Early Intervention - Early Intervention Support

The Early Intervention Foundation for Success

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

The birth of our beautiful daughter, Chloe, in 2003 placed our family on an incredible journey that has allowed us to become strong voices for children and families. We had no prenatal testing during my wife’s pregnancy, and we were informed shortly after Chloe’s entrance into this world that she had characteristics of Down syndrome. Genetic tests confirmed Chloe’s diagnosis, …

williams syndrome

What is Williams Syndrome?

CME WebsitesChild Development, Parenting a Child with Special Needs

Having been lucky enough to grow up with a family member with Williams Syndrome, it’s almost difficult for me to describe the diagnosis when asked what it exactly it is. My cousin’s diagnosis, although more defined in our adult age, was never a concern, topic of conversation, or even differentiation for me while we were growing up. When I picture …

adaptive devices for seating

Adaptive Devices: Chairs and Seating

CME WebsitesChild Development, Parenting a Child with Special Needs

Kids naturally like and need to move around to explore their environment and socialize with family and other children. Mobility is an important milestone for our children to reach and parents look forward to this stage in development. But the importance of sitting should not be overlooked.  Children need to sit to initially work on their fine motor skills and …

Autism Spectrum Therapies: the PLAY Project

Stephanie SaikalyChild Development, Parenting a Child with Special Needs, Resources, Special Needs Diagnoses, Therapy Options

As therapists working with our families in their natural environments, we have the ability to choose from many different approaches to autism spectrum therapy as well as identify appropriate structures for interventions that can be implemented. One such approach is called “The PLAY Project” (Play and Language for the Autistic Youngster).

A Story of Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified

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

Trevor is a 5 year old boy who was diagnosed at age 2 with Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS). Trevor had a typical first two years, although his speech was delayed and his parents noticed the onset of some self stimulating behaviors. Their pediatrician was extremely supportive and suggested his parents contact state and local agencies to …

Guidelines for Choosing Quality Care for Your Child with Special Needs

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

Including children with special needs into regular child care settings is becoming a trend in today’s society. The benefits of inclusion (defined as having children of varying skills and abilities in the same class) far outweigh the negatives, as long as the director and staff are committed to making inclusion successful. It is beneficial to have at least one adult …

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 …