We profile some local families with special needs and the challenges they’ve faced through the pandemic. J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center San Juan Capistrano Parents: Krysti and Brendan Crafts Kids: Olivia Griffin, 7, Brooklyn Griffin, 5, Juliette Crafts, 3, Savannah Crafts, 20 months City: San Clemente Special needs background: Juliette was born weighing 5.5 pounds, […]
Parenting a Child with Asperger’s through a Pandemic
A local expert offers advice for parents of children with Asperger’s to help them thrive through challenging times. By Michael Uram Kids can thrive in the face of incredible challenges — including a year-long stay-at-home order — with the right tools. So long as we listen to them, respect their boundaries, understand their needs, and […]
Special Needs Programs Adapting due to the Pandemic
The pandemic has had a real impact on special needs families and programs. Here’s how they adapted and what they’ve learned. Chinh Tuong Nguyen’s son, Patrick, was born on July 5. He rarely cried during his first 8 months, even when he had the chickenpox. “I thought it was very normal and I was a […]
Special Needs Learning & The COVID-19 Pandemic
The recent disruption to our daily routines has created an opportunity for parents of children with special learning needs. The COVID-19 pandemic and shelter-in-place has been hard on all of us, there is no doubt about that. Yet, there is a silver lining to this cloud. We’ve all had our routines disrupted, and for most […]
A Safe and Fun Environment for Special Needs Kids
Armenta Learning Academy is now offering virtual education to meet the needs of special kids through the COVID-19 pandemic. For the foreseeable future, the requirement of social distancing will undoubtedly create an increased demand for virtual learning options to meet this important need. Meeting this demand locally for the special needs community is Laguna Niguel-based […]
Shedding Light on Emotional Special Needs
Mental health challenges in kids can sometimes hide in plain sight. Special needs are often associated with physical disabilities. While not as visible, special needs also includes learning, emotional and behavioral challenges. Common mental health challenges are anxiety, depression, oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and (obsessive-compulsive disorder) OCD. There are different levels of […]
Autism & Health
Good health and wellness practices for children with autism are important to overall well-being. There’s a lot for parents to process when a child receives a diagnosis of autism. And there are some important needs to tend to beyond behavioral symptoms. Oftentimes, health and wellness practices can be compromised by symptoms and behaviors associated with […]
Self-Care for Special Needs Parents
Here are four essential things every special needs parent can do for better emotional well-being. My phone has been blowing up with texts all morning, and when I finally have a chance to check, I see that a group text with my special needs mom friends has turned into a boisterous discussion about the perils […]
Establishing a Healthy Relationship with Autism and Anxiety
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 […]