Special Lessons
(Photo Courtesy of Speech and Language Development Center) From comic books to virtual reality, therapists and teachers look forward at innovations in special needs programs....
Empowering Abilities, Enriching Lives
Designed to address the unique needs of individuals who have physical, cognitive, or emotional disabilities, these therapies and treatments can help individuals improve their abilities and enhance their quality of life.
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Sensory Summer
(Photo Courtesy of Ralph Palumbo) How to support your child’s sensory needs this summer. For many kids, summer is a time for fun, play, rest...
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A Growth Mindset
(Photo Courtesy of LAN MI) LiMai Montessori Academy is setting the bar for expansion of the famous method. Six-year-old Daniel has a diagnosis of autism and has very limited ability to communicate verbally. He is currently attending LiMai Montessori Academy in Diamond Bar. Christine Quintero, the director of that school, says he’s a happy, friendly child who is uncomfortable with direct eye contact. His verbal response is limited to single words: "no," "yes," "eat" and "play." It is difficult for him to focus his attention on any given activity and he needs extra support to concentrate. But Quintero shared a...
Special Lessons
(Photo Courtesy of Speech and Language Development Center) From comic books to virtual reality, therapists and teachers look forward at innovations in special needs programs. Parents of special needs kids know the particulars of a home life designed to suit their child. It often involves helping their child navigate the world. Educators of special needs students — known as Resource Specialist Program teachers — have similar goals. Sometimes, with shifting resources and changing student needs. But they get through the best they can. So, a bit of ingenuity can pay off for educators and ultimately students. New tools and new...
Sensory Summer
(Photo Courtesy of Ralph Palumbo) 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 with sensory-processing challenges. Children who experience difficulties with sensory processing may find it challenging to enjoy summertime activities, and parents may find it challenging to meet their child's sensory needs. Here are some tips and strategies for supporting your child's sensory needs and helping them feel comfortable and regulated throughout the summer months. Understanding Sensory Processing and Challenges Sensory processing refers to one's ability to register...
Leonard Cancer Institute
The doors to the highly anticipated Judi and Bill Leonard Institute for Cancer Prevention, Treatment and Wellness opened in November 2019. The new $80 million facility brings a comprehensive approach to cancer prevention, treatment and wellness at Mission Hospital’s Mission Viejo campus as a one-stop, standalone center. Philanthropists Bill and Judi Leonard made the largest charitable donation in Mission Hospital’s history and helped make it a reality. The 100,000-plus square foot, four-story institute houses a research and clinical trial program, a nurse navigation program, radiation oncology, imaging services, an infusion center, complementary therapies, an education center and a demonstration kitchen....
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...