Mar/Apr 2017

A father smiles while carrying his son in a backpack carrier through a wooded area. 0

How to Sneak in Physical Therapy on Vacation

Squeeze every travel opportunity into a therapy session! Bring squeeze balls for car hand-strengthening games and yoga bands for gentle stretches while cooped up in the hotel room. Set up an easy obstacle course on your pit stop, like wheelchair wheelies with cheap orange cones.

Circular diagram showing steps: Identifying Goals, Analyzing Patterns, Designing Strategies, Using Your Plan, and Monitoring Progress. 0

Analyzing Patterns

It is natural to feel overwhelmed when behaviors shift. By analyzing behavioral patterns for improvement, you can find hidden clues. Try tracking times of day or hunger levels. Troubleshooting strategies for positive change help.

Amelia Grace Vitacco holds three dolls and wears a floral headband. 0

2017 Cover Winner: Amelia Grace Vitacco

Every child’s dreams deserve the spotlight, especially those shining brightly against life’s unique challenges. Amelia Grace shows us that dance can be her language, reading her superpower, and a future full of possibilities is just beginning to unfold! #DownsSyndromeDreamer #EarlyReaderHopes

Field of yellow daffodils on a grassy hill 0

Mommy’s Timeout: Daffodil Field

Find peace in a quiet moment with visualization meditation. Picture yourself in a gentle daffodil field, feeling every breath refresh you. It’s okay to take small breaks; these moments recharge your parenting spirit and help you embrace each day’s challenges with renewed calmness. You’re doing amazing!

Kelsey Norris wearing a crown and pageant dress. 0

Sharing “I CAN!” attitudes: Kelsey

Kelsey Norris: A Hero’s Heart Unbound by Labels Georgia’s top middle school volunteer, Kelsey Norris, defies expectations with her unwavering compassion and extraordinary resilience. Orphaned as an infant and diagnosed with autism and Rubenstein-Taybi Syndrome, she transforms challenges into catalysts for change, volunteering over 1,000 hours and raising $20,000 to help others in need.

Illustration of a human body with a brain and intestines, next to text titled "The Gut-Brain Connection and Children with Special Needs. 1

The Gut-Brain Connection and Children with Special Needs

Your child’s sensitive nervous system impacts their behavior. A growing body of research confirms what many parents already know: poor digestion takes a toll on mood and energy levels — especially in children with learning challenges or sensory disabilities who are often more prone to “gut issues” than others.

A girl with a helmet on a bicycle with a woman behind her and "I CAN BIKE!" text. 0

I Can Bike!

Discover how iCan Shine’s revolutionary roller bikes transform cycling into an attainable dream for individuals with disabilities. Our five-day immersive program unlocks the joy of riding, from mastering balance on adaptive bicycles to conquering conventional bikes. Dive into this life-changing experience that redefines possibility.

DIY sensory room with a small trampoline. 1

DIY Sensory Rooms on a Budget!

Create a Budget-Friendly DIY Sensory Room on Any Budget Got little ones with big feelings? You don’t need an entire room—if walls, corners, or closets will do! Get inspired by real moms and therapists who knocked out sensory spaces for pennies. Turn up the joy dial while dialling down the cost. Perfect for any space!

Woman holding hands with two children walking in a forest. 0

Stay Mentally Healthy by Changing These Three Thoughts

Less is More: Small Acts, Big Impact Pause to ask friends how they’re really doing today. A single caring question nurtures connections deeply. When others share dreams or challenges, lean in – be a listening ear and source of encouragement.

A child crawls while a person encourages them from behind. 0

Organizing Your Child’s Brain Through Crawling and Creeping

Why Crawling Boosts Brain Development Is your child struggling like Ben did? Crawling isn’t just for babies—it’s a powerful tool that can transform neurological function. In this excerpt, discover how simple physical activities can rewire brain pathways and improve behavior in children with autism and developmental challenges.

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