By Julie Richman Traveling with children can be daunting for any parent but taking a vacation with a child with special needs or multiple food allergies can be especially challenging. As a mom to a six year old child with several food allergies, a rare a allergic GI condition called FPIES and a feeding disorder,…
Some of our earliest and fondest memories from childhood come from being read to and singing along to nursery rhymes. There’s a reason that “Wheels on The Bus” and “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” come so natural to us. The repetitive nature of these sing-a-long rhymes makes them easy to memorize. Above all, Nursery rhymes pave the…
An IEP meeting has been called on behalf of your child: now what? The process can quickly become overwhelming and daunting for parents. Especially if it is your first time navigating the process. So it’s important that you know what to expect. Also to keep in mind your rights as a parent throughout the process….
Can you imagine waking up each day and having someone tell you what to wear, what to eat, how to behave, what your choices are, and the appropriate way to respond to situations? All before you’ve even stepped foot out the door?! Absolutely not! But, at times, this is exactly what we do to our…
My Child Has A Communication Device, Now What? You have gone through the steps of getting your child fit with the perfect augmentative and alternative communication or AAC device. That is amazing! You have opened up a new world of communication opportunities for your child and the possibilities are endless. If you are looking at…
If you are looking for new ways to facilitate play and language development, look no further than your own home. There is no need to buy more pricey toys; you can create novel and exciting play activities with everyday items you already own. Here are 5 ways to target expressive and receptive language development through…
Old Fun in the New Normal With parks and playgrounds closed, a neighborhood walk has become a go-to activity for many families. Although it is always nice to get outside, the same walk time and time again can get a little stale. Here are five ways to make your next neighborhood walk action-packed! 1. Mix…
Telehealth, is the process of providing Speech, Physical, Occupational, or Behavioral (ABA) therapy services virtually. This can be done with the use of real time video meeting software. Options include, Zoom, Skype or Facetime on a computer, laptop, phone or tablet. Especially during these times, teletherapy has been proven to be helpful to many families that decide…
How to Deal with Tantrums If you have a child, know a child, or have ever been a child, then you likely know what tantrums are… ☺ While there will never be one answer for dealing with each melt down, it is important to arm yourself as a caregiver with multiple approaches to both feel…
ABA stands for Applied Behavior Analysis, which a scientific approach for understanding and improving behavior. ABA relies on evidence based interventions to help guide a child’s individualized treatment plan. Applied Behavior Analysis is often applied in populations with intellectual and developmental disabilities and research supports significant effects on increasing socially appropriate behaviors. ABA is used…
While all children have meltdowns, these behaviors can be frustrating and exhausting for both parents and children. Meltdowns can be even more challenging for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, who may not have the skills to navigate their own emotional state and abilities to functionally communicate to others. Not all meltdowns can be foreseen ahead…
If your child needs an Individualized Education Program (IEP), you might feel overwhelmed or unsure where to start. You’re not alone—many parents feel this way! An IEP is a powerful tool to ensure your child gets the support they need to succeed in school. This guide breaks down the IEP process into simple, actionable steps…
Getting Started Did you know that children with a history of speech-sound disorders are at risk for reading difficulties? Because of this, it is essential to start working on pre-literacy skills from an early age! Before a child is able to read, there are certain phonological awareness or pre-reading skills that must develop. Phonological awareness…
Telehealth has made speech therapy more accessible and flexible for families, and its approach evolves depending on your child’s age and developmental stage. Here’s a breakdown of what telehealth speech therapy might look like for different age groups. Speech Therapy Telehealth: What to Expect by Age Ages 0-3: Parent Coaching for Early Learners At this…
If you’re a parent or caregiver in Chicago, IL exploring AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) devices for your child, the process can feel overwhelming. AAC device funding will be a top priority and between insurance paperwork, IEP planning, and device trials, knowing where to start is key. Whether you’re navigating school-based AAC support, private insurance,…
