Media personalities should acknowledge the situation of children with invisible disabilities. The animosity toward moms whose children are considered too big to ride in strollers stems from what were meant to be humorous depictions of kids in silly poses being pushed in strollers too small for them.

The success and ambition of teens and young adults with disabilities is inspiring to mothers of babies and young children with the same diagnosis. It sometimes takes that reality check to believe that our sons and daughters will be capable of much more than we imagine when dealing with 'experts'.

Yoga classes may be beneficial for children, but should be taught by certified and responsible instructors, like all physically demanding activities for children and especially for those who have developmental disabilities, motor planning delays, physical challenges, or chronic health conditions.

Woodbine House Publishing celebrates 20 years of books for families, educators and other professionals who have an interest in disabilities

In recent years, severe winter weather has become a serious problem for everyone in our community, especially families of children with special needs. Even with the best planning, recovery may take a long time when weather events cause adverse effects on our communities and homes.

Our family holiday adventures may more closely resemble a television high drama or situation comedy than heartwarming holiday special. Sometimes the greatest challenges we face have less to do with a child's diagnosis or special needs than it does with our own childhood relationships.

Autumn and Winter months can be especially stressful for children with special needs who are transitioning to new school programs, and dealing with changes in their schedules and activities, clothing issues, or coping with weather and holiday events

Although moms have been and always will be her child's best advocate, we may not be the best person for the job on certain occasions. We may have done our homework and built great relationships but are misdirected, stopped or co-opted by determined, experienced professionals focused on budgets.

I became sensitive to certain words and phrases when my son was born and diagnosed with Down syndrome. I am grateful that his pediatrician developed his own awareness without my intervention. A good doctor can learn from every new patient. Some average doctors may overwhelm by their own ignorance.

The criminal justice system is a complicated and painful experience for the whole family. It may be even more difficult to explain to a child or teen with a developmental disabiilty what it means when their brother, sister, cousin or parent is arrested and sentenced to time in jail or prison.