special needs kids

Autistic Spectrum Disorders

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

Is something as simple as a different diagnosis for the same symptoms behind the meteoric rise in cases of autism recently? Find out...

Autistic Spectrum Disorders

The basics of autism: An overview

We're all trying to understand autism: what it is, what causes it, how to diagnose it, how to treat it. But autism is very complex...

Autistic Spectrum Disorders

The Autism/Vaccine (Dis)Connection

A new study denies any link between the MMR vaccine and autism. But parents who have heard anecdotal evidence to the contrary are...

Autism Spectrum Disorders

10 Things you should know about autism

Parents of children with autism deal with so much -- from fighting for their child’s rights to judgment from other parents. Here’s...

Autism Spectrum Disorders

Signs of autism and everyday life with an autistic child

Is autism a part of your life? What are the signs of autism? Find advice, tips, research results and information about an autistic...

Special Needs

How routines help special needs kids thrive

Have you resigned yourself to chaotic mornings, afternoon tantrums, and evening meltdowns? Do you plan your life knowing you're...

Autism Spectrum Disorders

Autism signs & symptoms, qualities & quirks

Could your child be autistic? Unfortunately, it can be really tough to tell. There is no simple way to diagnose autism -- it is...

Autism Spectrum Disorders

Autism therapies: What educational and medical interventions are available?

The first question any parent will ask after hearing their child has been diagnosed with an autistic spectrum disorder is, "What can...

Autism Spectrum Disorders

Taking your autistic child to a restaurant: Tips on dining out for families living with autism

Do you avoid eating out because you have a child with autism, and it's just too stressful to take him to a restaurant? We have some...

Special Needs

6 ways to advocate for your special needs child

Advocating for your special needs child is one of your most important jobs. It can feel overwhelming and intimidating, but if you...

Autism Spectrum Disorders

Tips for talking to family about your child's autism diagnosis

You've just learned your child has autism. On top of dealing with your own feelings of shock -- or even relief that you finally have...

Autism Spectrum Disorders

The upside of autism: Joyful reflections from parents of autistic children

There are countless stories and movies about the challenges and difficulties of raising a child with autism -- dreams are dashed,...

Autism Spectrum Disorders

What autism does to a mother

Nicole Kalkowski knows that beyond the stress, fear, and family turmoil that come with learning that your child has this devastating...

Autism Spectrum Disorders

The autism diagnosis and family stress

When children are diagnosed with autism, families often find themselves dealing with financial and social challenges as well. The...

Child Development & Health

Are headbanging toddlers at risk for autism or other disorders?

Why is your child -- who seems perfectly normal -- all of the sudden banging his head on the wall every time he gets mad? (And no,...

Autism Spectrum Disorders

Special diets for special kids: Autism and casein- & gluten-free diets

Beky Garrett never suspected milk was the culprit negatively influencing her daughter's potty-training. Garrett has two children, a...

Autism Spectrum Disorders

Promote autism awareness with these goodies, gifts & garb

Whether you want to proudly proclaim that you "love someone with autism" or want to make a more subtle statement, there are a...