Tag: special needs
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No, Having a Brother with Special Needs Does Not Mean I’m ‘Lucky’
Get Pregnant Fast My brother is perpetually five years old. This isn’t a commentary on his maturity; rather, it’s a reflection of his condition. He lives in a world of cognitive challenges, trapped in a 40-year-old body with a young mind. Diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder known as Prader-Willi Syndrome in his 30s, he…
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Navigating Parenting with Lyme Disease
Get Pregnant Fast “Are there any special challenges related to your child that I should know about?” I stared at the two tiny blank lines on the form, barely enough space for a few concise sentences. My son, Max, is on the autism spectrum and faces various learning challenges, but there was already an IEP…
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The Question I Wish I Could Pose to Betsy DeVos: A Parent’s Perspective
Get Pregnant Fast Betsy DeVos has become a polarizing figure, especially among parents and educators concerned about the future of our public school system. The fears are particularly pronounced for those of us raising children with special needs, who rely heavily on a robust public education system to secure their children’s right to proper education.…
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5 Compliments to Avoid When Talking About Children with Down Syndrome
Get Pregnant Fast People are truly remarkable. Whenever I’m out and about with my three-year-old daughter, who has Down syndrome, it’s heartwarming to see her shine. Strangers often stop to greet her and share a moment of joy. However, there are certain well-intentioned compliments that can be quite frustrating. I understand that these comments come…
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When Did We Transition to a Special Needs Family?
Get Pregnant Fast As I anxiously awaited my fourth son’s first smile, the notion of being labeled as a “special needs” family briefly crossed my mind. Those initial three weeks stretched into three long months, stirring up a whirlwind of thoughts and concerns—not about my family, but about the future of my precious little one,…
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How Can a Special Needs Mom Honestly Say, ‘We’re Fine’?
Get Pregnant Fast As a special needs mom, I often find myself saying the words, “We’re fine,” to family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues. With a son facing significant medical challenges, a demanding career, and a preschooler to care for, I frequently get asked, “How are you managing everything?” My instinctive reply is almost always, “We’re…
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Why I Hesitate to Discuss My Child’s Special Needs
Get Pregnant Fast Parenting can be a rollercoaster of emotions, and when it comes to my youngest child, Leo, the ride is even more intense. As my sweet little boy approaches his third birthday, I find myself grappling with the complexities that his special needs bring to my life and relationships. While he is the…
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Autism Didn’t Cause Our Breakup, But It United My Family in Unexpected Ways
Get Pregnant Fast I find myself in my living room, feet up in a recliner with a long-awaited cup of coffee in hand. One child is at school, and the other is at daycare, leaving a rare moment of peace. As I prepare to dive into my work, my gaze drifts to a pile of…
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Teen with Autism Denied Entry to Prom with Sister
Get Pregnant Fast In a disheartening turn of events, 19-year-old autistic teen Alex Thompson faced disappointment at his senior prom when school officials barred his sister from attending with him due to her age. Alex, who didn’t have a date, excitedly asked his 24-year-old sister, Sarah, to accompany him. However, upon their arrival at Riverside…
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Innovative Sensory Chair by Teacher Gains Popularity
Get Pregnant Fast A unique sensory chair designed by a teacher has taken the internet by storm, highlighting once again the remarkable creativity of educators. This innovative seating solution is aimed at helping children with sensory processing challenges, such as Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and Down syndrome. The brainchild of Ms.…