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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Disruptive behavior in special needs children may be generated by a mental health disorder. According to a 2008 study at Indiana University, 70 percent of a sample of children ages 10 to 14, and on the Autism spectrum, had also been diagnosed with another disorder.A child who appears to be oppositional or aggressive may, in […]
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As the news about COVID-19 gets more alarming every day, it is understandable that everyone is feeling anxious right now. With schools closed, special needs children are missing their normal routines and caregivers are faced with the overwhelming task of helping children make sense of what is happening. Our children are looking to us for […]
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Every parent is struggling right now to manage work or unemployment with everyone at home together, but parents of special needs kids have a particularly difficult job. Family routines have been disrupted, social outlets have been removed, and professional supports have been decreased or eliminated. Create a flexible routineRoutines can create structure and give your […]
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Dr. Chris Hoye, (principal) and Dr. LeRoi Jones (Supervisor of Instruction) share their perspectives of what it was like to transition all Gateway students and staff to online learning in the midst of COVID-19. A Monumental Task“It was an experience I will never forget. After hearing the state’s decision to close down the schools in […]
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