By Lillian Flakes, originally published on DifferentDream.com Do you know what friends every caregiver needs? Today’s guest blogger and special needs mom Lillian Flakes discovered the ones she needed at the beginning of her parenting journey. Today she describes the three friends every caregiver needs, the ones she’s grateful are part of her life. For… Continue reading The Three Friends Every Caregiver Needs

The Occupational Therapist called us back for my son’s weekly appointment. As we wove our way through the halls, she asked Ben to lead us to her room. Ben took a wrong turn right out of the chute, and before his second step toward the incorrect door, I had my hand on him, to remind… Continue reading In Order To Help My Son I’m Stepping Back

Asperger’s Disorder is what we used to call a ‘milder’ form of Autism. That is, the young man or woman has developed language and can use it effectively.  However, according to the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 5th edition), it is now known as High Functioning Autism (HFA) or Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 1. These… Continue reading How to Help Your Socially Isolated Child with High Functioning Autism

Because the tracheotomy bypassed Charlie's vocal cords, he learned early on that there is a myriad of ways to express your wants and needs without words.

In this article, Dr. Liz Mathis, of Psychological & Educational Consulting, discusses the I&RS vs. 504 Accommodation Plan vs. IEP.

Jamie is going to tell you what has worked for her and my son, Charlie. Hopefully it will help ease the passage and help other parents prepare for school.

Why would we go through the effort of having a doctor fill out a certificate every few years and stand in long lines to get disabled parking?

The siblings of a child with special needs may feel like a third wheel. It's importnant to acknowledge their role in the family.

Being stranded on the side of the road, with a van that has been customized for her son's wheelchair, could ruin the holidays, but Jamie won't let it.

As the mom in a complex special needs family, Alethea Mshar is up early every day to get herself and her son and the family ready.