5 Ways to Support Siblings in Special Needs Families

5 Ways to Support Siblings in Special Needs Families

written by Alyson Krueger, published on childmind.org

When Sophie Kleinhandler was diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder at 8, one thing that meant a lot to her was the support of her sister Rachel.

“My older sister started worrying about me,” Sophie recalled, “and she told me something really special. There’s a song called ‘Lean on Me,’ and she said, ‘Sophie, now that you haveOCD I want you to lean on me when you’re upset and you can’t handle anything.’”

Rachel was a big help to Sophie, but Sophie’s OCD was hard on Rachel, too.

Sophie would get very upset if she was touched without warning. If someone brushed against her clothing, she had to immediately take it off and wash it. She had an aversion to commonplace sounds like breathing, yawning, sniffing, or kissing. Certain words set her off as well.

For Rachel, Sophie’s outbursts could be embarrassing. She didn’t know how to explain her sister’s behavior to her friends. It was also hard to concentrate on her homework or enjoy family vacations when her sister was slamming doors or melting down. Her parents spent a disproportionate amount of time on her sister, taking her to appointments and visiting when she was in a treatment center. And, of course, Rachel worried a lot about Sophie.

 

Guide to Trade Schools for People with Disabilities

Guide to Trade School for People with Disabilities

taken from www.primeweld.com

Professionally successful people living with a disability sometimes credit their impairment for boosting their career prospects, because it taught them perseverance and commitment. Others believe that their physical or cognitive differences in certain areas have led them to develop stronger abilities in others.

Choosing a trade school is an opportunity to assess one’s traits and capabilities, and find the right career for applying them.

Why Vocational or Trade School?

Success at a trade school can lead to stable employment with higher-than-average earnings. That makes trade school an attractive option for anyone.

For someone living with a disability, vocational or trade school training allows them to exhibit the talents and abilities they have, rather than those they don’t.

A trade school provides a structured learning environment, hands-on experience, and instruction from experts in the field. And like any accredited educational institution, trade schools are required to provide accommodations to level the playing field for students living with disabilities.

The Loneliness of Being A ‘Special Needs’ Parent is Real

The Loneliness of Being a ‘Special Needs’ Parent is Real

written by Heather Marcoux, published on motherly

For many people, becoming a parent opens the door to new communities. A secret language is unlocked through shared experiences and you find you have so much in common with these fellow parents that used to be strangers. Your kids are different people, but they are doing the same things. You’re on the same path.

But when you’re parenting a child whose brain or body works differently it can feel like the shared language of parenting is a foreign tongue. A diagnosis can feel like your membership card is being revoked or like you’re being forced to walk alone.

As a mom in Australia recently put it, “The hardest part of being a special needs parent is the isolation.” That mother went viral for opening up about the overwhelming loneliness she felt after her son was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). What she felt is a common experience for parents of kids with disabilities—and we need to talk about that.

Should You Say ‘Special Needs’ or ‘Disability’?

Should You Say ‘Special Needs’ or ‘Disability’?

written by Dr. Liz Matheis, published on www.themighty.com

When I was a student in school, students with disabilities were placed in a separate class, they traveled together around the school building, and everyone knew who “they” were. Terms such as “retarded,” “stupid,” or “handicapped” were used so often. As I type these highly derogatory terms, my skin crawls. Over the years, our terminology has changed and become more respectful and mindful of the connotations of the terms we use. We want to make sure that how we refer to our children and other people’s children in a way that is loving, respectful and demonstrates the awareness of our child’s strengths without being offensive or avoidant altogether.

Dating and Teens with Special Needs

Dating and Teens with Special Needs

written by Dr. Liz Matheis, published on www.psychologytoday.com

Teens are teens, regardless of special needs/disability, or not. Puberty hits, sparks start flying and we, as parents, have no idea how to handle this new phase in your adolescent’s life. Within the special needs community, there is controversy as to whether dating is a good idea or not. My perspective is one of a parent as well as a psychologist, but as a mom first. Disability or not, our children are children and they have similar human developmental milestones along the way. Some get there faster and some get there slower, but the human need for connection and relating is one that exists regardless of disability or ability.

How Do I Parent My Adolescent with Special Needs?

How Do I Parent My Adolescent with Special Needs?

by Dr. Liz Matheis, published in Psychology Today

Raising an adolescent is hard. Their moods change quickly—one minute they’re angry and raging, and the next, they’re a pile of tears in your lap. They want independence and freedom and yet they are afraid of it. They want you to tell them what to do, but they don’t want your advice. They want you to listen, but then they tell you to go away. The mixed messages are intense. I know. I have two adolescents, one of each gender.

But what happens when that teenager is a child with special needs? For many children with special needs, the developmental milestones and struggles are the same but on a different timetable. If you have a comparison point with another child—a niece or nephew—you are likely going to notice that your teen’s development is not all that different.

60 Books About Disabilities and Differences for Kids

60 Books About Disabilities & Differences for Kids

Published on mrsdscorner.com

As a teacher, or parent, who works in education… we meet a lot of students with different abilities and specialties. And sure, we have Autism Awareness month and disability awareness… but it’s so much more than just being aware.

Below you’ll find a curated list of books on special needs, acceptance, and tolerance. There are also books that describe children who have other differences that may make life a little challenging, like walking, hearing, seeing, understanding social cues, and more. These are books that you can use to introduce the topics presented to other children, teachers, and adults.

 

Developmental Disabilities and Oral Health

Developmental Disabilities and Oral Health

by Alyssa Hill – Published on newmouth.com

How Can Disabilities Impact Oral Health?

Developmental disabilities can impact a person’s general and oral health standing. This is because certain disorders impair learning, physical, language, and behavioral capabilities. In addition, practicing good oral hygiene at home may be difficult, which can lead to serious oral health issues over time.

Dental Conditions Associated with Developmental Disabilities

Developmental disabilities are typically life-long conditions that make it more challenging to complete simple daily activities. For example, a person may not be able to bathe, dress, or feed themselves on their own. As a result, disabled people have a higher risk of developing health issues, which also includes oral infections.

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