Family Support
Family support and advocacy efforts on behalf of children who have disabilities or chronic health conditions, to inspire and inform loved ones, and build inclusive communities for all of us
A Special Olympic Athlete's Road to Gold 
Book Review: Spirit, Courage, and Resolve - A Special Olympic Athlete´s Road to Gold, by Tom Lambke, and I Just Am, by Bryan Lambke A Year Past Hurricane Katrina
One year after hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast, disability advocacy organizations for children, families and individuals are more aware, still working to help those affected and to prepare all communities Accessible Playgrounds & Integrated Play Areas
Every child deserves accessible playgrounds and naturally integrated play areas in their classrooms or schools. Families of children with disabilities may find that local playgrounds and school play areas can be made accessible with a bit of community effort and reasonable cost, with benefit to all. Advocacy and Parent Support
Advocacy for children with special needs can lead us to resource organizations that provide parent education, support and encouragement Allergy
Common allergies can cause symptoms that mimic various other conditions and initiate behavior problems. Some allergies are life threatening. Autism Spectrum - Adolescent Issues and Privacy
Preteens and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders need information about puberty and adolescence, including training in privacy, while experiencing the same mixed messages from media that confuse and mislead their mainstream peers Autumn and Winter Challenges for Children with Special Needs
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 Babies Born Early - Prematurity and Childbirth
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 Baby Sign Language
Babies who learn to communicate with sign language before they are able to say words may be more inspired to communicate with us, and feel less frustrated due to unmet needs and desires Back to School with Celiac Disease
Children with celiac disease benefit from having a health care plan in place at school with information for teachers, administrators and school nurses as well as lunch suggestions, food and art supply restrictions Before the First Week of School
Children with special needs can be especially anxious and confused about how their lives will change before the first week of school in a new grade, including how they will get to school and back, and where they will spend their days. Behavior as a Medical Symptom
Most children show changes in behavior as symptoms of illness, injury or abuse before physical symptoms alert us to call in a doctor. Some children do not have the words to express their discomfort or pain, and many children believe that adults in charge are aware of everything without being told. BellaOnline Special Needs Newsletter
Sign up and stay informed about the latest BellaOnline.com Special Needs Children editor's articles on raising children with special needs, updates on disability advocacy, and/or disability issues in the News Bipolar Disorder in Children
Bipolar disorder in children may look different than the manic depression diagnosed in adolescents and adults. Early onset bipolar disorder is now suspected in some children diagnosed with ADHD, as well as a portion of those diagnosed with depression. Boardmaker and PECS Communication Alternatives
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. Brothers and Sisters of Children with Disabilities
Building good communication and healthy relationships between our sons and daughters is a high priority for parents who have one child with a developmental disability, chronic health condition or other special needs. Sibshops can naturally encourage sibling support and soothe sibling concerns. Car Safety Issues - Prevention is the Key
Summer safety issues include the dangers of cars and weather. Never leave a child alone in or near a car; something as simple as keeping a teddy bear in your child's car seat, or tying a ribbon on your antenna, can save the life of the child you love. Carry On Luggage Rules for Flights Today
The Transportation Security Administration has a website with information for Airline Travelers with Disabilities, Traveling with Children, and Frequently Asked Questions Celiac Disease in Children 
Celiac Disease, or gluten intolerance, is much more common in children than was previously suspected, especially those who are already diagnosed with Type One Diabetes or Down Syndrome Children and Sign Language
Young children with temporary speech delays, hearing impairment or language disorders are finding sign language is a wonderful bridge to satisfying communication. Children who are deaf and blind [offsite link]
Information and support for families of children who are deaf and blind Children who are visually impaired or blind [offsite link]
Babies who have visual impairments may show signs when they are just a few weeks old, but may not be diagnosed until much later. Early intervention and support are especially valuable for development and accommodations. Children with Cancer
Families of children diagnosed with cancer have many questions about the specific diagnosis, what treatments are available, and where to find experienced medical professionals. Children with hearing loss and deafness
Children with hearing loss can show signs when they are just a few weeks old, but may not be diagnosed for years. Early intervention and support can make a world of difference. Children, Grief and Loss
Children who have lost a loved one may struggle with grief as well as fear and confusion about who will take care of them if 'everyone dies'. Like their mainstream peers, children with developmental disabilities can be comforted and reassured by stories that explore our feelings and beliefs. Communicating with Babies
Responding to a baby´s cries and filling their needs teaches them that their attempts to communicate work, that they are loved, and that they are surrounded by people who care deeply about them. Community Access for Children in Wheelchairs
A child may use a wheelchair for mobility full-time, as the result of an injury or condition that is temporary or intermittent, or to avoid injury, relapse or exhaustion. After a temporary injury, my son needed a walker and wheelchair, an accessible home and community, and a better informed mother Community Support for Families
Child health, Children and Youth with Disabilities, community support, inclusion, inclusive education Cousins of Children with Special Needs
Like brothers and sisters, cousins of children with special needs are fine companions and fierce competitors who deserve recognition and affirmation Dads of Babies with Disabilities
Most fathers of kids with disabilities were civilians when their son or daughter was diagnosed. Many resources for parent support and information are offered through a mother´s perspective, with the needs and concerns of siblings and grandparents higher priorities than the husband and father. Dads, Complicated Pregnancies and Childbirth
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. Early Intervention for Developmental Delays
Families raising children diagnosed with developmental delays find valuable early intervention resources and information online Easter and Children with Disabilities
Easter events and traditions can be overwhelming for children who have disabilities, their families and their mainstream peers - and lots of fun, too Easter Craft Ideas
Easter crafts and Easter art projects for children can ease the stress of holiday events and expectations Eating Disorders and Children with Special Needs
Children with special needs may have eating disorders related to their diagnosis, or may develop an eating disorder that puts their health at serious risk Encouraging Late Talking Children
Finding ways to encourage late-talking children to communicate helps us to build better relationships within the family and community. When a child misses developmental milestones in speech, or does not speak at all, alternative forms of communication help them show us their full potential. Explaining a Serious Diagnosis to Children
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. Faith, Religion and Children with Special Needs
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 Fathers of Children with Special Needs
Father to Father support groups are often helpful for dads, children with special needs, and the whole family Feeding Therapy for Children
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.
Five Years Past 9/11
Children´s health issues five years past 9/11 should be important stories in coverage of the loss of the World Trade Center towers and other terrible events of that day and those that followed Floortime and DIR Model Techniques
One of the most enlightening developments in therapies for children with complex challenges, including autism spectrum disorders, has been the DIR (Developmental, Individual-Difference, Relationship-Based) model, especially one of its most significant elements, Floortime. Forgiving Family
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 Fragile X Syndrome - Children with Special Needs
Fragile X Syndrome causes symptoms in children that are challenging for families, but there are ways you can support and accommodate your child´s special needs Friendship and Inclusion for Children with Special Needs
Adults can help children or teens with special needs and their mainstream peers initiate, build and maintain friendships Gifted and Talented Children - Special Needs
Resources for gifted and talented children who have special needs, disabilities or health conditions Going to a Movie with a Child in a Wheelchair
First experiences in outings with a child who is new to using a wheelchair or walker can be learning experiences about human nature, building design, and community access Grandfathers and Great Uncles
Grandfathers and great uncles can make a world of difference in the lives of children with special needs, whether they are supporting dads, or taking on some of the responsibilities of fathers who are away from home Grandparents of Children with Special Needs
Grandparents of a child with a disability or chronic health condition often support and encourage the parents and siblings as well as their grandchild with special needs Grief and Children with Special Needs
Children with special needs who experience grief and loss in their lives benefit from the same consideration, support and acknowledgement as their mainstream peers Holiday Parties and Gifts - Children with Special Needs
Holiday parties and gift giving add both stress and delight for families of children with disabilities, chronic health conditions, or developmental delays Holiday Party Planning - Support Groups
Party and holiday event planning for families of children with disabilities, chronic health conditions, or developmental delays helps create great memories and traditions. Holiday Play and Crafts
When children are visiting during holidays or vacation, play and craft activities can be wonderful in creating both Quality Time and Ordinary Life pursuits Holiday Shopping for Children with Special Needs
Holiday shopping and gift giving for children with special needs may take a bit more ingenuity and planning than we or our friends and extended family expect. Home Access for Children in Wheelchairs
When a child is injured and needs a walker or wheelchair to help him get around in his own home, families discover how thoughtless design works to create challenges that the mobility equipment was invented to overcome. Homeschooling Transition for Children with Special Needs
Making a transition into homeschooling from public or private school can find parents questioning their instincts and ability to educate and encourage their own children´s interests and build back their self esteem Hurricane Katrina - Help the Families
Hurricane Katrina has caught up families of children with disabilities and health conditions in the devastation and they need our support to survive; Hurricane Rita may result in similar destruction along the Gulf coast of Texas. Hurricane Katrina Disaster Relief - Children with Disabilities, Health Issues or other Special Needs
Disability support and advocacy organizations that are participating in rescue or relief operations, and seeking donations or support for victims of Hurricane Katrina Intuition and Practical Matters
Parents and professionals should use practical information about children to plan supports and interventions Kindergarten Transition
Planning the transition from preschool to kindergarten can include visiting available classrooms before summer break, considering an extra year of preschool in a transition or mainstream program, private kindergarten or homeschooling Legg Perthes Disease and Osteochondritis
Announcement that Dancing with the Stars competitor Cameron Mathison - Ryan, on All My Children - had Legg Perthes disease as a child has raised awareness about Legg Perthes Disease, Osteochondritis, Childhood Hip Dysplasia, and Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis Making Self-Employment Work - Book Review
Making Self-Employment Work for People with Disabilities, by Cary Griffin and David Hammis, is a timely resource for families, counselors, job coaches, transition specialists, and individuals with developmental disabilities, physical challenges, chronic health conditions or other special needs. Melissa Riggio Made a Difference
Melissa Riggio´s birth on March 25, 1988 inspired the creation of the Special Needs section at Barnes & Noble bookstores in 1991. Her life in twenty years made more of a difference than many lives of 80. A battle with leukemia ended that extraordinary life on April 7, 2008. Mothering Babies with Special Needs
Moms of children with special needs are mothers first, and it is often that fierce basic mother love that inspires advocacy and awareness efforts that positively change the world for their daughters and sons MRSA Antibiotic Resistant Staph Infections
MRSA and ORSA are antibiotic-resistant staph infections that can quickly become life threatening when diagnosis or treatment is delayed. Children with certain health conditions and developmental disabilities may be more susceptible due to skin conditions, injury, accidents or hospitalizations. New Mother Newly Diagnosed Child
When my daughter was born, I was surprised that my role in the world seemed to shrink down to being only her mother. When her brother was born, that role seemed to shrink further - I was the mom of a child with Down syndrome. What happened to my history and experience before children? New Years Blues and Winter Doldrums
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 Oral Health and Dental Visits for Children
The Winter 2008 Linkages Newsletter features a focus topic on Oral Health for Children with Special Health Needs, with resource links for dental professionals outlining appropriate treatment, establishing better dental health habits, and preparing children and families for office visits and care Outdoor Games for Children
Children with special needs often learn new games at summer picnics, parties and on vacation visiting relatives just like their mainstream brothers and sisters. It is delightful when we see any child teaching their cousins, neighbors and classmates games that are cooperative as well as competitive. Parenting Challenges: Behavior and Inclusion
Sometimes children with special needs develop behavior problems that are age appropriate misbehaviors. Mainstream parenting resources can help all of us. Perfection, Gift Giving and Winter Activities
Gift giving dilemmas and winter activities can make holidays complicated for families who want to enjoy all the traditions of the season and also enjoy those perfect quiet moments we all treasure Pollutants in Umbilical Cord Blood
Although pollutants have been found in umbilical-cord blood, contaminants in breast milk, PCBs and even Teflon in human blood, babies are born healthy and strong, and those with special needs born today have a better chance for a good quality of life and richness of experience. Pompe´s Disease
Pompe’s Disease information, resources and support available online. Preparing for Emergencies with Children
Families of children with special needs prepare for every day emergencies as well as using new plans from government agencies and first responders who consider individuals with disabilities and chronic health conditions Prescription Programs
Children who need medications that are too costly for families to afford can seek out programs at specific drug manufacturers that offer many prescriptions at reduced prices through local pharmacies and at company websites Raising A Sensory Smart Child - Review
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. Reading Readiness in Teens and Young Adults
Teens and young adults with developmental disabilities or other special needs may show signs of reading readiness and be highly motivated to learn to read long after they are given opportunities in the classroom, community or at home. Reluctant readers can find books with age appropriate characters. Reflux - Pediatric GERD, Infant GER and EER
Babies and young children with reflux problems can be more comfortable and happy using simple techniques that reduce spitting up and the discomforts that accompany infant reflux and pediatric GERD Review - Parenting Children With Health Issues
Parenting Children With Health Issues: Essential Tools, Tips, and Tactics for Raising Kids With Chronic Illness, Medical Conditions, and Special Healthcare Needs by Foster W. Cline and Lisa Greene Scaphocephaly and Craniosynostosis
Scaphocephaly, the most common type of craniosynostosis, is most often diagnosed in newborns who have ridged, missing or quickly closing 'soft spots' or fontanelles, or unusually shaped skulls growing too slowly. Immediate medical attention by a pediatric neurologist or surgeon may be required. School Violence and Children with Special Needs
The terrible events at Virginia Tech and news coverage that includes reminders of previous school violence episodes will cause deep anxiety and traumatic stress for children and their families throughout the country. Sensory Integration and Children
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. Severe Weather Events and Children
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 teach resilience to children Sibling Support and Rivalry - Brothers and Sisters of Children with Special Needs
The sibling of a child with special needs grows up with a different perspective on their family and the world, whether as a rival or an advocate for their sister or brother, and often, both Soothing Children's Fears
Soothing children´s fears during and after stressful or scary experiences can soften immediate and long term effects of distress Special Needs in the News
There is always something new going on in research, education, issues and developments about children with special needs and their families Speech, Feeding Therapy, and Early Intervention
Speech therapy and feeding therapy are available to many children in early intervention programs for delayed communication or articulation difficulties; you may find information and specialists who are just the ticket for your child! Starting a Parent Support Group
Starting a parent support group can lead to better opportunities for children with special needs and their families; joining a mainstream parent group can help your child grow up with their peers in inclusive classrooms State and National Park Disability Passes
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. Strollers, Walkers and Wheelchairs for Children
Finding strollers, walkers and wheelchairs for children with mobility problems is a challenge for families whose children depend on the freedom and opportunity to get around on their own that assistive equipment may provide Teaching Math Skills
Teaching math skills to children with special needs can happen during everyday activities like shopping, cooking, and playing games Teaching Your Child to Plan Meals and Cook
Children with disabilities can learn to plan meals and cook at home. Learning to follow or create their own favorite recipes is a great way to build a healthy lifestyle. Teens with Disabilities - Transition to Adulthood
Children with special needs often have the same transition issues, instincts and preferences as their mainstream peers, and benefit from programs that address these as well as their individual needs Terror Bombings in London
Our deepest sympathies go out to those involved in or affected by the terrible tragedies in London July 7th, 2005 Terrorist Attacks and Children - London Bombings
Children may develop anxiety or even post traumatic stress syndrome and have special needs for support and accommodations after terrorist attacks Theater Access for Children in Wheelchairs
When neighborhood access is limited for a child in a wheelchair, options close for every member of the family. In many communities, the wheelchair is seen as the limitation, when the only challenge holding us back is the reasonable accommodation of accessibility. Tom Cruise, Postpartum Depression and ADD
Most parents do not promote medications for ADD or depression, but support other families' choices, like Brooke Shields and Matt Lauer in response to Tom Cruise in the 'war of words' and Courteney Cox explaining her depression following the birth of her daughter Coco Tracheotomy and Tracheostomy Resources
Medical interventions like tracheotomy, also called tracheostomy, can be unsettling to families of children who need them. Finding information and a supportive community in the early days following the procedure is much easier through the internet. Transition Planning for Teens with Disabilities
Issues to consider when supporting teens transitioning from special education in high school to post-secondary education or adult programs are often the same shared by their mainstream peers and siblings. Goals include improving quality of life and encouraging responsibility and better decisions. Transition to Preschool from Early Intervention
Help in understand evaluations, planning, options and resources involved in transition from early intervention or home-based services to preschool can be found through local early intervention centers, school districts, parent groups and advocacy organizations Vacation Travel, Weekend Getaways and Children
Weekend getaways and family vacations with children call for flexibility and planning support or accommodations for their special needs Wearing Glasses in Early Childhood
Helping a child to learn to wear glasses often requires patience, imagination, and good advice. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent, delay or cure what can develop into serious vision problems for babies and toddlers who are prescribed glasses. Winter Storm Preparations for Families
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. Links marked with the [offsite link] designation point to websites not associated with BellaOnline.com. BellaOnline.com is not responsible for the material found there.
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