Summer Camps for All
There are many local summer camp options for kids with disabilities. Here are some to get you started.Every quintessential summer includes summer camp. It’s
Inspire Growth
Tools and materials designed to support the education and development; These resources can help individuals with disabilities overcome learning challenges and develop new skills, knowledge, and abilities.
Editor's Picks
A Growth Mindset
LiMai Montessori Academy is setting the bar for expansion of the famous method…
Special Lessons
From comic books to virtual reality, therapists and teachers look forward at innovations in special needs programs…
Recent Articles
Summer Camps for All
There are many local summer camp options for kids with disabilities. Here are some to get you started.Every quintessential summer includes summer camp. It’s
A Growth Mindset
LiMai Montessori Academy is setting the bar for expansion of the famous method…
Sensory Summer
How to support your child’s sensory needs this summer. For many kids, summer is a time for fun, play, rest and discovery. But summer can be difficult for kids.
Special Lessons
From comic books to virtual reality, therapists and teachers look forward at innovations in special needs programs…
Wayfinder Family Services
In our special education school, students ages 5 - 21 with moderate-to-severe disabilities get a chance to thrive. We believe in their potential and foster strong partnerships with our families. Students enjoy spacious classrooms, compassionate, credentialed teachers and a 1:2 staff-to-student ratio on a beautiful eight-acre Los Angeles campus. Speech, occupational and physical therapies are available, as well as vision impairment services. We are a California state-certified non-public school with students from districts throughout Southern California. www.WayfinderFamily.org
Summer Camp Success
How Special Needs Camps Adapted to a Pandemic Two years of pandemic transformed everyday normal moments in life into the annoyingly and sometimes comically difficult. We often complained. We grumbled. We worried how we would do things. Then somehow we just got on with it. Life can be like that every day for kids with physical or cognitive disabilities. Yet, they must learn at an early age just how to get on with it as well. These lessons in adaptation, grace and dignity can become much more complicated in a pandemic. And teaching kids with special needs during a pandemic...
Sensory Sensitivity Strategies
(Pediatric Occupational Therapist Laura Petix and mom to a neurodivergent 4-year-old daughter/Photo Courtesy of Laura Petix) A local pediatric occupational therapist and mom to a neurodivergent child offers tips to help minimize sensory overload during social outings. Think back to a time when you had a debilitating headache or fever. The sound of a door closing was like nails on a chalkboard. The slightest peek of sunshine made your eyeballs feel like they were burning from the inside out. Every blanket felt scratchy and even though your partner meant well, when they tried to rub your back, it felt like...
Perfect Camp Match
(Photo Courtesy of YMCA OC Camp) Matchmaking your child with the right camp may lead to a more rewarding summer experience. Let’s face it — living in the 21st century, our lives can feel jam-packed with the never-ending list of meetings, play dates, homework, snacks, snacks and more snacks — oh, and don’t forget the extra planning required to keep kids happy and engaged in the summer months. As parents are juggling professional and home responsibilities amid the ongoing pandemic, including managing stress and isolation, it’s essential to talk to your kids about their interests and goals. Are they interested...
Impact: What Transitioning to the “New” Normal Means in Education
(Photo Courtesy of Stratford School) Stratford School Unveils Its Plan for Fall 2021 At Stratford, we are excited to welcome students back for the upcoming school year with safety in mind and plans for a flexible learning environment — with robust educational excellence back on campus and Stratford’s Online Academy. As we reflect on what has been a monumental 2020/21 school year, we are pleased to have been able to offer options, both in-school and fully online, for our families. We have learned, adjusted and enhanced every aspect of our educational program to ensure students received the best possible learning...
Parenting a Child with Asperger’s through a Pandemic
(Photo Courtesy of Mick Haupt/Unsplash) 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 guide them to healthy activities, they have a great chance of success. It’s so much work as a parent to support their success and growth and have a balanced life. Over the past year, we have had to let go...
Top 5 Tax Deductions for Pet Owners in 2021
After the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, everyone could use a break on their taxes. Even though pet parenting might feel like a full-time job, you can’t claim them as a dependent on your tax return. But you might be able to qualify for pet-related tax deductions that can help you keep more of your hard-earned money in your pocket. Here is what PawlicyAdvisor.com is sharing about what to know when getting tax deductions for your pet in 2021. Potential Tax Deductions for Pet Owners Pet-related tax deductions only apply to specific situations. They’re often associated with service animals and pets that...
Interpersonal Mindful Parenting
Two new studies offer insights on how mindfulness techniques may impact parenting. Mindfulness starts with awareness. With the following questions having no correct answers, reflect on them as you read this article. By being mindful of our behaviors, we can be less reactive and more resourceful in our choices. Never TrueRarely TrueSometimes TrueOften TrueAlways TrueI find myself listening to my child with one ear because I am busy doing or thinking about something else at the same time.When I’m upset with my child, I notice how I am feeling before I take action.I notice how changes in my child’s mood...
Estate Planning During COVID-19
Q: What should I know about estate planning during COVID-19? Adults Get started. Estate planning is an act of love. It is the process of planning for not only your affairs during incapacity but for the people you care about most at your death. For many, this is a task in a perpetual state of procrastination thought about in passing after the loss of a family member, friend or basketball legend. Anything that reminds us of our mortality typically reminds us of this seemingly uncomfortable task of planning our estate. COVID-19 is no exception. During uncertain times like these, many...
Talking to Your Kids About Racism
Q: [All ages] How do I talk with my kids about racism and the recent protests? Racism, protests and recent (and historical) events that illuminate these issues evoke strong emotions and complex discussions. However, when it comes to talking to children, it need not be as difficult as you may think. Start simple, using developmentally appropriate language. Then, take your children’s cues and questions for how much to elaborate. Some parents find it important, even necessary, to share more details (such as accounts of police brutality). Others prefer to omit specifics. Wherever you fall, remember the goal is promoting values...
Special Needs Learning & The COVID-19 Pandemic
(Photo Courtesy of Annie Spratt on Unsplash) 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 of us, we’ve had to stay at home far too much. One of the most significant routine disruptions we’ve seen is in the area of school closures, and the inadvertent turning of parents into unwilling and untrained instant...
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 Armenta Learning Academy (armentalearningacademy.com). The academy is now offering instant learning online through Skype and Google Chat in order to meet the needs of all of their children while they’re safely at home. Founder Julie Armenta has been in the business for more than 30...
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 emotional challenges ranging from mild and moderate to more severe. Mental health challenges in children often go under-diagnosed for different reasons. Parents might unintentionally ignore their child’s needs as they think their child is just acting out and may not realize that there is an...
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 autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It is important for parents to make health and wellness a top priority for children with ASD to make a difference in their lives now, and for years to come. Feeling a sense of belonging within a community is an extremely...
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 of poop. Oh, you haven’t been in a group text discussion about poop lately? Welcome to the world of special needs parenting — where no topic is too embarrassing or awkward to share with one another. We laugh through the tears. No. 1: Find Your...
Holiday Help for Parents of Kids With Autism
Parents of kids with autism may face added challenges around celebrations. The holiday season is my favorite time of year. The tasty, homemade food, warm embraces from visiting relatives and lots of laughter, expand my heart. But as much as I now look forward to this time of year, I remember when it caused me great anxiety. Having three children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), my husband and I were always on high alert waiting for a behavior to happen — such as a 30-minute meltdown or inappropriate loud yelling in the middle of a room, or our child’s non-stop...
Autism and Fanfiction
‘Harry Potter’ fanfiction may help those with autism tell their stories. A study led by UC Irvine researchers and published in January in the Journal of Literacy Research found that those with autism—along with family members, teachers and advocates—use “Harry Potter” fanfiction to cast autistic characters in their stories that can help challenge stereotypes. “We expected to find that fanfiction authors with autism, or friends, family members and close advocates of autistic individuals, would write about autism in ways that challenged pervasive stereotypes about neurological difference that are often found in popular media,” said Rebecca W. Black, UCI associate professor...
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 inclusive preschool with half of students enrolled as part of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for special needs and the other half developmentally typical. “Alex has models every single day for him to learn from,” says Harris, of Anaheim. “Since August when he began TK,...
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 terminated, leaving them and their families confused about what resources are available as they pursue college, employment, and greater independence. Today’s statistics show that most adults with autism (84%) remain living with their parents and nearly half of 25-year-olds with autism have never held a...
Road Trip Survival Guide
Tips for a smoother, happier, and not-so-insane highway adventure. The average parent has, at one time or another, fantasized about taking their children on a road trip. Thoughts fill our heads of cheerful kids laughing and pointing out the window at magnificent sights, great music in the background of the happy montage scene; blue skies above, and beautiful sunsets ahead. When stark reality hits, it is shocking: one kid is trying to hit the one who has threatened to wet himself, one kid is throwing up, there is an endless cycle of news and infomercials on the radio, muggy gray...
Acknowledging Autism Awareness
Q: As a mother of a child with autism, I am often given eye rolls or useless parenting advice from others when she is acting up in public. What is some encouragement advice for others to be kind to the parents of special needs children and their parents? A: Maybe it is the month of April and the heightened awareness to special needs and particularly Autism, or the plethora of school shows and activities, but there so many different dynamics that bring the topic of Special Needs to an intense level at this time of year. Please always start with...
Traveling with Tots to Teens
Whether you’re going by car, plane or train, traveling with children of any age isn’t always easy, but it is nearly always rewarding. 1. Plan Ahead, But Be Flexible There is no substitute for looking at your options before you go and making a plan. But, since children are involved, build in alternate possibilities and expect that there will be changes while on the go. Because expectations are such an important part of results, don’t think that you’ll only have fun if the plan you came up with. That may include your best options but it does not always end...
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 several sensory friendly performances as part of the center’s Family Series. These shows are designed specifically for patrons with sensory sensitivity, so they can enjoy productions with their families. Segerstrom’s School of Dance and Music for Children with Disabilities has only been open for a...
Explaining the News to Our Kids
Dramatic, disturbing news events can leave parents speechless. These age-based tips on how to talk to kids about the news — and listen, too — can help. If it bleeds, it leads. The old newsroom adage about milking stories for sensationalism seems truer than ever today. And with technology doing the heavy lifting — sending updates, tweets, posts, and breaking news alerts directly to our kids’ phones — we parents are often playing catch-up. Whether it’s wall-to-wall coverage of the latest natural disaster, a horrific mass shooting, a suicide broadcast on social media, or a violent political rally, it’s nearly...
Breast Cancer Risks and Symptoms
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As busy as our lives can be, a refresher course on the risk factors and symptoms is a good reminder to make sure we are taking care of ourselves as well as our family’s needs. Sadly, according to BreastCancer.org, twelve percent of women today will develop invasive breast cancer, and more than 40,000 will die from it this year alone. Breast Cancer Risk Factors There are several breast cancer risks as identified by the American Cancer Society (ACS). Some of these are unchangeable but should be taken into account in developing a screening plan....
What You Can/Cannot Eat While Breastfeeding
Q: [Maternity/Infant] I have read the studies, talked to other new moms (and a fair number of veterans in the baby game) and have decided to nurse. I guess this puts the kaibosh on my plans to dive into all those spicy tuna rolls and glasses of vino I have been longing for the past year of trying/growing this baby? A: You have such great timing for your question, as August is National Breastfeeding Awareness Month! Funded by the U.S Department of Health and Human Services, this campaign empowers women to commit to breastfeeding. Even with all of its benefits,...
IEP, SOS? Navigating the Assessment Process For Your Child
Within every child we can find such unique beauty, characteristics and talents that comprise their individuality. The way they smile, what makes them laugh, whether they are left or right handed or even left or right-brain thinkers, all make them who they are – our precious little gifts. So it should make sense that each child would also have its individual means of learning. In an educational environment of structured, mainstream teaching, there are bound to be roadblocks for many students. We all learn differently. But for some students, the differences present challenges that a typically-structured classroom environment cannot fully...
News for the Spectrum and Beyond
What’s new in the world of Special Needs? Here are a few of our favorite lesser-known resources helping OC families of those with Autism and ND Disorders. Smile and Say ZZZZZZ’s! Healthy Smiles for Kids of Orange County announced the unveiling of a new general anesthesia wing at their Garden Grove Smile Center. Children who have a physical, developmental, mental, behavioral, cognitive, or conditions that require medical management and specialized services may benefit from sedation dentistry. In 2016, 41 percent of Healthy Smiles’ general anesthesia cases were children with special needs. The expansion, which will cut long general anesthesia treatment...
Family Resiliency, Supporting Autism and ND Disorders
Raising a child with a disability brings a unique set of joys and challenges for a family — increased struggles with daily routines, finances, and navigating the maze of doctors and support services. This can be complicated by decreases in the amount of time parents spend engaged in the community, with friends or as a couple. However, research demonstrates that many families who have a child with a disability are able to balance these demands and believe their family is closer, stronger and happier because of their challenges. Resilience is the ability to withstand hardship and rebound from adversity, becoming...
Picking the Perfect Pediatric Dentist for Your Child
She carries a wand, she wears a crown, and she loves healthy smiles! We all know and love the tooth fairy—even though she may force you to make regular trips to the ATM, but the tooth fairy could not do her job if there wasn’t a healthy mouth to work with. Long before the tooth fairy takes flight, children as young as age one should be making trips to the dentist at least twice a year to prevent cavities and gum disease. In fact, this preventative work is so important that tooth decay remains the most common chronic disease in...
Jessica Rivera Sleep Consulting
If there’s anything new moms dream about it’s, well, the opportunity to dream at all. Indeed, a good night’s sleep can be a challenge for new parents struggling to catch some much-needed rest. Jessica Rivera can help. The certified sleep consultant launched her business aimed at helping parents teach babies to nap independently and sleep through the night. “Equipping your little one to enjoy sleep is one of the most beneficial and long-lasting gifts you can give them,” says Rivera. “Research proves that sleep is restorative and greatly improves physical, mental, and emotional health.” Rivera, who provides both private sessions...
New Year, New Family Dynamic
Families going through separation and divorce often struggle with how to talk with each other about all the transitions their family may be experiencing. Often, changes in the family situation take place after holidays, with both parties wanting to wait until after the festivities to make big changes that could cause upset. Here are a few tips during this time of transition: Be consistent with rules/boundaries: Kids need your guidance, and that includes firm rules or boundaries. Try to keep the children’s rules/boundaries the same as they were before the separation or divorce, if you can, and consistent between homes,...
Family Feud, Holiday Edition? Not This Year
During the holiday season, even the closest families can experience friction. If your mother-in-law can’t quit complaining about this year’s contentious election, or Uncle Bob launches into another lifestyle debate, take heart. With advanced planning and a handful of tactful responses at the ready, your holiday celebration can be enjoyable for everyone. Step 1: Identify the Issues Let’s be honest. The topics that can turn a joyous family dinner into a war of words are not a big secret to anyone. You already know which individuals and issues are likely to lead to trouble. Make a list of possible triggers...
A Parent’s Guide to Augmented Reality
Pokemon GO makes tiny monsters appear everywhere from museums and malls to backyards and kitchens. Entire families have cheerfully headed out into their neighborhoods and beyond to collect as many monsters as they can. Keep your family safe with common sense rules for this and the many AR games likely to follow. Permissions Children under 13 can’t sign up for games unless they have permission from parents. That’s a reminder that younger children need augmented supervision in augmented reality. Play together if you can. Or ask your child to walk you (literally!) through the game so you can see and...
Raising Responsible Digital Citizens
Today, there are over 37 million kids ages 3-17 that have access to the internet in the U.S. This reality has been ushered in as internet-connected devices become more plentiful and affordable. While kids have easier access to the internet at home, they increasingly need to access it for school. It is therefore paramount that parents, teachers and communities work together to teach kids how to be good digital citizens so that they use the internet in safe, positive and productive ways. However, with the arrival of new devices, apps and the range of their uses – risks and rewards...
First Day of School Survivals
It happens to the best of us, we suddenly look up from blowing up inflatable dolphins and flipping burgers on the backyard grill and summer has come to a shocking halt. We know it’s coming, but every year it sneaks up on us. Here’s a PreK-through-12 cheat sheet on how to start your school year off right, with tips from some of the brightest minds of OC and beyond. Preschool to Kindergarten Preparing for the first year of school. By Alexa Bigwarfe The summer has passed by more quickly than you thought, and now you may be panicking because you...
2E Kids and Non-Traditional Schooling
Twice Exceptional (2e) students are the kids that are intellectually gifted, but have a learning disability or other challenge that affects their ability to progress effectively in a mainstream school environment. Most 2e students are too gifted for traditional special education classes, or excluded from them because their learning disability is not as apparent. In the typical “teach to the top” American schoolroom the general population is taught to suppress their individuality for the sake of the whole in order to be a good student. Kids are expected to engage in academia by being well-behaved boys and girls; by listening,...
3 Fun Yoga Poses for Kids with Autism
April is National Autism Awareness Month, and yoga is proving to have many benefits for children on the autism spectrum. For instance, a recent study found that elementary school kids with autism spectrum disorder who participated in a daily yoga program had reduced aggressive behavior, social withdrawal, and hyperactivity. Autism is a developmental disorder that typically appears in the first three years of life; whether mild or severe, autism spectrum disorders nevertheless interfere with a child’s ability to communicate and understand social cues. This causes anxiety, obsessive behavior, and difficulty managing emotions. Children with autism who practice yoga begin to...
Planning for Playdates
Q: [School-Aged] My second grader attends school in an inclusive classroom. Several of the kids have challenges and my son would like to invite them for playdates. I think it is great, but how can I pave the way for a successful time? I want to be sensitive, but also don’t want to offend the parents by assuming or asking questions about things to consider. Tips? A: Inviting classmates of all abilities to play with your child at your home is a wonderful idea! All of the children will benefit from play that will reinforce what they are already learning...
Arts and Autism
A Spectrum of Possibilities The world of the arts might not at first glance seem like a natural fit for those on the spectrum. Teaching art to children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) can be a challenge, given that ASD’s typically impair social and communication skills, behavior regulation, and coordination and motor function. But many parents have found programs mired in expression and creativity can guide their kids’ broader outlook and help with social interaction in a fun and engaging way. OC Arts in Action Brianna Shaffer offers Let’s Play Music group classes, private music therapy, and piano and guitar...
Special Needs Camps
Sending a child to summer camp for the first time can make any parent nervous. But worries are often magnified for parents of kids with special needs. Images of sunlit lakes and carefree campers are often trumped by concerns about behavior, communication, and physical safety. Stacy De La O, whose daughter has high functioning autism, remembers the weeks leading up to Fia’s first overnight camp experience as a 10-year-old. “I was a wreck!” she admits. “But we prepared well, and in the end I trusted the counselors at Blue Compass to take care of her.” Children with physical, cognitive, or...
CIT, a Summer Solution for Tweens and Teens
Is your tween insisting she’s too old to attend camp this summer? If your child isn’t old enough to get a summer job and just hanging around for three months is off the table, look into your local Counselor-in-Training (CIT) programs. These programs are for young teens serious about assuming the responsibility and effort it takes to work with young children in a camp setting. Openings are limited, and some camps only consider those teens who have been “campers” in previous years, so now is the ideal time to do your research. What It’s All About CIT programs (sometimes called...
Controlling Your Child’s Diabetes Helps the Whole Family
The beginning of the new year is a great time to get your family’s health back on track. But what does this mean if your child is living with diabetes? Diabetes is a disease that affects how the body uses glucose (sugar). People with Type 1 diabetes have a pancreas that cannot make insulin. With Type 2 diabetes, the pancreas makes insulin but the insulin does not work the way it should. Because of this, the glucose or sugar from food stays in the blood and your child can have “high blood sugar.” Your child may feel tired or low...