Teaching Special Needs Kids Appropriate Online Social Skills

Teaching kids appropriate social skills isn't easy, particularly for special needs kids. Emotional or cognitive impairment, autism, Asperger syndrome pose additional communication problems. Social networks like Facebook and Twitter complicate still further. Here are parenting tips for online social navigation from a 25-year special needs teacher.  read more

Autism Insurance Reform Passes Michigan Legislature

 A package of three bills aimed at reforming Michigan health care insurance for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has passed the Michigan House of Representatives and is expected to move on to Gov. Rick Snyder for approval, says the Associated Press. A previous version of the bill failed in 2010, but autism coverage has stronger state support now. Here are details. Autism Insurance Reform Passes Michigan Legislature 

9-Year-Old Shoots Classmate--Wakeup Call for Parents, Educators

A third-grader faces criminal charges for accidentally shooting 8-year-old Amina Kocer-Bowman, a fellow student at Armin Jahr Elementary School in Bremerton, Wash. His dad, Jason Cochran said the boy "made a mistake," reports AP. The court is trying to decide if the child understood what he was doing. Once again, two children's lives are disfigured by the foolish choices of adults. It's a wake-up call about parenting, kids and guns. It's about kids falling through the cracks in our educational system. It's about kids living in horrific danger and not knowing how to cope. Read more at School Shooting by 9-Year-Old: a Gun Control Wake-up Call

Resources for Parents of Autistic Children

April is National Autism Awareness Month. It's estimated that 1 out of every 110 people has Autism-Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Since the 1970s, advocates have been educating the public about autism. Here are resources for parents of autistic children. Resources for Parents of Autistic Children

Resources for Parents and Teachers about Facebook Depression

When Pediatrics identifies a health issue it's noteworthy. March's "The Impact of Social Media on Children, Adolescents and Families" explores emotional health concerns with texting, sexting and Twitter. "Facebook Depression" is the colloquial term. Read on

Best Non Scary Halloween Movies for Classroom Parties

I am self-confessed coward about scary movies. I don't watch them. I was pretty careful about what I let my children watch, knowing that they were easily frightened. Looking for some non-scary Halloween movies? Here are some you're sure to enjoy. Best Non Scary Halloween Movies for Children

Parenting the Child with Asperger Syndrome: Understanding Literal Thinking

Asperger Syndrome: Understanding Your Literal Thinker Do you ever wonder why your brilliant child with Asperger Syndrome just doesn't understand a word you say? Maybe you aren't speaking his language. Read More

Parenting the Child with Asperger Syndrome: Setting Up Schedules

Family Schedules: Setting Up Routines for Your Asperger Syndrome Child Children with Asperger Syndrome thrive on routines and schedules. While it takes some willpower on your part, making a family schedule will help the time your child spends at home be more successful. Read More

Best Books for Parenting a Child With Asperger Syndrome

 Do you have a child recently diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome, or do you just need additional resources? These six books helped me through the most troubling times with my Aspie son, Sam. Top Six Asperger Syndrome Books for Parents

Parenting the Child with Asperger Syndrome: Safety Plan

 (This is the first article in a series from Associated Content's Heather K. Adams, who is the parent of a special needs child with Asperger Syndrome. She shares her wisdom and experience in attending the unique needs a child with autism/aspergers.) Have you ever been in the middle of an Asperger Syndrome meltdown? Having a good safety plan in place will make a world of difference for everyone involved. Safety Plan for Parenting an Asperger Syndrome Child

School Bullying: How Parents Can Help Children

Helping Students Communicate Bullying to School Staff The recent teen and child suicides in the news may have open some peoples eyes to the reality of bullying, but bullying is not a new phenomenon. What can a parent do if they become aware that their child is being bullied at school? Read More

Best Books for Autism Awareness Month

April is Autism Awareness Month. Here is my recommended reading list for special needs educators, parents and caregivers. These stories and volumes are dated, but not out of date. They provide a focal point for where we've been, where we are and where we are going in special education. My copies are dogeared and torn. And I treasure them like Croesus's gold. Best Books on Special Needs Children 

Panic Attacks: Identification and Coping Skills

Panic attacks are much more common than most people realize. Panic attacks in children are particularly distressing for children and parents or teachers. It's easy to mistake a panic attack. Panic attacks may be overlooked, pooh-poohed or attributed to other issues. But the good news is that panic attacks are relatively easy to control once they are identified. Do you or someone you love suffer from panic attacks? Can you recognize a panic attack? Here's a guide for identifying and coping with panic attacks. kids and panic attacks

How to Start a Special Needs Support Group

This article was originally written for homeschoolers seeking to begin a support group. As the article unfolded, I realized that the guide would work for any type of support group. If you are caring for a special needs child (or children) you need the support of others. You might consider starting support group for parents of children with needs similar to your child. Use this how-to guide to help you. How to Start a Homeschool Group
Homeschooling parents need interaction with adults. Homeschool children need interaction with other children. Are you looking for a homeschooling community? Follow this guide to join or begin your own home school group.
support group tips

Discipline and the Special Needs Child

 Does punishment have to be imposed? Do we have to invent ways to punish children or are there natural punishments? Logical consequences, the natural results of choices, are the perfect form of discipline for home and school. View more » Discipline, Punishment and Logical Consequences

Teaching Learning Disabilities, Parenting LD Kids

 Nurturing a learning disabled student is essentially the same as nurturing a mainstream child. Natural caregiver practices apply. However, there are some extra concerns to be aware of as well. I've grouped the suggestions according to basic care topics. Teaching Learning Disabilities, Parenting LD Kids