What is “People First Language”?

CME WebsitesChild Development, Parenting a Child with Special Needs, Special Needs Diagnoses

What is “People First Language”? The term came about primarily to recognize the fact that people with disabilities are first and foremost people, and should not be described by their disability alone. People First Language (PFL) tells us what a person HAS, not what a person IS. Keep in mind that one out of every 5 people has a disability …

The Importance of Laughter When Teaching Children With Special Needs

Tamara GuoChild Development, Parenting a Child with Special Needs, Special Needs Diagnoses

In working with children with special needs and their families for nearly 18 years, I can honestly say that the old cliche “laughter is the best medicine” rings true. Being a teacher, therapist, caregiver or parent of a child with special needs is certainly stressful at times, but it also brings many joys and special pleasures each and every day. …

The Importance of Inclusion and Community for Children With Special Needs

CME WebsitesChild Development, Parenting a Child with Special Needs, Special Needs Diagnoses

When most people think about inclusion they think about children with disabilities being included in the typical classrooms within their schools.  But inclusion should extend beyond the classroom and into the community.  Parents may be hesitant to enroll their child with special needs in a typical recreation program for fear he or she will not be able to fully participate …

Promoting Friendship for Children with Special Needs

CME WebsitesChild Development, Parenting a Child with Special Needs, Special Needs Diagnoses

Friendship plays an important role in everyone’s life.  When one has no friends life spans are significantly reduced.  Experts agree that friendship is not a luxury, it is essential to life.  Despite this fact, the social networks of friends and intimate relationships for children with disabilities are often smaller than are the social networks of children without disabilities.  Children with …

Creating a Circle of Support for Parents of Children with Special Needs

CME WebsitesChild Development, Parenting a Child with Special Needs, Special Needs Diagnoses

As a mom to a nine year old daughter with multiple physical, cognitive and life-threatening medical needs, I feel like I have been through it all.  But as I spend more time with other parents of children with special needs, I know I haven’t.  Every experience, every child and every family is unique, which is why I am hesitant to …

How to Encourage Play Skills for Children with Autism

CME WebsitesChild Development, Special Needs Diagnoses

Fostering Play Skills for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Play is an essential part of facilitating a child’s development, including their social, emotional, physical and cognitive growth. Playing requires the use of all five senses, and as children grow, so do their play skills. Though the concept of ‘play’ may seem like a natural skill, it is actually hard …

Why is Autism on the Rise? A PT’s Opinion

CME WebsitesChild Development, Special Needs Diagnoses

As therapists we are often asked to explain why Autism is on the rise.  There are many hypotheses floating around in an attempt to explain this question, yet unfortunately few facts.  While I in no way wish to diminish the diagnosis of true Autism or even Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) consider this: All children with PDD (autism falls under this …