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 [...]
Guest Post by Ben Chutz It is amazing how many apps are geared for children on Apple’s iTunes store and across the Internet. Autism apps could be a category in itself Innovative websites and social networks geared towards children and teens with Autism are just now coming on to the scene. But what about the parents? [...]
The United States Presidential Election is 266 days away and currently all the focus is on the Republican candidates for president. Aside from all the mud slinging their have been a number of issues discussed: Health care, unemployment, the economy, immigration and the usual election year issues. Funding for the Special Needs Community One issue that [...]
It’s Super Sunday and if you are not watching the big game (or the commercials) you are probably getting a few odd looks. Well, when it comes to families with special needs it is not always easy to spend 4-5 hours in front of the big screen. Over-stimulation, lack of interest and fatigue are just [...]
Last week in the Friendship Circle blog, Jennifer wrote about the importance of developing self-confidence as a parent of a child with special needs. Part of that confidence comes from daily routines and structure at home and school, and part of it comes from following evidence-based practices. This has certainly been true for [...]
![When was the last time you heard the R-Word? [Poll]](http://blog.friendshipcircle.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/iStock_000015995229XSmall-150x150.jpg "When was the last time you heard the R-Word? [Poll]")
Spread the Word to End the Word is an ongoing effort by Special Olympics to raise the consciousness of society about the dehumanizing and hurtful effects of the word “retard(ed)” and encourage people to pledge to stop using the R-word. Take The Poll Are people using the “R” word less? When was the last time [...]
It seems like every week there is a new study out that suggests the cause of autism. If you do a Google search for the cause of autism you will find news story after news story announcing the latest study or finding. Researchers and scientists are working hard to find the cause (and then hopefully the cure) of autism. Do you [...]
Autism Speaks, the nation’s largest autism science and advocacy organization published a survey taken by over 800 people who had a child with autism of the 10 best places to live with autism. The winner was New York City, closely followed by Los Angeles, Milwaukee, Cleveland and Boston. Also included in the survey was a list [...]
Congress is said to be considering HR Bill 1576, sponsored by Indiana Representative Dan Burton whose grandson is on the autism spectrum. The Bill would designate a “National Special Needs Parents Day.” As stated in the bill, “National Special Needs Parents Day would be created because “…active and supportive parents serve a critical role in [...]
