Sensory integration difficulties can cause children to avoid certain activities and respond inappropriately to everyday situations. Some children may be unusually uncomfortable or troubled by food textures, hairbrushing, visual stimulation, loud sounds, scratchy clothing, or other distractions.

Celiac disease is more common among children with diabetes. Gluten intolerance often causes other physical problems, as well as irritability and behavior changes in children with diabetes.

When children with Down syndrome are diagnosed with celiac disease, changes in diet that eliminate gluten often improve both health and behavior

Adults can help kids with special needs and their mainstream peers initiate, build and maintain friendships.

New Year Blues and winter depression can strike families unexpectedly, and may hit harder when parents of children with special needs lack support, understanding and encouragement during the first stressful weeks of the new year and dark months of winter

Preparing for severe weather events, experiencing them, and recovering afterward may be more difficult and traumatic for children with special needs, but families who plan for everyday emergencies are more likely to demonstrate resilience and encourage it in children.

When children are visiting during holidays or vacation, play and craft activities can be wonderful in creating both Quality Time and Ordinary Life pursuits

Family members who express opinions or make comments that are hard for parents, siblings or children with disabilities to accept or forgive are sometimes great supporters and advocates later on

Fathers of children with special needs often have compelling stories to tell about complicated pregnancies, wives on bedrest, premature childbirth or newborn diagnosis that are uplifting, inspirational, and funny.

Parents of babies who are born early enter the preemie world with no preparation, experience or training, and face their own challenges while making certain their sons and daughters have the best possible care