Strategies for a Successful Summer Break
While your average child may be thrilled by the end of the school year, anticipating lazy days and sleeping in, the prospect of summer break isn't quite that unalloyed pleasure for parents. And if you have a child with emotional or developmental issues who is challenging in the best of times, nothing calls on whatever extra powers you might possess more than the long break that lies ahead. While all kids do better with structure and routine, those with mental health issues in
Learning Disabilities: Telling a New Story
I was diagnosed with a learning disability in first grade, and every day for ten years after I struggled in every way imaginable. I was scared, hurt, angry, and defiant. Apparently there was only one way to teach and one way to learn. That's what I was told. Because I didn't conform to standards, plop went the label and down went the image I had of myself. It wasn’t my difficulty with learning that dragged me down; it was the label, the treatment, the role of someone who is b
Why It's Important to Keep Up a Routine during the Summer
School is finally our for the summer and it's time for some fun in the sun! The end of the school year brings a welcome relief and well needed break from waking up at the crack of dawn, doing homework and early bedtimes -- not only for the kids but for the parents as well. I mean, let's face it, by the time summer vacation begins I am ready to break out a bottle of wine and celebrate. I can only imagine how great my boys feel when the last day of school is finally here. So, I
This is What it Means to be a Special Needs Parent
Five and a half years ago we were blessed with a little bundle of joy on the morning of Christmas Eve. Our daughter Evalyn came into the world as an early Christmas gift for us. She was born with a serious congenital heart defect and struggled after birth. Although we knew about her diagnosis during my pregnancy, we were still not prepared to watch her be whisked away to the NICU and transferred after only a few hours to a Cardiac Intensive Care Unit at a children's hospital
Dear Special Needs Mom who Feels Invisible
I want you to know that I see you. I see you running your child to therapy when your friends are running their kids to Little League. I see you slipping out of the conversation when your friends are all chiming in about milestones and test grades. I see you constantly juggling appointments and meetings. I see you sitting at your computer for hours researching what your child needs. I see you cringe when people whine about what feels like petty things. I see you spread thin bu
How Subtle, Clever Architectural Decisions can Help People Living with Dementia
Sit down, close your eyes, and try to remember how you got to where you are. How easy is it for your to visualize the path you took today? How did you remember where to go? Maybe you know to always turn at an important landmark -- the tree your mom planted, for example. Maybe there was a sign telling you the right direction. For people living with dementia, these navigational clues can be hard to read. According to the Alzheimer's Association, about 5 million Americans live
The Journey of an Aspie Mom
When I was pregnant with you, I would dream about us shopping together and doing our nails as we talked about your current crush or best friend. I planned your nursery of pinks and soft lavenders, choosing the frilliest of dresses and gowns that were completely impractical. I wanted to give you everything I never had. We were going to be that mom and daughter you see in movies that have the perfect relationship, have no secrets, and swap clothes as much as they share conversa