Embracing the Diagnosis
"The central struggle of parenthood is to let our hopes for our children outweigh our fears." - Ellen Goodman
When we learn our children have special needs it can be a difficult transition as a family. Acceptance of the future ahead is one small step in the range of emotions we face in the beginning and throughout the lives of our loved ones. Embracing the diagnosis is the first step towards understanding the strengths, needs and beauty of our children on the road to healthy bonding, avoiding "altered parenting" and true inclusion.
When we learn our children have special needs it can be a difficult transition as a family. Acceptance of the future ahead is one small step in the range of emotions we face in the beginning and throughout the lives of our loved ones. Embracing the diagnosis is the first step towards understanding the strengths, needs and beauty of our children on the road to healthy bonding, avoiding "altered parenting" and true inclusion.
Understanding Special Needs
"Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple." - Dr. Seuss
A primer for anyone wanting to understand more about the Special Needs community, how more alike we are than different and how to interact in a respectful and positive way with individuals and their family members.
A primer for anyone wanting to understand more about the Special Needs community, how more alike we are than different and how to interact in a respectful and positive way with individuals and their family members.
Facing the Crowd
"I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning to sail my ship." - Louisa May Alcott
Planning and managing those extremely important questions, awkward moments and life lifting experiences that are brought on by family, friends and the public. These are the tools and resources needed to respond to situations with courage, peace of mind and true ownership that will reflect pride in yourself and your child.
Planning and managing those extremely important questions, awkward moments and life lifting experiences that are brought on by family, friends and the public. These are the tools and resources needed to respond to situations with courage, peace of mind and true ownership that will reflect pride in yourself and your child.
Natural Environments
"Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Natural environments in early intervention are not places, but learning environments. They are experiences and opportunities in any place that families participate in with or without special needs. Learn what it is to provide support for your child's development in everyday routines with the support of professionals outside a clinical setting.
Natural environments in early intervention are not places, but learning environments. They are experiences and opportunities in any place that families participate in with or without special needs. Learn what it is to provide support for your child's development in everyday routines with the support of professionals outside a clinical setting.
Inclusion 101
"Sometimes we stare so long at a door that is closing that we see too late the one that is open." - Alexander Graham Bell
Inclusion is not a place, it is a state of mind. It is more a modification of perceptions and attitudes than of environments and curriculum. Learn more about inclusion and how to cultivate it in your own life and the lives of others.
Inclusion is not a place, it is a state of mind. It is more a modification of perceptions and attitudes than of environments and curriculum. Learn more about inclusion and how to cultivate it in your own life and the lives of others.
Advocating = Education
"It's not what you are that holds you back, it's what you think you're not." - Dr. Denis Waitley
With the right tools, anyone can be a successful, positive advocate for support, understanding and inclusion. Effective advocating means understanding strengths as well as needs and speaking compassionately about and for our children. All children are more alike than different, even those with special needs.
With the right tools, anyone can be a successful, positive advocate for support, understanding and inclusion. Effective advocating means understanding strengths as well as needs and speaking compassionately about and for our children. All children are more alike than different, even those with special needs.
Building Relationships
"If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself." - Henry Ford
When family, friends and professionals come together to support a child with special needs so do a variety of cultures and values. Effective collaboration begins with compassion, communication and a shared vision for the future. Learning to build healthy relationships is the first step towards building an effective supportive system for the child.
When family, friends and professionals come together to support a child with special needs so do a variety of cultures and values. Effective collaboration begins with compassion, communication and a shared vision for the future. Learning to build healthy relationships is the first step towards building an effective supportive system for the child.
Early Transitions
"The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide you're not going to stay where you are." - John Pierpont Morgan
Many special needs children receive early intervention services through an Infant-Toddler program. The transition into the preschool years can be filled with uncertainty as children move into Special Education services on the journey to Kindergarten.
Many special needs children receive early intervention services through an Infant-Toddler program. The transition into the preschool years can be filled with uncertainty as children move into Special Education services on the journey to Kindergarten.