Real Life

Young boy in a red shirt clutches his arm and looks away. 0

Crying in Therapy: Important to Understand Why

Why Your Child Cries: The Key to Unlocking Progress Unlocking your child’s true emotions requires stepping into their world. When they cry during therapy or lessons, figure out if it’s from fear of the unknown or real distress. By understanding their perspective, you can address concerns properly and find effective solutions together.

Ask the Nurse logo with a nurse's cap, stethoscope, and heart. 0

Ask the Nurse: Social Interaction Tips

Help your child build social skills through fun activities that engage their unique needs. From fine motor practice with drawing and play dough to gross motor adventures like dancing or riding a tri-cycle, these exercises spark confidence while strengthening muscles for speech, cooperation, and collaboration in group settings.

Valerie Strohl talking to someone off camera 0

Real Moms Share: Valerie Strohl

Discover how a mom’s journey with her daughter transformed into an award-winning cooking show for the disability community. Valerie Strohl shares the inspiring story behind “Universal Design Recipes Catering,” proving that simple meals can be powerful tools for teaching vital life skills while breaking down barriers and promoting inclusivity.

Ask the Nurse logo with a heart and stethoscope. 0

Ask the Nurse: Summer Traveling Tips

Travel With Special Needs Kids: 8 Tips to Keep Routines and Enjoy Summer Vacations When adjusting to a new place with fewer routines seems tough for your child with special needs, try these helpful tips. Keeping familiar comforts close can make everyone enjoy summer travel more. Bring favorite things like stuffed animals or blankets.

Red heart with a stethoscope and the words "Relationship RESCUE". 0

Relationship Rescue: Sleep Away Camp: Is your child ready?

Is your child with special needs ready for sleepaway camp? It’s a big step, but with preparation, it can be a life-changing experience. Start by gradually adjusting their bedtime at home to match the camp schedule during summer break. Communicate openly with the camp about your child’s specific needs and abilities.

Young girl smiling while exercising with a resistance band and physical therapist. 0

Help Prepare Your Child Emotionally for Life

Family bonds provide stability, support, and trust essential for emotional growth, especially for children with special needs navigating unique challenges. Building strong, open relationships with extended family and caregivers helps develop communication skills and independence. Encourage trying new tasks, making decisions, and facing age-appropriate challenges to build confidence and resilience.

Heart with stethoscope and "Relationship RESCUE" text. 0

Relationship Rescue: Expressing Feelings Appropriately

Model calmness, use simple gestures and visual cues like facial expressions when expressing emotions yourself; teens learn by watching how you handle your own feelings first before expecting them to mimic proper behavior in challenging situations.

Logo with text "Ask the Nurse" surrounded by a heart and stethoscope. 0

Tips for Selecting the Right & Safe Toys

Why Choose Safe Toys for Your Child with Special Needs This Holiday Season Navigating toy selection can feel overwhelming, especially when ensuring safety and suitability for a child with special needs. Every parent wants to provide joy without worry during the holiday rush.

Red heart with stethoscope and text "Relationship RESCUE. 0

Keeping the Peace During the Holidays Tips

Maintain a Calm Holiday Season with These Special Needs-Friendly Tips The holidays can be overwhelming for any family, but especially those raising children and teens with special needs. Consistency is key—stick to your child’s usual routines as much as possible while still allowing room for festive activities.

A red heart with a stethoscope and the words "Relationship RESCUE 0

Relationship Rescue: Responding to Negative Comments

Why should you respond to mean remarks about your child with disabilities? When faced with unkind comments, remember that fear often stems from misunderstanding. Educate those who are ignorant rather than letting anger fester; kindness bridges gaps better than hostility ever could.

Secret Link