Special Needs

Find support for parents of children with special needs. Learn how to advocate for your child, raise funds for needed equipment and find helpful organizations.

Filter by: Advocacy, Assistive Technology, Autism, Schools for the Blind, Support, Visual Impairment

Young boy at physical therapy.

Fine and Gross Motor, Special Needs

What Does a Pediatric Physical Therapist Do?

Learn how to prepare for your child’s first physical therapist appointment so you can feel confident that they are getting the care they need.

Autistic boy having a meltdown and throwing a toy.

Autism, Behavior, Visual Impairment

Managing Difficult Behaviors in Children Who Are Blind and Autistic

Parents of children who are blind and autistic often face unique challenges when it comes to managing behavioral issues. Many traditional behavioral management techniques rely on visual supports, which can...

Young boy looking at a light up toy in a dark room.

Toys, Visual Impairment

10 Cortical Visual Impairment Toys for Kids With CVI

It's important to choose toys that are relatively simple in design, as complex patterns can be overwhelming for children with CVI.

Little girl with special needs making her own breakfast.

Feeding and Eating, Special Needs

Developing Self-Care Skills in Children with Disabilities

Mastering self-care skills can be especially empowering for children with disabilities, helping them to gain independence and confidence.

Little girl with special needs drinking from a straw.

Product Reviews, Special Needs

11 Best Tools for Teaching Self Care to Disabled Kids

For children with disabilities, adaptive tools are essential for learning how to master self-care skills like grooming, hygiene, and self-feeding.

CVI Toddler Vision Eye Training App

iPad Apps and Accessibility, Visual Impairment

CVI Toddler Vision Eye Training App

This free digital visual training tool for computer or mobile devices is designed to help toddlers with CVI practice their visual skills.

Partners for Sight logo

Braille and Literacy, Visual Impairment

Reader’s Digest Partners for Sight

Reader’s Digest Partners for Sight is dedicated to fostering the independence of people who are blind and visually impaired.

Boy turning on light.

Autism

Understanding Visual Stimming in Children with Autism

Children with autism may employ visual stimming to self-soothe. Find out more about visual stimming and ways to manage this often challenging behavior.

Mom writing near toddler kid with down syndrome and preschooler girl.

Special Needs

Developing Verbal Comprehension in Special Needs Children

Developing verbal comprehension in special needs children can be particularly challenging. Here are some ways to improve verbal comprehension.

Child psychotherapist working with little girl and her mother in office.

Autism, Special Needs

Global Developmental Delay vs Autism: What’s the Difference?

Children with global developmental delay reach developmental milestones later, while those with autism spectrum disorder often exhibit behavior and social challenges.

Mother teaching child to use it as toilet.

Autism, Potty Training

Autism and Potty Training: A Parent’s Guide

Potty training an autistic child comes with certain challenges. We break down toilet training for kids with autism to guide parents.

Autistic boy playing with colorful dice being watched by a psychotherapist sitting in the background.

Autism

Managing Repetitive Behavior in Children With Autism

Managing repetitive behavior in children with autism is possible, and it's an essential step in avoiding self-harm and improving social skills.

Girl at speech therapist office.

Autism, Special Needs

The Four Major Types of Developmental Delays Explained

The four major types of developmental delay are cognitive, motor, speech and language, and social and emotional.

Little boy confused and doubtful shrugging shoulders.

Autism, Special Needs

Tics vs Stimming vs Compulsions: What’s the Difference?

Learn all about tics vs stimming and compulsions and the differences between each. We give you the facts on how to deal with these disorders.

Happy kids with disabilities in preschool.

Special Needs

Building Adaptive Skills in Children with Disabilities

Adaptive skills are the skills your child needs to care for themselves and gain independence. Children with disabilities may need more help learning these skills.