Jan/Feb 2016

Evana Sandusky with her children and Buzz Lightyear. 0

Real Moms Share: Evana Sandusky

Imagine celebrating ten years of parenthood, a milestone shimmering with love and challenges overcome. Picture your child smiling through laughter as you count candles on her cake, each puff signifying triumph amidst health battles.

Piggy bank with money and text "ABLE ACCOUNT OR SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST How to Decide? 0

Able Account or Special Needs Trust: How to Decide?

ABLE vs. Special Needs Trust: Making Informed Choices for Your Loved One Discover how ABLE accounts and special needs trusts can protect your child’s public benefits while providing financial security tailored to their unique needs. What are the key differences between these two tools? Find out which option best suits your family’s plan today.

Two people are playing with medicine balls in a room with climbing walls and cones. 0

Investing in Vitality: Fitness and Long-Term Planning

Why Not Treat Fitness Like Any Other Life Skill? Discover the transformative power of long-term fitness strategies for adults on the autism spectrum. Dive into specialized exercise programs designed specifically for special needs populations and learn why investing in vitality pays off big-time down the road.

Woman lying on her back with a baby on top of her. 0

Workout Routine for Both You and Your Baby

Workout with Your Little One Work out together and give baby lessons—they both win! Abdominal Strengtheners (Sit-Ups): Lie down, have your child straddle your stomach facing you. You sit up while they push you back—it’s giggly fun that builds core strength for mom and early interaction cues for baby.

Silver letters spelling "HEART Magnets" with small pink hearts on a metal surface. 0

DIY Valentine Craft: Heart Magnets

Heart Shaped Kitchen Magnets Craft Project If you’re in the mood for a quick and delightful craft with your little ones that doubles as fridge decor, this air-dry clay heart magnet project is perfect. Imagine cheerful hearts adorning your kitchen, each one unique and handmade by your child’s tiny hands.

Two swimmers in a pool, with one holding a kickboard. 0

Sharing “I Can!” Attitudes: Jumpin’for Joy

Parents Celebrate Autism Parenting Wins Your child’s achievements—big or small—are triumphs that deserve to be shared joyously! Whether it’s conquering a gymnastics competition, mastering an emotional milestone, striking a proud pose, or finding moments of comfort in unfamiliar situations, each victory matters deeply. Tell us how you’re celebrating your little champion today.

Cookie cutters for I, E, and P lie on a sheet of dough. 0

Is the IEP Individualized or Cookie-Cutter?

Is the IEP individualized or cookie-cutter? Your child’s IEP is supposed to be uniquely tailored just for them—highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, present levels of performance based on recent evaluations or tests, and your insights as parents. Every goal should align with state standards, breaking down into achievable benchmarks that guide progress in education.

Two smiling women, one with mouth open in laughter. 0

Boosting Your Happiness

Discover the secrets to naturally boosting your happiness this year! Did you know 50% of our happiness comes from genetic factors, while 40% stems from our own thoughts and actions? This post reveals simple daily strategies using foods like leafy greens to elevate serotonin, along with lifestyle tweaks that make a big impact.

Silhouette of a person with arms raised against a colorful sunset and butterflies. 0

New Year’s Guide to a Powerful & Harmonious You

Discover Inner Strength: Learn how one mother transformed trauma into wisdom through self-care, reflection, and powerful visualization techniques, offering guidance to help parents of special needs children cultivate harmonious living. (18 words)

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