Special Needs

How the medical community fails when delivering a Down syndrome diagnosis

Maureen Wallace — Thu, 16 May 2013 11:00:00 -0700

Your ears burn. Your eyes water. You cannot believe you just heard an experienced medical professional utter such an insensitive, ignorant comment. Parents who have received a Down syndrome diagnosis at birth share their stories, and some show we have a long way to go in offering compassion and support when families need it most.

Moms react to alleged abuse of disability access at Disney World

Maria Mora — Thu, 16 May 2013 07:00:00 -0700

Find out how moms reacted to the story of parents allegedly hiring disabled guides to skip to the front of the lines at the often crowded Walt Disney World theme parks.

Saturday in the park with autism

Allison Ziering Walmark — Mon, 13 May 2013 08:00:00 -0700

When Birth to Three first came to our home to assess my son at 18 months, they asked my husband and I what specific goals they thought he should work on. Our response was seemingly simple, if not selfish and self-serving. “We’d love Ethan to greet us at the door, and say ‘I love you.’” After a period of time — a long period of time — Ethan ran to the door whenever we arrived and said, “How was your day? I love you.” Mission accomplished.

Operation House Call teaches compassion for special needs

Maureen Wallace — Thu, 09 May 2013 11:00:00 -0700

The Arc of Massachusetts began a program to teach medical students about intellectual and developmental disabilities more than 20 years ago. Today, interest has expanded but resources are limited, as OHC continues to build sensitivity on the theory that families are the best teachers.

Waiting on the world to change

Allison Ziering Walmark — Mon, 06 May 2013 08:00:00 -0700

Several months back, apropos of nothing, my 7-year-old son on the autism spectrum turned to me and said, “Hey, Mom. Your body is a wonderland.” Adorable in all its obvious inappropriateness, all I could say was, “Thank you, sweetheart. How nice of you to say.” Immediately I knew that Ethan had discovered — and fallen in love with — the music of John Mayer.

More ad campaigns feature children with Down syndrome

Maureen Wallace — Thu, 02 May 2013 11:00:00 -0700

Have you ever noticed that you’re more keenly aware of a topic when it becomes personal? Parents of children with Down syndrome, like me, share a special radar for marketing campaigns that promote diversity and inclusion. Here’s a roundup of some favorites!

Parenting and autism: Angela’s story

Julie Weingarden Dubin — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 11:00:00 -0700

Angela Hanratty of Staten Island, New York, juggles her accountant job with raising her two kids with autism. Motherhood has brought her both joy and a tolerance for those who can’t help themselves.

My Phil of autism

Allison Ziering Walmark — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 08:00:00 -0700

At least once in a lifetime, everyone should be blessed enough to experience a child in a state of pure and unadulterated bliss. My husband and I had such an opportunity last Monday at Converse Rubber Tracks Studio in New York City’s “hipster” Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

Dos and don’ts of planning the future of a child with special needs

Maureen Wallace — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 12:00:00 -0700

Preparing for your child’s future can be overwhelming. A financial expert shares the most common mistakes — and best practices — to establish a secure trust fund for your child with special needs.

Mom story: My son has Tourette syndrome

Julie Weingarden Dubin — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 08:00:00 -0700

Lisa Bachman’s 15-year-old son, Justin, has Tourette syndrome, a neurological disorder that causes his body to make strange movements and noises he can’t control. The Ohio mom of three shares how she helps Justin advocate for himself — and for other people with differences.

Parenting and autism: Jessica’s story

Maria Mora — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 11:00:00 -0700

Twelve years ago, Jessica Watson’s daughter was diagnosed with autism. Watson drove home from the doctor’s office envisioning a bleak future for her 5-year-old. A decade later, she wishes she’d been able to see all that her daughter would accomplish. Now Watson serves as a beacon to other parents on the journey of parenting a child on the autism spectrum.

Autism and those who will not see

Allison Ziering Walmark — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 08:00:00 -0700

In last week’s column we were introduced to Richard Bernstein, a blind-since-birth attorney and force of nature who raises awareness of special needs individuals. This week’s column, especially in light of the Boston tragedy, highlights Richard’s wisdom, spirit and how he “sees” life with unmatched clarity.

Why do smart doctors use ignorant speech?

Maureen Wallace — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 12:00:00 -0700

When a professional athlete tossed out the R word in an emotional post-event interview with media, the special needs community reacted swiftly and fiercely. The athlete was quick to apologize via Twitter, and the incident faded fast from fans’ memories.

Parenting and autism: Amy’s story

Julie Weingarden Dubin — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 11:00:00 -0700

Amy Friedman’s son was diagnosed with autism at 3, but she had already been suspicious of his development long beforehand. The 40-year-old Deerfield, Illinois, mom says parenting a child with special needs and two other kids is both challenging and rewarding.

Autism: There are none so blind as those who will not see

Allison Ziering Walmark — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 08:00:00 -0700

Last week, Chabad of Westport, Connecticut and The Friendship Circle of Stamford, Connecticut co-hosted an event to help raise community awareness about special needs. Not only did I attend the event, but I also had been asked to both speak about my experiences with special needs, and introduce Richard Bernstein, the evening’s guest of honor.

Glee draws ire, applause for "gun in school" episode

Maureen Wallace — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 07:00:00 -0700

The episode of Glee titled, “Shooting Star,” pulled off a trifecta of controversy: A gun in school; brought by a student with Down syndrome, worried about her future after high school; and a teacher’s cover-up.

Parents find creative ways to fill children’s needs

Maureen Wallace — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 12:00:00 -0700

How many times have you thought wow, I wish someone would invent [fill in the blank]? Meet three parents who fulfilled a need for their children with special needs through creative means.

Don't mistake sensory issues for behavior issues

Maureen Wallace — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 12:00:00 -0700

Incessant finger chewing. Alarming head banging. Repetitive kicking. These all sound like elements of a typical toddler temper tantrum, right? Sometimes, children actually may be battling sensory issues.

How to explain autism to curious children

Alicia DiFabio — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 11:00:00 -0700

If your child stares, points or asks indiscreetly, “What’s wrong with that kid?” don’t feel ashamed. April is Autism Awareness Month so instead of shrinking with embarrassment, take advantage of that teachable moment and turn awkward exchanges into awareness-raising opportunities for our youngest generation.

Parenting and autism: Miriam's story

Maria Mora — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 11:00:00 -0700

With her Aspie son on the verge of puberty, writer Miriam Kamin is shoring up for a host of new challenges. Her down-to-earth, humorous approach to parenting a child on the autism spectrum provides inspiration to parents who are just beginning the journey of raising a special needs child.

Imagine a world without autism

Allison Ziering Walmark — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 08:00:00 -0700

In 1933, King Kong climbed it. In 1939 it served as the centerpiece for on-screen Hollywood movie couples to fall in love. In 1945, a U.S. Army B-52 bomber lost in fog crashed into it.