Special Needs Kids

Which exit for autism?

Allison Ziering Walmark — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 08:00:00 -0800

Despite all the research and data, endless debate continues about why New Jersey has a high rate of autism diagnosis. Is there something in the water or is it because the state has the best diagnosis and screening capabilities?

What parents want you to know about kids with Asperger’s

Maria Mora — Mon, 24 Dec 2012 08:00:00 -0800

Many kids with a high-functioning form of autism called Asperger’s syndrome are mainstreamed in regular classrooms at school. Learn what parents of kids with Asperger’s want you to know about the kids your child may interact with and befriend in the classroom.

Helping children with sensory challenges enjoy the holiday season

Guest Author — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 13:00:00 -0800

While the holiday season is supposed to be joyous, family gatherings and holiday decorations can actually be quite stressful for children with sensory issues, ADHD, Asperger’s, or just general social and behavioral issues.

Autism and television: The big turn on

Allison Ziering Walmark — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 08:00:00 -0800

In 1951 reel life, I Love Lucy filmed its pilot episode. In real life, Lucille Ball was pregnant with her husband Desi Arnaz’s first child, Lucie. At the time, CBS executives insisted no reference be about the fictional Lucy Ricardo’s pregnancy, as it was thought to be in poor taste.

Holiday tips from parents of children with autism

Maria Mora — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 08:00:00 -0800

Whether you have a special needs child or you're simply looking for ways to streamline the holidays for your family, these tips will help you with holiday gatherings and managing stress.

Mom story: My daughter has cerebral palsy

Julie Weingarden Dubin — Thu, 22 Nov 2012 08:00:00 -0800

Lisa Viele, 39, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, talks about juggling life with three kids — one with cerebral palsy — and making sure that each child feels special.

Autism in a weary world

Allison Ziering Walmark — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 08:00:00 -0800

Portia, in Act 5, Scene 1 of William Shakespeare’s “Merchant of Venice” utters, “How far that little candle throws his beams!/So shines a good deed in a naughty world.” Never accused of Mensa-like intelligence, my preferred take on that quote comes from the original Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Charlie Bucket places a coveted “Everlasting Gobstopper” on Mr. Wonka’s desk, and the Candyman replies, “So shines a good deed in a weary world.” Whether Elizabethan era or Hollywood, the message is simple: While you can’t control your circumstances, you can always control your actions.

The Genius of Autism 2012

Allison Ziering Walmark — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 11:00:00 -0700

The performers of the second annual "Genius of Autism" showcased the innate genius of singers, dancers, musicians, painters and animators — all with autism.

The passion of autism

Allison Ziering Walmark — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 08:00:00 -0700

What is passion, exactly? There’s Glenn Close and Fatal Attraction "hmmm-let’s-see-what-we-can-do-with-a-bunny-and-a-large-stock-pot" passion. There’s Carrie Bradshaw’s Sex and the City "I-need-those-Manolos-even-if-it-means-eating-Ramen-noodles-for-a-month" passion. Then, there’s the “I-will-help-find-a-cure-for-autism” passion. That’s my passion.

Autism and average and schnooks, oh, my!

Allison Ziering Walmark — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 07:00:00 -0700
Ray Liotta as Henry Hill in the 1990 movie Goodfellas utters this famous line about life in Witness Protection: "I'm an average nobody… a schnook." Mr. Hill never had a child with autism. But, if he had, he would have known that being the parent of a special needs child is anything but average.

Autism and the fairytale

Allison Ziering Walmark — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 08:00:00 -0700
Once upon a time, in a land not so far away called New York City, there lived a not-so-young girl who dreamed of becoming a princess. Well, at age 37 she was still single, so the whole princess thing needed a Plan B. STAT!

Autism: That’s what friends are for

Allison Ziering Walmark — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 08:00:00 -0700
In my youth, Wednesdays and Sundays too-numerous-to-count were spent with family in a Broadway matinee. My father and mother, a professional musician and educator, and legal assistant, respectively, insisted early on that my brothers and I be exposed to what Wikipedia calls a “collaborative form of fine art.”

Autism, adjectives and labels: Words to live by

Allison Ziering Walmark — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 08:00:00 -0700
The first sentence of Herman Melville’s classic Moby Dick begins, “Call me Ishmael.” Ishmael may or may not be the narrator’s real name , but Ishmael's is a self-label. Heck, you can call me Ishmael too, but that’s not my real name.

Autism and me: 'Til death do us part

Allison Ziering Walmark — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 08:00:00 -0700
When you are parenting a special needs child, you can't help but wonder how his life will be once you are gone.

Autism and back to school: Another brick in the wall

Allison Ziering Walmark — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 09:00:00 -0700
As the parent of an atypical son, few things are more stressful than the first day of school. There’s the yelling… the screaming… the combination hysterical tears and foot stomping… And that’s just my behavior! My son behaved splendidly — content and happy to get on his school bus for his first day of first grade.

Autism: A sister’s vision

Allison Ziering Walmark — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 07:00:00 -0700
My vision is 20/200. Legally blind. Sometimes, it takes a little help from a 5-year-old — both literally and figuratively — to gain clarity and perspective. Oftentimes, I worry that spending an inordinate amount of time with my 6-year-old son on the autism spectrum will negatively impact my 5-year-old neurotypical daughter.

Can’t we all just get along?

Allison Ziering Walmark — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 07:00:00 -0700
We, the parents of special needs children — specifically those on the autism spectrum — should get along. Unity, it would seem, is part of the natural ebb and flow of our universe. Yet, that’s not always the case. Disparity in the autism community makes the dissension in the Middle East, the House of Representatives and Senate, and those who find it acceptable to wear white after Labor Day and those who do not, seem downright pleasant in comparison.

Autism: The gift that keeps on giving

Allison Ziering Walmark — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 07:00:00 -0700
When it comes to children who have autism, sometimes you just need to take a closer look and gain some perspective. Then, you'll realize their many gifts.

Parenting a disabled child: Siblings growing older

Ami Burns — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 10:00:00 -0700
My sister was born with severe cerebral palsy. I've known for many years that when the time comes for our parents to no longer be around, I will need to manage her care. If you're a parent of a disabled and typical child who is wondering about the future, here are ideas from adult siblings who are too.

How to get an IEP for your child

Kori Ellis — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 08:00:00 -0700
If your child has a disability, you can request an IEP -- a document that outlines the special education services he or she will receive. The IEP process seems daunting, but it's very important to get involved and advocate for your child's special needs.

Autism diagnosis: Are more kids said to be autistic just because interpretations have changed?

— Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0800
Is something as simple as a different diagnosis for the same symptoms behind the meteoric rise in cases of autism recently? Find out what one study found.