News, Weekly Roundups 
Workers with disabilities are paid about 10% less than other workers in similar jobs, and 8% less in total compensation, including wages, health insurance and vacation time, according to a new Cornell University study.
USA Today
Author Malcolm Gladwell met with MashableReads, Mashable's social book club,for a Twitter chat on Oct. 21 to discuss Gladwell's new book David and Goliath . In his book, Gladwell uses the story of David and Goliath to outline the hidden advantages of being an underdog. To do so he disabled part of his brain to see what it feels like to have ADD.
Mashable.com
Sabrina has long had a good influence on Max, often in ways I could have never imagined. As a tot, Max loved to swipe her pacifier right out of her mouth—an excellent way to sharpen his fine-motor skills. In recent years, when she's teased him, he likes to chase her around the house—a great way to get his legs moving.
Love that Max
One of my family’s most successful activities this past summer was a kid swap: I sent my younger son to play at a friend’s home, while the friend’s older brother came to play with my older son at our home. Both of the older brothers have special needs, but it was easy to supervise them, because they share a common interest: building with Legos. Within an hour, we had one finished castle and two smiling boys in the living room.
For years people with health related problems such as Celiac disease, Diabetes, Eczema, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD, ADHD), Autism and allergies have turned to gluten free products to help manage their conditions. Here are 10 websites selling great Kosher and Gluten Free Products. Tell us if we missed any in the comments below.
Young children with Autism respond well to structured routines and familiar surroundings. But life has a way of throwing unexpected curve balls, and people need to adapt. Psychologists call this resiliency; the ability to “go with the flow” when things don’t go your way. Resiliency is honed in neurotypical children through their development of play and self regulation skills, as well as a sense of humor.
If you ask a 6 year old child what the best thing at school is, the answer is usually “RECESS!”The great news is that Recess has major benefits for children’s well-being and ability to learn.
Professionals warn against prolonged use of soothers Whether it’s your first child or your third child, a newborn brings complete joy as well as an onslaught of emotion and responsibility. Most likely you did some homework, reading up on the care of this precious little bundle.
Way back in 2011 we wrote up a list of online toy stores for children with special needs. In 2 years a lot has changed. We decided to dig around and see if we could come up with more toy stores selling products for children with special needs. Here are 15 stores that provide great toys
Looking for some great Special Needs Products? Friendship Circle is proud to announce that we will be holding weekly giveaways on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/fcmichigan.
The cooler temperatures and changing colors of autumn provide many opportunities for developing new skills in speech, movement, sensory integration and cognition. Here are 15 traditional fall activities to help kids with and without special needs achieve their developmental goals.
For many children, a lack of words or words that are developing slower that his peers, may be one of the first “clues” that your child may have special needs. Having a child with delayed speech skills can be stressful, saddening, and frustrating.
We know there are a good amount of resources available in the U.S. for English speakers, but, of course, Autism is not just limited to those who speak English, so, the resources should not be limited either.
This week I’m celebrating my birthday by writing my 100th blog for the Friendship Circle. My editor Tzvi asked me to take a look back, and make a list of my favorite pieces. Most of my articles were born from my personal experience – sometimes from anger at obstacles that I encountered, sometimes from an “aha” moment, but usually from my excitement about my children’s little achievements. Friends also started asking me questions that I had to look up, and I often overheard things that I could turn into a blog.
The following federal laws, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (Title II), prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. Practically every school district and post-secondary school in the United States is subject to one or both of these laws, which have similar requirements.
Trending Special Needs Topics: Unfair Wages, Sibling Therapy, Pacifiers, and More
It is time for another round-up of the top special needs topics of the week. Here are the stories you should know about!
Study: Workers with Disabilities Paid 10% Less
Workers with disabilities are paid about 10% less than other workers in similar jobs, and 8% less in total compensation, including wages, health insurance and vacation time, according to a new Cornell University study.
USA Today
Malcolm Gladwell Disabled Part of His Brain to Research Latest Book
Author Malcolm Gladwell met with MashableReads, Mashable's social book club,for a Twitter chat on Oct. 21 to discuss Gladwell's new book David and Goliath . In his book, Gladwell uses the story of David and Goliath to outline the hidden advantages of being an underdog. To do so he disabled part of his brain to see what it feels like to have ADD.
Mashable.com
This Video of a Lego Fan with Accelerated Aging will Melt your Heart
Sam Berns is a 17-year old living with progeria, a rare genetic disease where symptoms resemble aspects of rapid aging. Sam's also a prolific Lego builder and the subject of HBO's award-winning documentary, Life According to Sam. Lego.Gizmodo.comTop Special Needs Blog Posts
Sibling Therapy for Kids with Special Needs
Sabrina has long had a good influence on Max, often in ways I could have never imagined. As a tot, Max loved to swipe her pacifier right out of her mouth—an excellent way to sharpen his fine-motor skills. In recent years, when she's teased him, he likes to chase her around the house—a great way to get his legs moving.
Love that Max
From the Friendship Circle Special Needs Resource Blog
How Lego Therapy Can Help Children With Special Needs
One of my family’s most successful activities this past summer was a kid swap: I sent my younger son to play at a friend’s home, while the friend’s older brother came to play with my older son at our home. Both of the older brothers have special needs, but it was easy to supervise them, because they share a common interest: building with Legos. Within an hour, we had one finished castle and two smiling boys in the living room.
10 Great Websites to Purchase Gluten Free Food
For years people with health related problems such as Celiac disease, Diabetes, Eczema, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD, ADHD), Autism and allergies have turned to gluten free products to help manage their conditions. Here are 10 websites selling great Kosher and Gluten Free Products. Tell us if we missed any in the comments below.
An In-Depth Guide: How to Transition Young Children with Autism
Young children with Autism respond well to structured routines and familiar surroundings. But life has a way of throwing unexpected curve balls, and people need to adapt. Psychologists call this resiliency; the ability to “go with the flow” when things don’t go your way. Resiliency is honed in neurotypical children through their development of play and self regulation skills, as well as a sense of humor.
Recess for your Child with Special Needs: 7 Challenges and Solutions
If you ask a 6 year old child what the best thing at school is, the answer is usually “RECESS!”The great news is that Recess has major benefits for children’s well-being and ability to learn.
Pacifiers – Use Them, Then Lose Them
Professionals warn against prolonged use of soothers Whether it’s your first child or your third child, a newborn brings complete joy as well as an onslaught of emotion and responsibility. Most likely you did some homework, reading up on the care of this precious little bundle.
15 Great Online Toy Stores for Children with Special Needs
Way back in 2011 we wrote up a list of online toy stores for children with special needs. In 2 years a lot has changed. We decided to dig around and see if we could come up with more toy stores selling products for children with special needs. Here are 15 stores that provide great toys
Friendship Circle Launches Special Needs Giveaways on Facebook
Looking for some great Special Needs Products? Friendship Circle is proud to announce that we will be holding weekly giveaways on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/fcmichigan.
15 Autumn Activities To Meet Your Developmental Goals
The cooler temperatures and changing colors of autumn provide many opportunities for developing new skills in speech, movement, sensory integration and cognition. Here are 15 traditional fall activities to help kids with and without special needs achieve their developmental goals.
Is Communication Just About Speech?
For many children, a lack of words or words that are developing slower that his peers, may be one of the first “clues” that your child may have special needs. Having a child with delayed speech skills can be stressful, saddening, and frustrating.
12 Autism Resources for those who Speak Spanish
We know there are a good amount of resources available in the U.S. for English speakers, but, of course, Autism is not just limited to those who speak English, so, the resources should not be limited either.
My 15 Favorite Special Needs Blog Posts
This week I’m celebrating my birthday by writing my 100th blog for the Friendship Circle. My editor Tzvi asked me to take a look back, and make a list of my favorite pieces. Most of my articles were born from my personal experience – sometimes from anger at obstacles that I encountered, sometimes from an “aha” moment, but usually from my excitement about my children’s little achievements. Friends also started asking me questions that I had to look up, and I often overheard things that I could turn into a blog.
Do Special Education and Disability Laws Apply to Colleges and Universities?
The following federal laws, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (Title II), prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. Practically every school district and post-secondary school in the United States is subject to one or both of these laws, which have similar requirements. 
