One day I was hanging out with some friends and we were all swapping funny autism stories. I shared my story with the punchline, “And that’s why delayed echolalia is a mom’s best friend!” But there was one person who didn’t laugh. She looked confused. She asked, “What’s Echolalia?” Echolalia is the repetition of phrases, [...]
Mealtime for families without special needs kids can be difficult, but for those with kids with sensory processing difficulties it can really be an adventure. While there isn’t an easy way around these challenges, there are a few helpful hints that may keep a child’s feeding issues from turning into significant problems. Here are the [...]
Many children with special needs require an adaptive bike to enjoy the freedom and fun of bike riding. Unfortunately many parents are unable to afford an adaptive bike. Here is your chance to win a free adaptive bike! Friendship Circle of Michigan has partnered with adaptive bicycle companies to give 18 children with special needs [...]
As I began the process of preparing for my oldest daughter’s graduation party, I found myself in the basement – cleaning the storage room that had not been touched since the day we moved in to our home over ten years ago. As I went through box after box of memories, I stumbled across preschool [...]
This time of year is generally a very active one for parents of a special needs child and special education teachers. Many IEP meetings are held in March and April. We have heard a number of horror stories from parents about their IEP meetings. Now we would love to hear your IEP experiences: Please take [...]
You know you’ve entered an autism-friendly home when…. The toilet paper is not where you expected it to be, and the paper towels are locked up. There’s a swing in the middle of the living room, and instead of chairs or a sofa, there are piles of pillows everywhere. Instead of family photos, there are [...]
Passover is just two days away and the number one question on eveyone’s lips is: What are your Passover plans? For most the answer to that question will be replies of who they have invited to their seder, who they will be visiting on Passover, whats on the menu and so on. For a family [...]
If you or a family member has special needs, traveling and touring may not be the first thing on your to-do list. Lack of accessibility, amenities and understanding are just some of the barriers that may be in your way. Luckily for you there are some great organizations that will give you the freedom to see [...]
Today marks the 110th 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. What is it? Established in 1978 by a joint Congressional resolution, Education Day U.S.A. focuses on the very foundation of meaningful education: instructing our youth in the ways of morality and [...]
The United Nations has designated April 2, 2012 as the fifth annual World Autism Awareness Day. Most people in the U.S. know someone with autism – a friend, neighbor, classmate or relative – because one in 88 American children (one in 54 American boys) is on the autism spectrum, according to the Centers for Disease [...]
