As technology strides forward, so does our quality of life. We are now in a world where common household appliances can operate without our attention, cars nearly drive on their own, and if you need to learn anything about anything, you can look it up on your supercomputer that fits in the palm of your
Continue Reading...Benefits of Coloring for Kids, Teens, and Adults
What are the benefits of coloring for kids, teens, and adults? Coloring books have been around for ages but when my own children were young we started hearing that coloring someone else’s designs was not creative enough. Parents and teachers were advised to let the children draw their own pictures and then hopefully color them.
Continue Reading...Integrated Listening Systems (iLs) – Multi-sensory Program for Improving Brain Function by Lauren Brukner, MS, OTR/L
This guest post on Integrated Listening Systems (iLs) is written by Lauren Brukner, MS, OTR/L. Lauren is the author of The Kids’ Guide to Staying Awesome and in Control: Simple Stuff to Help Children Regulate Their Emotions and Senses, and we thank her for writing another guest post to introduce her book on our Special Needs Book Review site.
Continue Reading...Academic Accommodations for Mental Health Problems: Know Your Rights
This post about academic accommodations was first published in May 26, 2010. Today, March 2016 we have updated the content and the links to help parents and young adults with mental health issues or other special needs to know their right to academic accommodations while pursuing courses in community colleges, university, and any other post-secondary education.
Parents of 5 year old children going off to primary school, think it is difficult to see their little one leave the nest. Seeing an older teen with mental health problems going off to university can make parents sick with worry. For all of you who are about to face the same situation, read on to find out the kind of academic accommodations university students with mental illnesses are entitled to as are students with many other disabilities or challenging needs.
Continue Reading...Coping with an Introverted Child by Ashley Hardway
When our daughter was a toddler she was very outgoing and brave. She would talk to just about everyone and was not afraid to share her feelings. She had plenty of friends and did really well in school. I was so pleased because she seemed so very well rounded and she was thriving. But then things changed. Our daughter became what could be labelled as an introverted child.
Continue Reading...Questions About Connecticut Shooter Adam Lanza, Asperger’s Syndrome, & SPD by Temple Grandin, PhD
Questions About Connecticut Shooter Adam Lanza, Asperger’s Syndrome, and SPD by Temple Grandin, PhD is a special feature from Sensory Focus Magazine Spring 2013 Issue. Read our post about Sensory Focus Magazine. Sensory Focus Magazine, published by Sensory World, is distributed in digital and print format and past issues are also available.
Many people in the special-needs community are concerned about news reports that indicate Adam Lanza, the gunman who killed the children and teachers at the school in Connecticut, had Asperger’s syndrome and perhaps Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). They fear that this information will make the public think that individuals with these disorders are inherently violent.
Continue Reading...Helping Children Sleep More Comfortably in a New Home by Michelle LaRowe
Moving into a new home can be quite exciting for everyone. Depending on the age of your children, it could also be a bit scary. Sometimes new surroundings take a while to get used to before a little one can sleep comfortably. However, there are some things you can do to make the transition less stressful and frightening for your child.
Continue Reading...Why Children, Tweens and Teens Need Adequate, Quality Sleep
Sleep is no less important than food, drink, or safety in the lives of children. Sleep problems not only disrupt a child’s nights, they disrupt his days too. Parents must find solutions to sleep problems because it seems “Children do not <outgrow> sleep problems; problems must be solved.”
Continue Reading...Mental Illness and Mental Health in Children and Youth
Unfortunately the term “A Happy Childhood” does not apply to all children and youth. It is estimated that 10-20% of Canadian youth are affected by a mental illness or mental disorder, as it is also referred to. Mental disorders are the single most disabling group of disorders worldwide. Surpassed only by injuries, mental disorders in youth are the second highest hospital care expense in Canada.
Continue Reading...My Child is Struggling: Is It ADHD or Depression or Both?
Parent of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) must pay attention if their child’s behavior changes. Sometimes when a very active child becomes more quiet, their parents believe this is a good sign because the hyperactivity is subsiding. Unfortunately their child could be exhibiting symptoms of depression. In fact, children and teens with ADHD are at risk for developing depression as much as 3 times greater than for other children. Caregivers must know the signs of ADHD or depression to get help for their child before it escalates.
Continue Reading...The Inclusive Class Podcast: Interview with Temple Grandin – Hosts Nicole Eredics and Terri Mauro
The Inclusive Class Podcast Presents: An Interview with Dr. Temple Grandin – Hosts: Nicole Eredics and Terri Mauro
On Tuesday, October 1, 2013 at 11 AM Eastern Standard Time, The Inclusive Class Podcast proudly presents an interview with Dr. Temple Grandin.
Missed the podcast with Dr. Temple Grandin? Click here for to hear it NOW.
Continue Reading...Why a Child Is Fearful or Anxious and Strategies to Empower Your Child
When a child is fearful or anxious it affects the whole family; therefore, it is has to be dealt with carefully and in a timely manner. Fears are a normal part of growing up. A healthy amount of fear is what will keep your child safe and alert to the dangers that he confronts each day. Children must learn we all have fears and that we have to learn to handle fear so that it does not control us. Parents must not belittle their child’s fears but must provide the support and life skills to cope with them.
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