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

Baby reaching for sensory toys.

Visual Impairment

Developing Multisensory Skills in Blind Babies

Multisensory play, combining sounds and touch, and encouraging reaching and exploration can help your blind baby develop better spacial awareness.

Young girl making bread dough at home kitchen for home schooling.

Special Needs

14 Tactile Input Activities, Toys, & More

Tactile input is important for the healthy development of every child. Try these activities and toys at home to engage your child's tactile system.

NICU baby laying on parent's chest.

Special Needs

5 Benefits of Skin-to-Skin Contact for Babies With Special Needs

Skin-to-skin contact is particularly important for babies with special needs, such as premature babies, babies with disabilities, or babies in the NICU.

Cute kid with disability has musculoskeletal therapy by doing exercises in body fixing belts.

Special Needs

Habilitation vs Rehabilitation: What’s the Difference?

Habilitation and rehabilitation are services that often fall under the same umbrella. Curious to know how they differ? Read on below for more information!

Boy with autism spectrum disorder bite hand and negative expression behavior.

Autism

Managing Repetitive or Stereotyped Behavior in Autism

Struggling with repetitive behaviors in your child with autism? Learn how to understand and manage these behaviors.

Woman changing sheets on a bed.

Potty Training, Product Reviews, Special Needs

Peelaways Disposable Bed Sheets Review

Changing sheets and cleaning up after bedwetting can be a challenge. Peelaway disposable bed sheets are waterproof and make changing sheets easy!

Ivan and mom in the snow.

Special Needs

7 Winter Must-Haves for Kids in Wheelchairs

Winter can be challenging for parents of kids in wheelchairs. Luckily, there are things you can do to keep your child warm and safe in the winter.

Worried autistic boy sitting with crossed legs on mint chair during conversation with psychiatrist.

Autism, Behavior

How to Discipline a Child With Autism

Disciplining a child with autism involves using consistent, gentle discipline techniques and understanding your child’s specific needs and behaviors.

Physical therapist working with little girl in rehabilitation center.

Special Needs

Your Child’s First PT Evaluation: What to Expect

Preparing for your child’s first visit to a physical therapist? Find out what happens in an initial physical therapy evaluation!

Group of kids stretching on colorful fitness mats.

Special Needs

10 Vestibular Input Activities and Toys

The vestibular system helps us to maintain postural control, balance, and coordination. Try these fun vestibular input activities and toys with your child!

A visually impaired baby boy in PT reaches for a toy.

Development, Visual Impairment

Development Charts for Blind and Visually Impaired Babies and Children

Blind children may have delayed development in several key areas. These development charts outline milestones for visually impaired babies.

Caregiver using a lift to place a child in a wheelchair.

Special Needs

What Is Adaptive Equipment… And How To Pay for It

Adaptive equipment and Durable Medical Equipment (DME) can increase your child’s independence and ease the physical burden on caregivers.

blind baby crawling

Crawling, Visual Impairment

When does a blind baby start crawling?

When does a blind baby usually start to crawl? When should I start to be worried that there is another issue besides blindness?

Boy trying to solve math equations in front of blackboard.

Autism, Development

What Is Fluid Reasoning and Why Is It Important?

If a child struggles to learn new ways to do things, it may be a problem with fluid reasoning. Learn about fluid reasoning, its importance, and ways to improve it.

Happy little boy is practicing yoga on his balcony with a panoramic view of the big city.

Special Needs

11 Proprioceptive Input Activities and Toys

While proprioception is commonly addressed in physical and occupational therapy, there are a number of proprioceptive activities you can play with your child at home.