Special Diets at School
Packing lunches for children with special diets can be tricky but rewarding. Find safe substitutes and creative ideas when school kitchens aren’t accommodating, ensuring your kid’s meal is both delicious and risk-free.
Parenting
The High Cost of Autism
The Hidden Financial Toll of Raising a Child with Autism When Wyatt opened the elementary school production of “Rock & Roll Forever,” it was a moment that transcended words—the same child who once shrank from noises could now belt out opening lines in front of 200 people.
TIPS to Keep on Top of Your Child’s IEP
Keep Watching Over Your Child’s IEP Timeline After the excitement fades, new worries can creep in about whether the school is really following through on the plan. Learning what services and supports are built into the program helps calm those fears.
Mommy’s Timeout: Cascading Waterfalls
Parenting stress can feel heavy, but nature offers a gentle pause. Listen to the golden eagle trail nature sounds to soothe your mind. Even five minutes near cascading waterfalls brings peace.
Is Packing Your Child’s Lunch a Healthier Option?
Pack healthy lunches your child will love: Choose My Plate guides help ensure variety, but aim for at least three balanced food groups. Involve kids in meal planning; pick new fruits/veggies or recipes to try together. Limit sugary drinks and high-calorie snacks while focusing on fruits, veggies, whole grains, and protein-rich options.
Real Moms Share: Geri Booth “Hurricane Taylor”
Geri Booth shares insights into her extraordinary life as a mother to three children, especially focusing on her daughter Taylor’s unique challenges and personality traits. Hear how she finds joy in facing adversity and inspires happiness through acts of kindness.
ABOUT ME: Communication & Choice Making Guide
Why reading this matters: Learn to create invaluable “about me” books for non-verbal individuals, ensuring their likes and dislikes are effortlessly understood by everyone they interact with. Transform communication challenges into meaningful connections. #alternativewayscomm
IS IT WORKING? Monitoring the Effectiveness of Treatments
Is it working? Monitoring the effectiveness of treatments Wondering if therapies or interventions really help your child with special needs, especially autism? As parents, we invest time, resources, and love hoping for positive changes. But how do you know if they’re truly making a difference?
Want Your Child to Learn How to Get to School on Time? Think Backwards!
Discover how to teach your child valuable time management skills with the playful “reverse-time chart” method. This engaging activity lets kids visualize their day in a fun way! Start with a poster board and pen, or elevate it using photos of breakfast, brushing teeth, or drawing sleepy faces beside each scheduled event.
2014 Cover Winner: Mariana Pacheco
Meet Mariana, a sparkling 4-year-old whose smile lights up our hearts. Despite being mostly nonverbal due to severe autism, sensory disorder anxiety, and seizures, she’s now joyfully singing beloved songs and expressing essential words like “thank-you” and “welcome.” Her grandparents beam with pride at her progress—and we’re delighted by her sunny return to school!