All children require a certain amount of care and nurturing, but that amount can be double or even triple for a child with special needs. One of the biggest worries for many parents is how one child’s disability will affect other kids in the family. Siblings may feel deep love for their brother or sister…
When your child experiences a traumatic brain injury, it is devastating and completely overwhelming. Life is suddenly divided into “before” and “after.” In the early days and weeks, all of your energy is focused on survival and emerging from the coma. You feel joy, relief, and a lot of uncertainty. Then begins the long path…
Helping your nonverbal child find their voice can be both frustrating and incredibly rewarding. Constant encouragement, therapy and attempts to break through their walls may be repeatedly met with failure, only to discover that one day something clicks. That single moment can be worth all of the time and dedication you will devote to communicating…
It seems impossible now, but before my son was born, my knowledge of Down syndrome was limited to a few volunteer experiences in high school and the 1980s drama “Life Goes On.” Fast forward eight years, and it seems half of my friends are connected in some way to Down syndrome. Everywhere I go, I…
Autism Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism Association: This New York-based organization offers great resources for those with higher functioning autism. Ahany also provides a great list of summer programs and day camps in New York, as well as useful questions to ask when choosing any camp or summer program for your special needs child….
Parenting any child is challenging, but the joys and feelings that come with parenting a child with special needs are unique. All children are special in their own way, but a child with autism, traumatic brain injury, intellectual disabilities, or language and speech delays requires a different level of care and understanding. We don’t profess…