Babies and children with Down syndrome have a higher incidence of cataracts. Some babies with Down syndrome are born with cataracts; there is also a slightly higher incidence for individuals with Down syndrome who may acquire cataracts during childhood or adolescence.

Families and individuals around the world are reaching out to the people of Haiti who were so tragically affected by the 2010 earthquake. Organizations who had already committed to family supoprt, schools and clinics for children with disabilities remain dedicated to filling the urgent need for help

Alternate forms of communication for children with speech delays or disabilities include body language, behavior, facial expressions, and informal sign language or shorthand words as well as standard sign language, icon based communication systems, handwriting and typing.

The Voice4u iPod Touch / iPhone App is a low priced software application providing graphics, speech support and alternative communication for children and teens whose speech or behavior may be difficult to understand. You may add icons, pictures and sounds and it is available in Japanese, too.

There are certain rules of etiquette for interacting with service dog handlers and their animals that are critical for people with disabilities as well as being recommended by trainers for the well-being of the dogs.

Positive Psychology suggests ways of supporting and enhancing mental wellness in children and adults coping with increasing daily stress or anxiety. Human rights activist Norman Kunc explains Abraham Maslow's well-researched theory of the hierarchy of needs as it relates to our families.

Children with developmental disabilities or physical challenges are slightly more at risk for wandering off, being unaware of danger, and difficulty avoiding accidents. Mainstream children also have low awareness of danger and physical inability to protect themselves due to developmental stages.

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.

Children with special needs are often held to higher standards for reaching their potential or IEP goals than their mainstream peers who have more natural accommodations and support in regular classrooms, playgrounds and social situations.

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.