April 2, 2013 is the sixth annual World Autism Awareness Day. To be aware of autism, you have to know what it looks like first. Here’s a hint: it’s a spectrum made of people. Here are my 20 faces of autism 1. Autism looks like the child who is really excited that the President of the [...]
We all know that a student with special needs has the right to a free and appropriate public education. This is mandated under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA 2004). This law also states that a student should be educated in their least restrict environment. Ideally, this would be the general education classroom. We know [...]
Today marks the 111th birthday of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson of righteous memory (1902-1994). Every year this day is celebrated as Education and Sharing Day U.S.A. The Rebbe Reminded us that we should look inside, to the soul of a person, to understand his or her true potential. It is his belief – That none of us [...]
Most people don’t think about the process of remembering until they experience memory loss. But what if the ability to hold and retrieve memories was never there? How do you live life like that? How do you learn? Deficits in short-term memory, long-term memory and memory retrieval are common with neurological conditions such as traumatic [...]
March 21st marks World Down Syndrome Day on the Special Needs Calendar. World Down Syndrome Day is a global awareness day which has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012. The day is is focused on raising awareness for individuals with Down Syndrome. In preperation for World Down Syndrome Awareness Day we gathered [...]
In occupational therapy, there are many ways to use motivating technology to address specific fine motor, sensory processing and sensory-motor skills. Here is a parent’s guide to apps and game systems that will keep children entertained while also assisting in their development. iPads & Tablets Games such as Temple Runand Fruit Ninja help with visual [...]
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 57 million Americans are living with a disability and about two-thirds of these individuals are living with a severe disability.1 For some individuals, the disability may be caused by a sudden, life-altering accident. For others, the condition may arise at birth or result from a chronic illness. Whatever [...]
There is often a lot of anxiety around talking to children with special needs about growing up, relationships and sex. Parents worry their children may be vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. But by teaching your child about sex and relationships you can help keep them safe. Whether your child has special needs or not, they [...]
March 21st 2013 marks the 8th anniversary of World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD), an awareness day which is officially observed world-wide. In an article on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention site, I found that 1 of every 700 babies born in the United States each year is born with Down syndrome. This being [...]
As the sibling of a brother with Autism and other developmental challenges, and a career financial advisor who focuses on working with families with special needs members, I have seen a number of common financial planning mistakes made by families all of whom had the best intentions. Even when attorneys and other specialists are included [...]
