Children who do not use speech to communicate are highly motivated to make their needs, interests and preferences known through the use of picture communication cards or boards. Standardized graphics programs like Boardmaker, PECS and Makaton are useful in education and easing scheduled transitions.

Raising a Sensory Smart Child - Helping Your Child with Sensory Integration Issues, by Lindsey Biel and Nancy Peske, forward by Temple Grandin. The strategies and advice offered through this book make it a treasure for parents and professionals who care for children with sensory integration issues.

Literacy Skill Development for Students with Special Learning Needs, by Leslie Broun and Patricia Oelwein, describes fun, effective strategies for teaching reading to students with different learning styles, including those often considered unlikely to learn to read who have Autism or Down syndrome.

Families of children with disabilities may qualify for a free or reduced entrance charges to state and national parks with disability passes available well in advance of a park visit. Check first for information on documentation, identification and other requirements to qualify for entrance passes.

The latest Chicken Soup for the Soul book, Stories of Love and Understanding for Those Who Care for Children with Disabilities, includes inspiring tales and wonderful stories about loving and raising kids just like ours.