Children diagnosed on the autistic spectrum and with other special needs may present and engage in challenging behaviors, such as aggression, self-injurious behavior (SIB), and/or property destruction. These behaviors can range from skin-picking and slapping to head-banging, self-biting, punching, and kicking. According to the Autism New Jersey website, New Jersey currently has the highest rate […]
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Learning fundamental daily living skills such as self-care, personal hygiene, laundry, cooking, and cleaning can help prepare special needs children for future adult situations in the home, community, and workplace. According to the Organization for Autism Research, daily living skills are particularly important for those diagnosed on the autism spectrum, as they include “tasks that […]
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According to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) a speech disorder is defined as an impairment in the ability to send, receive, process, and comprehend verbal, non-verbal and graphic symbol systems. Everyone has the right to communicate their wants, thoughts, feelings, and ideas. Speech therapy in a special education environment can help students with […]
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With the coronavirus pandemic causing shutdowns across the United States and the world, it is no surprise that families have been postponing going to the doctor for their routine well-child visits. But skipping your routine vaccine schedule actually increases the risk of your child getting and spreading infectious diseases. The last thing we need is […]
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I am the stepparent of a developmentally delayed 16-year-old diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum Disorder, and while it is not easy in the best of times, right now, it is a struggle. There are no easy answers to this emotionally and financially unsustainable situation. But you are not alone. For what it’s worth, here are […]
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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a common and treatable brain disorder whereby unwanted thoughts can cause significant anxiety or distress in our students, and interfere with the child’s normal routine, academic functioning, social activities, or relationships. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, when a child is diagnosed with OCD, a difference in the […]
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The past four months have felt like four years, and when our special needs daughter is done with ESY, we are taking a much-needed, socially-distanced family getaway. But while my family and I definitely need a vacation, we know it won’t be so relaxing for our daughter. For neurotypical family members, vacation can be a […]
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While a vacation can be a great chance for parents to unwind, it can be tough for the special needs child. With planning and flexibility, however, it really is possible to have a positive family vacation. Here are some tips for making it work. Keep it simple. Consider staying in one place rather than travelling around. […]
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According to the National Institute of Mental Health, eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge-eating are serious psychiatric conditions and often severely disabling illnesses, whereby preoccupation with food, body weight, or body shape may cause severe disturbances in people’s eating behaviors, related thoughts and emotions. Special needs children may also suffer from these issues, […]
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Bipolar disorder (also called manic-depressive illness or manic depression) is a serious illness of the brain that causes people to go through unusually strong mood changes. Bipolar disorder is not the same as the normal ups and downs every child experiences. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, bipolar mood swings are more extreme […]
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