Back to School Sucks! Anyone that has a child or children with disabilities completely understands that statement. Most parents tell me that they cannot wait to get the kids back to school. Kids are excited, new clothes, new supplies and for parents it means more free time. Not me, I dread it with all of my being. Back to school with children like ours that have disability is one of the most difficult time of the year. Our children thrive on…
10 Things that Will Help Special Needs Kids Adjust to School Let’s face it, our kids with ADHD, Asperger etc all thrive on structure. When the structure changes the world turns upside down for them. The transition from summer to school is one of the worst! Below are ideas that I have tried and have been successful with making it a little easier on everyone Start the new routine early Do not wait until the week before school to get…
I talk about teams a lot here because it always takes a village to help our children. I have spent some time trying to find the best way to organize everyone who works with our kids and have not found a lot that fits. I have tried to find a good mobile app because then it is always with you and one that could share would be even better. I have found great apps for certain things but not one…
You have read it all. Put your child on a gluten free diet. Take away coloring or sugar or carbs. All of these are well intended options but there is no medical evidence behind them. The real thing we as parents of autistic children that realize is our child normally are picky eaters. This, in my mind means how do we get them to eat – not what they cannot eat. We need to work with their pediatricians. First find…
Special Ed System How the Special Ed System Beats Us All The Time The special ed system always seem to win. It’s not your imagination…it’s not an even playing field. Let me start by saying that I am very fortunate that I have not had to go through the Special Ed Due process. I believe a lot of that is because I am prepared and work very hard to try and resolve all issues even prior to an IEP meeting. But…
Both of my children has disabilities and it always feels like an uphill battle Exhaustion is a word that does not even start to explain how hard it can be being a mom with kids that have disabilities. Especially if those children are adopted. I love my children more than life itself and would not give up a moment of time with them but that does not mean it is easy nor does it mean that others understand. In addition…
Did you know that individuals with disabilities are entitled to a free lifetime pass to our National Park system? Well, they are. Many people think that ALL national parks are free, but that is not the case. Many of them have fees. And, with this pass, even if the park itself does not have a fee, you could get a discount on extras such as camping or boating. How to apply for a FREE National Parks pass for disabilities, in…
As you know if you have been reading my blog both of my children are adopted and both suffer from a myriad of anxiety disorders. My daughter Arika has both ADHD and attachment issue and my son seems to have the alphabet soup of challenges – ADHD, Asperger, PTSD, Mood Disorder and Trichotillomania (pulling his hair). As a result our goal is always a stress free house and that is not always easy so here are some ideas that may…
Did you know that over 75% of parents leave an Individual Education Plan (IEP) meeting dissatisfied with the decisions that were made? It is my goal that this book helps prevents that from happening again. If you liked this post, share it on Pinterest!
I have to say this is probably one of the hardest posts to write. I love my children. They are amazing, beautiful, wonderful kids but they both suffer from mental illnesses. As a mom it means I need a team around me. This team is not only the professionals – pediatrician, neurologist, therapist, psychologist, bio feedback specialist and social group teacher but also friends, family and this blog where I can share my stories. It means IEPs and other teams…