportunity

Asperger's, Autism, Blog, IEP Accommodations School, Special needs children

A Parents’ Guide to Extended School Year Services: Summer Break an Extended Teaching and Learning Opportunity by Marie Jackson is reprinted with permission from the Autism Asperger’s Digest magazine, March/April 2008 issue. We have added the photos and subtitles. Check out this bimonthly magazine at www.AutismDigest.com.

Some information on the Extended School Year Services (ESY) may have changed since this post has been written but it is important for families of children with special needs to know about Extended School Year Services; therefore, I am reposting it. You may also find information on the web site of the U.S. Department of Education – Sec. 300.106 Extended school year services and also on WrightsLaw.com

At a Glance by Amanda Morin:

Not all students are eligible for extended school year (ESY) services.
ESY services are customized to meet each child’s specific needs.
Not all kids with IEPs need ESY services.

1 Comments

March 26, 2013

Diagnoses of Autism, Dyspraxia, Sensory Issues, and ADHD in Final Year of School

ADHD, Asperger's, Autism, Blog, Sensory Processing Disorder, Special needs children

Can you believe this, my teen son got diagnoses of autism, dyspraxia, sensory integration difficulties, and ADHD in his final year of school! Pierrette and I thank Tracy Palmer for her guest post telling us her story and for sharing her beautiful poem. Dyspraxia is a learning difficulty affecting some skills and abilities, including balance and coordination.

1 Comments

March 23, 2013

Holidays Ring “Hollow” For Some Children with Special Needs

ADHD, Asperger's, Autism, Bipolar Mental Health, Blog, mental disorders/illness, Sensory Processing Disorder, Special needs children, Tourette Syndrome

Holidays and celebrations, like Easter, Thanksgiving, and birthdays, should be a happy time in families. When I think back to those days of celebration, when our children were growing up, the memories I have are not at all happy ones. Unfortunately holidays are often very stressful for many families of children with special needs like autism, Asperger’s syndrome, Tourette syndrome, ADHD, sensory processing disorder, etc. Why do these kids with challenging needs hate almost everything about family gatherings associated with celebrating holidays and birthdays?

3 Comments

March 21, 2013

Choosing Safe Children’s Toys and Products: Are They Phthalates-Free?

Blog, Kid Companions Chewelry, Parenting all kids

Why are the chemical additives called phthalates banned in toys and products for children? Are your children’s toys and products SAFE? Are you sure they are phthalates-free? Does your child, like most children, mouth items around the house that does not fall under the safety guidelines for kids’ products? While researching to write this post on safe children’s toys and products. I learned a lot and I was shocked at what dangers are lurking in toy boxes, cupboards, and many other places in our homes! Like for many other topics, parents be informed, be fully aware of the safety regulations concerning the products that come in contact with your children.

March 19, 2013

Students with Sensory Processing Issues: Sensory Smart School Solutions by Lindsey Biel, OTR/L

Asperger's, Autism, Blog, Kid Companions Chewelry, Sensory Processing Disorder, Special needs children

This post on helping students with sensory processing issues entitled, Sensory Smart School Solutions, is written by Lindsey Biel, OTR/L. It is reprinted with permission from a featured article in the Autism Asperger’s Digest. We have added the photos and information about KidCompanions Chewelry. The Autism Asperger’s Digest, a division of Future Horizons, Inc. was created to meet the needs of teachers, therapists, and family members who face the challenge of autism.

March 16, 2013

Tips for Family Road Trips with Kids with Special Needs

ADHD, Asperger's, Autism, Bipolar Mental Health, Blog, Parenting all kids, Sensory Processing Disorder, Special needs children

Parents of children with special needs must always work harder than most parents even for the simplest things. A road trip, which is fun for most families, is a nightmare to many special needs families. How can a special needs family enjoy a road trip without meltdowns and upsets for all passengers? A successful road trip begins long before the departure day. Plan, prepare, and pack carefully so that all chances for a pleasant day or a longer road trip with kids are on your side. Road trips with kids can be a wonderful experience and you do not need a limousine.

8 Comments

March 14, 2013

Students with Autism: Take Advantage of Special Interests and Strengths

Asperger's, Autism, Blog, IEP Accommodations School, Special needs children

Often caregivers, educators, and parents are not sure what is the best way to reach and help students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or Asperger’s syndrome. By taking advantage on a student’s special interest area (SIA) it allows them to interact with this student that in no other way would be possible. The child’s special interests can be integrated effectively into home, school, and community activities. Over fifty years ago, Hans Asperger (1991/1944) already knew that special interests are the key to fulfillment and maximized potential in children and youth with Asperger’s syndrome (AS).

6 Comments