A young Orange County man establishes a healthy relationship with autism and anxiety. “I’m feeling pretty good about myself right now.” That’s my son talking. My son, Drew, the 22-year-old movie blogger and aspiring screenwriter who happens to be on the autism spectrum. Yes, those words and that self-awareness have been a long time coming. […]
Kids With Special Needs may Benefit from Traditional Summer Camps
Kids with special needs may benefit from attending traditional summer camps and those catering to all abilities Stacy Harris has seen the benefits of inclusive programs for her 5-year-old son, Alexander, who has Down syndrome. He currently attends a general education transitional kindergarten (TK) classroom with developmentally typical kids and before that he attended an […]
Etiquette Tips from an Autism Parent
This parent of three children on the autism spectrum offers advice on addressing parents with an autistic child. It was a long morning of doctor check-ups and an hour-and-a-half drive. By lunchtime, we were ready for food. “Eat,” I imagined my son’s tummy yelling to mine. My son was three years old at that time […]
Orange County Special Needs Dentists Guide
Your guide for Orange County dentists specializing in special needs. Dental care is extremely important to overall health and well-being. Children with special needs need that same quality care. In California, there are plenty of ways to find a good special needs dentist. Consider reaching out to a local Autism Society of America affiliate, the […]
Autism and Adulthood
Supporting child with autism spectrum disorder through the transition of childhood to adulthood. The transition to adulthood for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be challenging, and requires planning and special considerations. As adolescents graduate from high school or receive their certificate of completion, the structured supports they may have been receiving often are […]
Autism-Friendly Fun at Knott’s
“Ghost Town Alive” connects with children of all ages and abilities, along with other sensory friendly entertainment options. It was high noon in Calico, 10-year-old Lali Cervantes stood in the center of the street, keeping an eye on the villains walking toward her. They were going to try and take over the town, and she […]
Special Needs Organizations
A few of OC’s most unique — and active — programs for children of all abilities. The Segerstrom Center The Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa offers many programs and services geared towards children and adults with special needs. The Segerstrom Hall, which presents everything from Broadway shows to children’s theatrical productions, hosts […]
Special Needs Summer Camps for All Ages
Various summer camps throughout Orange County offer specialized programs for children of all ages with disabilities. Examine any playground and you will see that every child is different in his or her unique way. While one child is hanging from the bars, another is playing in the sand. One is catching grasshoppers, and another is […]
Benefits of Special Needs Camps
Special needs camps place children of all abilities on even ground for play, friendship, and to discover they are not alone. At age six, Kim Kelly paid her first visit to a special needs’ residential camp. It was an experience she and her family will never forget. Up to this point, she had lived a […]
Disneyland Make-A-Wish
No request is too extreme for the Make a Wish Foundation of OC and IE, which celebrates 35 years of wishes granted Disneyland style. Thousands of children have not had to wish upon stars to see their dreams come true thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Orange County and Inland Empire. The local foundation is […]