Although at the present time, COVID-19 has disrupted the level of regular community activities schools are able to implement, this article is to highlight the importance of community involvement for the special needs student population. Community activities and recreation can be particularly important for the mental and physical health of children with autism. These activities […]
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For special needs children, learning daily living skills such as self-care, personal hygiene, laundry, cooking, and cleaning is fundamental to developing a greater level of independence in adulthood. These skills will help prepare them for future adult situations in the home, community, and workplace. But, because they take more time and effort for a special needs […]
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A parent’s perspectiveI am the stepparent of a developmentally delayed 11-year-old with autism, and while it’s 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 some things that […]
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Attending Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings is one of the important ways that you help guide and monitor your child’s progress in school. The more you know about IEPs, the more you can contribute to a positive, constructive conversation with your child’s team at school. Being prepared can help you go into the meeting feeling […]
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The Benefits of Special Needs PreschoolProviding opportunities for special needs students to attend preschool programs has demonstrated positive results for children, their families, and society. An analysis of data [GV1] by the Early Childhood Outcomes Center found over 75 percent of children who participate in special education preschool programs and services show “greater than expected […]
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You are not alone during these challenging times.As a stepparent of a developmentally delayed son with autism, I don’t mind telling you I am struggling right now. The network of services we used to rely on to manage his care and education, from at-home ABA therapy to schooling to one blissful week of sleepaway summer […]
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Anne Gunteski, principal of the Harbor School of Eatontown, New Jersey describes the process of transitioning to the virtual home learning model in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. A Monumental Task On February 28, we sent the first letter to parents and staff regarding the virus outbreak. At that point, we were monitoring the situation, increasing […]
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