Feeding therapy is a big help for babies and young children who have sensory issues with food, motor planning problems related to mouthing, chewing or swallowing, or who are transitioning to taking nourishment by nursing or eating. Pleasant mealtime social interactions can be reflected in therapy.

Father to Father support groups are often helpful for dads, children with special needs, and the whole family

Children rely on their immediate and extended families for care and nurture, social and cultural education, and a sense of who they are in the world. Those who have a complicated diagnosis may lose connections with extended and even immediate family members, increasing vulnerability due to isolation

Scientific research on the psychology of happiness has resulted in a great deal of knowledge that should apply to families of children with special needs. Instead, diagnosis of childhood disability most often leads to a description of 'worst case scenarios' and explanations of the stages of grief.

Families of children with special needs may worry about isolation and lack of social context in communication between their sons and daughters and cousins. Playing games at holiday parties, family visits or informal dinners gives us a common frame of reference and helps us get to know one another.

Families of children with special needs have found wonderful support and encouragement from religious groups and their own communities of faith; children who grow up included in a faith community find lifelong friends and good company

Students who qualify for special education services through and IEP or 504 plan may also benefit from extended school year services to focus on existing or emerging skills that can diminish or be lost be lost over summer vacation. An excellent resource for parents is the Wrights Law website on ESY.

Valentines Day holiday is a great opportunity for expressions of friendship between children and a wonderful incentive for them to practice writing their first names on the backs of cards, or placing stickers with preprinted names and messages of friendship.

Deciding how to explain Down syndrome to young children may challenge the beliefs and expectations of adults who see more differences than similarities among children with Down syndrome and their mainstream peers.

Explaining to a child that a parent, relative or close family friend has a serious or life threatening condition can be difficult for adults who may feel overwhelmed themselves. National and regional treatment centers may have resources for families to share with children, who have special needs.