Lynn Moore's Blog
Posted by Lynn Moore
Calendars for every theme, interest, and cause are out there on the shelves. While puppies are cute, and football teams are fun, I prefer calendars that promote some area of awareness. They are great gifts and wonderful conversation starters to explain a disability and to highlight ABILITIES of kids with special needs.
Recently, one of my readers wrote about a Down syndrome awareness calendar that is available online. This fabulous calendar depicts children with Down syndrome as well as celebrates diversity. Are you looking for a calendar for the new year? Do you still have gifts to buy? I encourage you to check out the Down Down Baby Calendar. By the way - an added perk of this calendar is that a portion of the sales supports the Indiana Down Syndrome Foundation.
The Down Down Baby Site has lots of other awareness gift items as well: T-shirts, sweatshirts, mugs, tote bags, and bumper stickers. Why not look around for birthday gifts and Valentine's Day gifts while you are there as well.
I am working on a disability/ability calendar section for this topic. Do you know of other disability awareness calendars that you would like to promote as well? Contact me!
Is a child with Down syndrome in your family, daycare, or classroom? You may find these articles helpful:
Posted by Lynn Moore
As a ten year old I loved curling up with a good book on the sofa in our basement. My favorites were mysteries. . . One in particular was about some kids living in a windmill. I don't remember the story line today, but I do remember not wanting to put the book down.
Some kids love to read. Other kids are never caught doing it. If your son or daughter has a disability, chances are that reading is a struggle. Take a few moments this holiday season to explore the Calendar Club Mystery series. You will be amazed at the reading motivation your tween will get for only $3.95!
The author of this series, Nancy Star, has created easy-to-read, yet intriguing, chapter books that revolve around three characters who are always solving mysteries in their neighborhood:
- Casey (who loves to be the first at everything)
- Dottie ( who loves to make lists)
- Leon (who also collects rocks in the shapes of states)
Star's goal is to write one mystery for each month. Currently the following titles are available:
- The Case of the New Year's Eve Nightmare
- The Mystery of the Snow Day Bigfoot
- The Case of the Kidnapped Cupid
- The Case of the Missing Pumpkins
- The Case of the Thanksgiving Thief
Why are the Calendar Club Mysteries especially good for kids who struggle at reading?
- They are high interest/low reading level.
- They offer addtional reading support because of the familiar characters.
- They are chapter books so they have the recognition of not being baby books.
- They are engaging because they are msyteries.
Where can you get the Calendar Club Mystery books?
Posted by Lynn Moore
What is left on your holiday to-do list? My husband just returned from the mall - He said that everyone was there. The wait to leave the parking lot? One hour and fifteen minutes!
I hope you don't have any waits like that left in the days remaining, but no matter what the activity there are concept building experiences for your little one with language delays.
What color lights are on your tree? Here are some quick language concepts to reinforce:
- All white
- Many different colors
- Some red, some green, some blue, etc.
- Blinking - on and off
Are you wrapping gifts?
- Give me a red (white, gold, etc.) bow.
- Put the bow in the middle of the package (one the edge, etc.)
Are you making cookies?
- Some cookies are bells (stars, trees, angels, reindeer, etc.)
- HOT!
- Mix
- Green (red) sugar
Do you still have shopping to do for a child with special needs? Check out my gift picks:
Posted by Lynn Moore
- Choose a time when the mall will be less crowded.
- Make sure the time you choose is also one of your child's "good" times of the day.
- Talk about what you will see and do. You may wish to make a book with pictures that will help explain the outing. Include pictures and basic words, phrases, or sentences to explain.
- Where will we go?
- When will we go to the mall?
- What will we see?
- Will we have a snack (eat lunch)?
- Who will we see?
- What time will we come home.
- Take pictures while you are there. Later you will use the pictures to make a mini scrap book. (not only take pictures of the things you predicted about the outing. Also take pictures of decorations.)
- Remember to keep the outing short and sweet. You are striving for a language-builidng experience. This will not be the time to complete your shopping even if you still have a few names on your list.
- Encourage your child to share the scrap book with everyone (teachers, family members, neighbors, friends, the babysitter, etc.)
- Later go through the book and reread the captions. Then as yes/no questions about the same experience. for example:
- Did we go to the grocery store?
- Were we hungry?
- Did we buy pizza?
- Did we buy clothes?
- Did you sit on Santa's lap?
- Did we see a Christmas tree?
Take a moment to breathe and consider the true meaning of this season. Make a choice to slow down and look for the beautiful holiday language at the mall.
Are you shopping for a child with a disability this Christmas? Here are my picks for the perfect Christmas gifts.
Posted by Lynn Moore
Authors Cynthia S. Kidder and Brian Skotko with photographer Kendra Dew have divided the book into sections: Artists, Children, Athletes, Brothers and Sisters, Learners, Friends, Angels, Actors & Dreamers, and Community Leaders. Each section has beautiful black and white photos with accounts of real children and tweens with Down syndrome and their interests and accomplishments. Family quotes are often included as well as research statistics and Band of Angels Press Survey information from families of children with Down syndrome.
Are you interested in purchasing this book for yourself or someone on your holiday shopping list?
Common Threads: Celebrating LIfe with Down Syndrome
by Cynthia S. Kidder and Brian Skotko
Kendra Dew, photographer
Hard cover
181 pages
ISBN: 1-930868-04-9
Available from Band of Angels Press
Wondering how to begin to choose a gift for a child with special needs?
Check out my list of holiday gifts picks:
Posted by Lynn Moore
Certainly background noise in a mall makes it hard to hear for everyone, and much more so for the child with a hearing loss.
Signing Santas exist! Although they are few and have schedules with limited hours, the guys with the red suits and signing hands are out there.
How can you find a signing Santa?
- Check with your mall to see if they have one. If not, suggest that they consider getting one.
- Call your child's teacher to find out if she knows of one.
- Check to see if a school employee who knows sign language, would consider the part.
- Check with deaf adult groups to see who might be interested in playing the part.
- Contact an interpreter training program. Here is one Santa's story.
If you find a would-be Santa without a suit, full Santa attire is available at most costume shops.
Once you find a signing Santa, help him spread the word. The more children who get to talk with him, the better. After all, besides pictures, the purpose is to give a little one a chance to express a Christmas wish list.
Note: I have found it most helpful to prepare hearing impaired kids for Santa's visit.
- Let the kids cut pictures from ads and catalogs to make a picture wish list. (Some kids will be old enough to write a label for each picture - a great vocabulary builder. Other kids will be able to write a list without pictures. If your Santa is from an adult deaf club, he may unaware of some of the trendy toys, so pictures will help the jolly fellow as well.)
- Practice what will happen when Santa comes - or the child goes to see Santa.
What is is like to be a deaf child and not have a signing Santa? Read one person's childhood memories.
Here are the locations of some signing Santas:
Let's spread the word. Please email me with the locations of other signing Santas!
Other Articles on Deafness
Posted by Lynn Moore
I have to admit I Love a Parade! As I write today's blog, I am listening to the Macy's Parade coverage. (Do you know that this is the 80th anniversary of that parade?) It makes me think of wonderful childhood memories and the endless possibilties of getting language impaired kids to talk as they share this Thanksgiving tradition!
What makes a parade such a good way to get special kids to talk?
- They are fun.
- They provide lots of different topics that change quickly.
- Music is a large part of the action.
- The child is drawn into the action instead of focusing on communication.
- Parades are fabulous family time.
I hope you will tune into the parade coverage this morning, instead of the usual morning TV choices. . . Wow - are they even on this morning?
Are you looking for some ways to boost talking after the parade? Read my tips for Holiday Social Language Skills
Have a wondeful, thankful time with your family and friends throughout this holiday season. . . L.
Posted by Lynn Moore
I was always up before dawn the day after Thanksgiving. After all, if I stood in line at 5 AM surely I would get the right colored hand-held game.
Sometimes parents and grandparents of kids with special needs have a harder time with holiday shopping. It can be tricky to make the shopping list to begin with.
If you are shopping for a child or tween with special needs, making your shopping list does not have to be so confusing. I am sharing new ideas as they come rolling in.
Check out my holiday gift picks:
Also, click on Ableplay to get ratings of gifts based on the child's disability.
Do you have other ideas? Did you find the perfect gift and want to share it with others? Are you at a loss for what to buy? Email me!
Posted by Lynn Moore
Lots of children with disabilities have difficulty with speaking or understanding the spoken word. This could be because of a physical disability or a neurological impairment. It is not uncommon for schools and families to use a system of picture symbols to communicate the child's wants and needs.
Giving Greetings (www.givinggreetings.com) sells greeting cards and posters that are created (with permission) with the pictures from Picture Communicaton Symbols.
Randi Sargent is the founder of this business. Inspired by charity cards when her family (including son, Graham, who has cerebral palsy) lived in the UK. Now, in the the United States, Sargent finds that many families, caregivers, and professionals are eager to purchase these delighful products.
If you are looking for more ability / disability awareness gifts, check out my list of favorites.
- Puzzles
- Sensory Integration Toys
- Disability/Ability Awareness Gifts
- Sign Language Books
- Cookbooks for Kids
I'm adding more all the time. If you have ideas you would like to see included, email me!
Have a thankful day . . . L.
Posted by Lynn Moore
This delightful book is written from the point of view of a young child with Down syndrome by author/mom Julie A. Bouwkamp. The book starts by describing many ways that Ben is the same as any other child. Then Ben tells his secret that he is special and has Down syndrome. After an explanation of what that means, the story ends in an ecouragement to be friends.
Each page has easy-to-read text and real life photos.
Hi, I'm Ben And I've Got a Secret is a perfect gift for:
- Teachers
- Libraries
- Classrooms
- Siblings and friends of a child with Down syndrome
- Primary age children with Down syndrome
- Therapists
- Doctors
- Caregivers
Hi, I'm Ben And I've Got a Secret ISBN 1-930868-11-1 is available from Band of Angels Press.
What are the special needs on your Christmas list this year? Don't forget to vote on my poll so that I can include information on the types of gifts you need!
Posted by Lynn Moore
You get the weekly newsletter from your child's school - Great! A test is coming up. How do you study with your child for the test?
You may be thinking that it is the child's responsibility. . . True to a certain extent. However, most kids need guidance in how to study effectively as well as someone to cheer them on.
Study cards to the rescue!
- Study cards can be made with card stock, index cards, or even construction paper.
- Gather potential test questions from the review at the end of a chapter or from classroom study guides.
- Write one question on each card with the answer on the back.
- Plan to review the cards daily.
- Initially review all the cards.
- As your student masters some of the cards. put them in a separate stack.
- Previously mastered cards may be reviewed less frequently than the ones with troublesome information.
Interested in reading more about effective study skills?
Want an easier way to make the cards?
How have study cards worked with your student? Email me!
Posted by Lynn Moore
How can parents and others who care support the cause?
- Learn everything you can about your child's disability.
- Learn everything you can about your child's ABILITIES!
- Get to know adults with your child's disability.
- Communicate often with professionals (doctors, teachers, etc.) in the field.
- Join a parent group.
- Volunteer for fundraisers.
- Lobby for appropriate legislation.
- Talk, email, talk, email. . .
- Be an advocate for your child.
- Teach your child to be his own advocate.
Here are some great examples of parent organizations:
- IFOPA
- National Down Syndrome Society
- Down Syndrome Assoication - UK
- Learning Disabilities Association of America
- National Center for Learning Disabilities
- American Society for Deaf Children
Would you like another way to help?
Go to A Nose for Clothes and vote for your favorite cause. The charity with the most votes will get $1,000. Five hundred dollars will go to the charities receiving the second, third, and fourth number of votes.
Posted by Lynn Moore
What happens to the candy now? The U.S. Census reports that we eat an average of 26 pounds of candy per year.
You can do a Halloween candy sort for a vocabulary boost, but what then? Why not use those sweets to sweeten your special needs child's behavior?
- Establish expectations.
- Set up a schedule.
- When the rules are followed for a specified time (morning, afternoon, etc.), allow the child to pick a treat from the bag.
Besides using the sweets for a behavior reward, you will want to use the opportunity to establish (or reinforce) good dental practices.
- Good behavior.
- Choose a Halloween treat.
- Brush the sugar away.
Just think how many practices you can get in with a single Halloween haul! The routine should be an automatic response by the time you get to the bottom of the pumpkin. I hope you have a sweet week. . . L.
Posted by Lynn Moore
(Of course every year, we had to wait for Mrs. R to finish making her treats.) Getting the candy was great, but equally fun was the preparation and anticipation.
How can you help your special needs kiddo get ready to enjoy the festivities without being overwhelmed by the sensory, cognitive, or language monsters?
We all know that sensory issues can spoil the fun for some children. You can help your child by choosing a comfortable costume. This may mean decorating a sweatsuit or going without a mask.
Are there cognitive issues? Some kids who are very concrete become upset when they see a mask that seems real. Sometimes, taking the mask off and showing them who is dressed up helps. Sometimes the fear returns when the mask goes back on. Can your family dress up without masks so that it is obvious who is in costume? Pershap you can take your kids around a little early so they don't meet so many others in costume. Halloween is supposed to be scary fun, not terror.
Is the language of the outing a concern? Check out my tips for practicing Halloween fun.
Happy Haunting . . . and I hope that Mrs. R has those treats all ready for your kids! L.
Posted by Lynn Moore
Related information:
- Down Syndrome Awareness Calendars
- Holiday Cards: Down Syndrome Kids
- Vocabulary Concerns with Deveopmentally Delayed Kids
- Parenting the Down Syndrome Child
All parents want their children to grow up to be happy, healthy, financially stable, and successful in a career. When Chris Burke was born with Down syndrome, his parents had the same goals. Chris, now an adult, has reached those goals and many more of his own as he has a well-established acting career and a leading role in the Down syndrome community.
Here are a few of Chris' accomplishments as described in detail on his website:
- Acted in the role of Corky from the TV hit Life Goes On
- Acted in the role of Taylor in Touched by an Angel
- Acted in star role of Jonathan in Jonathan, the Boy Nobody Wanted
- Acted in Heaven and Hell
- Acted in The Commish
- Acted in The Promised Land
- Acted in The Division
- Acted in ER
- Appearance on Good Morning America
- Appearance on Crook and Chase
- Appearance on Entertainment Tonight
- Editor in Chief of Upbeat
- Co-author of A Special Kind of Hero ISBN # 0595192653
Oh, did I mention that Chris Burke is also the lead singer in The Chris Burke Band? If you live in the Ewing, New Jersy area you may wish to catch his band's performance this evening.
Posted by Lynn Moore
If you know a child with a progressive medical condition, you may want to submit his name to the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Wishes are granted in many areas such as:
- Sports
- Entertainment
- Music
- Animal experiences
Children ages 2 1/2 to 18 years may be considered for a wish.
Parents, friends, relatives, or profressionals can refer a child for consideration. Medical information is verified. For more information see Make-a-Wish.
Posted by Lynn Moore
When my child was just a toddler we were shopping for groceries. We had gone the length of the cereal aisle without a hitch when a slightly older child went to a particular cereal and pleaded with his mom to buy it. At that point, the power of cereal hit my child. . . He ran to find the same type of cereal and brought it to me.
How can you use cereal and its engaging qualities to teach your child language and other skills?
- Talk about those big, bright letters in the name.
- Talk about who or what is on the front of the box.
- Practice cereal talk. More please. All done.
- Sort cereal pieces by type (marshmallow, cereal, nuts), shape, and color
- Which group of pieces has the most? the fewest?
What kind of cereal is on your table this morning? Thank you, Charles Post and other cereal creators for one more way to teach kids language!
Look at these ways to build language everyday.
Posted by Lynn Moore
If pictures are worth a thousand words, why not use these calendar shots to spread the word about Down syndrome? October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. . . The products reviewed today are those that can promote awareness now and throughout the year.
Do you know of other groups selling Down Syndrome Awareness Calendars?
- Band of Angels Press has done it again wth their 2007 calendar
- Do you live in the Tulsa area? You can pick up a calendar from the Tulsa Down Syndrome Association
- 2007 Down Syndrome Calendar from NuTriVene-D
Posted by Lynn Moore
Time to get the kids up and ready for school. Don't forget to check the class newsletters for the events of the week. . . If your child's school observes Red Ribbon Week, today is likely the first official day.
Monday, Wear Red Day, gets everyone thinking about the week. Dig out those red hair ribbons, shirts, and socks.
Read my articles and blogs on the history and celebration of this week.
Posted by Lynn Moore
Ribbons - Ribbons - Ribbons!
Ribbons aren't just a hair accessory any more.
This week millions of people will wear red ribbons as a symbol for being drug-free.
This month millions more will wear pink ribbons to promote Breast Cancer Awareness.
We all know the puzzle piece ribbons that symbolize Autism Awareness.
And don't forget tying a yellow ribbon to welcome loved ones home.
I love ribbons and their flowing reminder of things that are important.
Ribbons aren't just a hair accessory anymore!
Posted by Lynn Moore
It will soon be time for holiday cards, charming notes, and school pictures to friends and family that are near and far. To get those wonderful photos, a child must participate in school picture day.
What tips can you pass on to others about making the picture experience memorable? Helium balloons behind the photographer? Dancing stuffed animals? A funny face or prop?
Maybe you demonstrate how it will be done. . . body turned a certain way, not moving, looking at the camera.
Perhaps you have not used a prop to get attention . . . maybe you focus on what will come afterwards: candy, a favorite activity, a trip for fast food.
Take a moment to join in the discussion on this one. . . Everyone wants those perfect pictures for the cards. . . .L.
Posted by Lynn Moore
We asked our readers: How do your other children respond to the time you devote to their sibling with special needs?
67% Resentful
O% Cooperative/Helpful
33% Unaware
0% Purposefully ignores the special needs sibling.
0% My child is an only child.
Posted by Lynn Moore
What Is Halloween? by Harriet Ziefert
ISBN 0-694-00381-6
Ages 2-5
In this delightful lift-the-flap book young readers learn the vocabulary of Halloween traditions of carving a pumpkin, choosing a costume, and the all important phrase of Trick or treat.
Kids with language delays will delight in learning the words of this special day. Also, reading the sequence will help them know what to expect.
Practice the sequence of trick-or-treating at home with different family members giving out the goodies.
- Knock on the door.
- Say, "Trick or treat."
- The lady or man will put something in your bag.
- What is it?
- Say, "Thank you!"
- Go to the next house.
Are you looking for other good books about Halloween? Try these for your favorite little trick or treaters! . . . L.
Posted by Lynn Moore
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. . . The products reviewed today are those that can promote awareness now and throughout the year.
Hmmmm. . . How many days until Christmas? Okay, I am not going to get into the countdown numbers just yet, but if you are like me you have probably started to think about it. What is one of the first items on your list every year? Christmas cards!
Check out these cards that depict beautiful children with Down syndrome. Holiday cards as well as blank cards that could be used for thank yous or as gifts are available. Happy shopping! . . . L.
Posted by Lynn Moore
Who?
- A noted adult, diagnosed with autism as a child
What has she done?
- PHD
- Author
- Professor
- Designer (of specialized equipment used with cattle)
- Speaker
Where can you learn more?
- Read her books:
Emergence: Labeled Autistic ISBN: 0446671827
Developing Talents ISBN: 1931282560
Animals in Translation ISBN: 0156031442
Unwritten Rules of Social Relationships ISBN: 193256506X
Thinking in PIctures ISBN: 0307275655
- View her videos/DVDs:
Dr. Temple Grandin on Visual Thinking, Sensory Challenges, Careers, and Medication for Person with Autism ASIN: B000GET19Q
Visual Thinking of a Person with Autism
Careers - Opportunity for Growth
Medications - Fact and Fiction
When can you hear Dr. Grandin speak?
- Visit her website for information on speaking engagements
Posted by Lynn Moore
This is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Down syndrome is characterized by delays in speech, motor skills, and cognitive ability.
Let's also think for a minute about the never ending task of raking leaves. Everyone in the family wants to be in the middle of the fun. . . Well at least some family members think it is fun.
Use the leaf raking chore to work on talking with your Down syndrome child. Here are some ideas:
- Talk about colors: The leaf is red (brown, yellow, orange, green).
- Talk about placement. The leaf is on the car (flowers, bush, fence).
- Talk about quantity. I see lots of leaves. Many leaves are on the ground. No leaves are on the tree.
- Talk about WH words. Who is raking? Where is the leaf? When do we rake leaves?
- Talk about action. Can you jump (run, walk, sit, stand) in the leaves?
Looking for more language building ideas?
- Language Delays and Halloween Fun
- Vocabulary Concerns with Developmentally Delayed Kids
- Encouraging Nonverbal Kids to Talk Using Playdoh
- Building Language Skills
- Building Language Skills - Part 2
I will leaf you to have a great day . . . L.
Posted by Lynn Moore
I just took the garbage out to the curb. It is always a guess as to whether or not they will pick up the day after a holiday. One of my neighbors usually reminds me that they will be behind because of the day off. True, but maybe not. What if they are on top of the game this time? Then my garbage would have to sit and wait until next week. . . Not good!
Anyway, I am off track. When I went out I noticed how cool it is this morning. In the Midwest we have those wonderful season changes. With all of the trees in full color, the temperature change can send some special needs kids into frustration. Why aren't the favorite shorts okay to wear to school today? If this is the scene in your home, I invite you to read my previous article: Cool Weather Impacts Disabilities
Have a wonderful day, and stay cool . . . L.
Posted by Lynn Moore
For many years, a hand-colored picture hung near my computer. It was a blue telephone with the number 9-1-1. I loved that picture (I still have it) because it was a reminder that my son was learning about fire safety. In a sense, I think I was also relieved that someone else was also teaching him fire safety practices. Surely another approach was not bad. Perhaps something would click that did not click when we talked about it at home. Perhaps he would better understand its importance as he heard it from yet another person.
A couple of years later, his sister was with the same kindergarten teacher. Again, I received the beautiful hand-colored 9-1-1 picture. Something was different this time. Shortly after Fire Prevention Week our kitchen smoke alarm went off. Indeed there was smoke, but I was cooking and nothing was out of control. My daughter yelled, "Get down and crawl! Everybody crawl!"
As parents we know that we need to teach and model safety with fire. We need to practice with our kids what to do in the case of a real fire. How can we effectively do that if the child has a hearing loss? What has worked well in your family?
Posted by Lynn Moore
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. One of the traits of children and teens with Down Syndrome is their wonderful loving nature. Another, however, is a definite stubbornness.
Parents of kids with special needs must go beyond the usual parenting practices of fairness, consistancy, and developmental appropriateness. They must consider the role that the disability plays in the behavior. They must consider how the behavior (related to the disability or not) will influence functioning in the home, school, and community.
Should children with special needs be disciplined? Certainly appropriate discipline helps children reach their potentials. Lack of discipline creates additional, avoidable disabilities.
I will be looking at discipline over the next few months.
As always, I am interested in your story ideas. Email me!. . . L.
Posted by Lynn Moore
We asked our readers: Should kids and teens with ADHD have medication?
17% Yes
17% No
0% Only during the school day. Not in the evening or on weekends.
66% It depends on the child.
0% I'm not sure.
Posted by Lynn Moore
Whether you live on one of the coasts or in the Midwest there is a conference for you. Email me if you would like to submit another conference for consideration.
Conference: 4th Annual ADHD Conference
Organization: Attention Deficit Disorder Resources
Dates: October 7-8, 2006
Location: Tukwila, Washington
Conference: ADDA Regional Conference: Changing Minds, Changing Lives!
Organization: ADDA: Attention Deficit Disorder Association
Dates:October 20, 2006
Location:Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Conference:"Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: State of the Art: Science and Research in Practice"
Organization:CHADD: Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Dates:October 26-28, 2006
Location:Chicago, Illinois
Posted by Lynn Moore
The United States Congress has declared September 20, 2006 National Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Awareness Day.
As I think about the characteristics of ADHD kids and teens it seems odd that we often expect them to do more than their "typical" peers. How is that so?
We expect them to remember more things. They must bring more more materials to put in extra study time at home.
Even though it is hard for them to focus on a task, we expect them to focus for extended periods of at-home study time.
At school, they must often change classes which requires adjusting to different teachers and classroom expectations during the course of the day.
I visited a site that simulates a learning disability. It seems to me that today is great time to walk in the shoes of someone with ADHD for a few minutes.
Be aware of the needs of your children. . . They depend on you for their needs.
Lynn
Posted by Lynn Moore
I have written a lot on the benefits of routine with special needs kids. As we approach fall, I am reminded that the same routines we worked hard to establish now need to be changed.
We have talked about the need for school routines and study routines, but what about routines for dressing on those changing weather days?
Some children find it upsetting to wear shorts one day and to need long pants and a jacket the next. I encourage you to use this time to talk about weather and appropriate clothes for different weather conditions before it happens.
Take some time to read some fall books with your children. Even if the books don't talk specifically about clothing, you can point that out as you are reading.
Fall is a wonderful opportunity for family time. Watch my upcoming articles for ideas.
Have a laughter-filled day . . . L.
Posted by Lynn Moore
I remember a young cousin of mine who loved "Rudolph" the Christmas movie. However, every time she watched the part with the abominable snowman she cried.
Was it real to her every time? Because of her young age and limited reasoning ability, her parents could not convince her that it was not happening again.
Parents of children with limited language or cognitive abilities deal with this regarding movies, news casts, and even plays.
How is your child reacting to the 9-11 footage? Take a minute to fill out our poll.
Posted by Lynn Moore
No Child Left Behind has created quite a stir among school districts and parents of students with disbilities. ALL students must now show adequate yearly progress. ALL students must now have the maximum amount of (appropriate time) in the general education classroom. A very small part of the special needs population will have alternative testing, but even that group must show a level of progress in areas similar to the general education curriculum.
Is NCLB realistic? Take a moment to enter your thoughts in our poll or start a discussion on this topic.
Posted by Lynn Moore
Although some details on discipline, for example, are still being clarified, IDEA 2004 is here.
There are lots of things about the regulations of interest to parents. One of the most positive is the change in the amount of time a school district has to test a student from the time the paperwork begins.
IDEA 2004 states that schools will have 60 CALENDAR days, not 60 school days to complete the testing.
What have your experiences been with special education testing?
Email me.
Posted by Lynn Moore
Many children with disabilities will be returning to school this week. Where will they study? Some will study in local public school programs; some will study in private or residential schools; and an increasing number will be homeschooled.
What factors should be considered before a school placement is made? What are the benefits and drawbacks of homeschooling a child with a disability? Are some disabilities (physical impairment or learning disability) better suited to homeschooling than others? What about related services for children with special needs?
Many parents must also decide if it is time for medication again. Often families opt to not use medication in the summer.
What are your thoughts as you read the back-to-school ads in the newspaper? Email me.
Posted by Lynn Moore
We asked our readers:
What kind of vacation have you found to be most family friendly with a special needs child?
40% said A Resort
40% said Visiting Family
20% said The Beach
Posted by Lynn Moore
What is your idea of a perfect family vacation? Visit this week's poll to cast your vote!
Vacations can be as different as the people to take them, but everyone probably agrees that fun and relaxation are key.
Of course, children with special needs love a great vacation as well. Their health considerations, behavioral and emotional expectations, and communication styles do not change when the family van crosses the state line.
We are exploring special needs in special places this week.
I invite you to check out my articles on travel related needs of children with disabilities.
Posted by Lynn Moore
We are in the midst of vacation time! Have you taken a family vacation this year? What things have you found to be most important in travel with a disabled child? I encourage you to email me your ideas or start a discussion on this topic!
Here are some things that my articles will address in the next next:
- Transportation Needs for Handicapped Children
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Posted by Lynn Moore
Here are my articles on kids with physical disabilties:
Playing Ball with Physcial Handicaps
Parents worry about their kids. They worry about their friends, their health, their careers. Parents want to know that their kids will marry well and be happy . . . and successful.
Parents of kids with physical disabilities have a few more concerns on their list. . . Their kids have more obstacles to overcome. Here is a man who is inspiration to us all.
Ben Mattlin has been a wheelchair his entire life. He has a neuromuscular disability and ulcerative colitis. You are probably thinking that that is too much for one person - right? Someone forgot to tell that to Mattlin. He has written a book It's Just a Wheelchair, Not a Batmobile.
Do you think that is pretty amazing? That is not all this man has accomplished.
- Married
- Harvard graduate
- Father of two
See his story here.
Encourage your children. Have an inspiring day. . . L.
Posted by Lynn Moore
Puzzles! Jigsaw puzzles, word puzzles, mazes, and so much more. What do they offer a child with Asberger's or a child with developmental delays or a physical handicap? They offer many, many benefits: problem-solving, whole-part understanding, visual discrimination, fine motor skills, patience, social skills, and the list goes on.
Do you think that puzzles are too hard for your child? I encourage you to reconsider. Here are the articles in this series.
Puzzles and the Mentally Retarded
Coordination and Discrimination
Are you saying that you don't have puzzles at home? Check back this evening for information on how to make great skill-building puzzles at home.
Have a puzzling day . . . L.
Posted by Lynn Moore
Hi! Maybe this is your first visit to my blog or maybe you are a familiar freind. Either way - Welcome! I hope that you will visit with me often.
Do you have an infant, child, or tween with physcial, emotional or mental challenges? This site offers lots of ideas for the hot summer time: outside fun to work off the energy and inside fun to cool down and maybe work on some of those self-help or academic skills.
I started the summer talking about summer schedules for ADHD and ASD children. These articles give suggestions for a starting point.
Come back soon . . .L.
Posted by Lynn Moore
We have been talking about fun inside activities for summer. All kids need a break from the heat (and so do their parents!) Does your child enjoy doing puzzles? I am talking about puzzles with pieces - jigsaw puzzles. Paper pencils puzzles have a place as well, but that is another article (for tomorrow).
Before you dismiss the idea of puzzles as too hard or too messy or too frustrating, read what I have for you today. You will be surprised at the puzzle options that are available for kids and the cognitive (thinking skill) benefits that puzzles offer.
Let's not pass up puzzle fun for our kids whether infant, young child, or tween. . . Let the piece work begin! . . . L.
Posted by Lynn Moore
Today I would like to take a detour from our discussion of inside fun ideas for the summer. A recent news article told of the drowning deaths of four siblings. Although the children were not special needs kids, they were caught in a water situation that was beyond their skills. Sadly the undertow of the water was beyond any swimmer's skills. The untimely death of these children brings to mind water safety and teaching our children to swim.
I hope that you will read today's article, Can Autistic Kids Learn to Swim?. . . L.
Posted by Lynn Moore
I just received this information on an upcoming workshop.
Social Skills and Adolescent Issues on the Autism Spectrum"
Jed Baker will speak on Social Skills Training & Frustration
Management
Chantal Sicile-Kira will speak on Adolescent Issues on the Autism Spectrum
Posted by Lynn Moore
This came across my desk. I wanted to share it with you so that you may share with others.
Are you the mother of a child with an emotional, behavioral or developmental disorder such as ADD, Asperger's,, Autism, Bi-Polar Disorder, Non-Verbal Learning Disability or PDD?
We are currently soliciting essays for an upcoming anthology Special Gifts: Women Writer's on the Heartache, the Happiness and the Hope of Raising a Special Needs Child. (Wyatt-MacKenzie Major Releases, May 2007).
Below is an idea of what we are looking for, but please don't feel limited to these topics...
- Heartfelt, emotional essays from mothers dealing with their child (or a relative) with special needs. Tell us about your emotional journey. When did you suspect that your child was different from other children? Was there one defining moment or a general feeling? How did the news impact you? Your spouse? Your other children? Your parents? How is your child unique? Have you learned to see beyond the label? How? How does your child relate to others? What are his greatest difficulties? What are his greatest strengths? What has he taught you that you might not have learned? How has having a child with special needs impacted your relationships with your friends? Are you nervous about the future? What does the future hold? Is your child aware of his differences? How do you explain them to him and others? What are you scared of? What are you happy about? What are you angry about?
We are NOT looking for advice and tips, but rather essays on your emotional journey. We do not need happy endings and neatly tied-up stories. We are more interested in raw emotions and truthfulness. Essays can be funny, sad, angry, or whatever you are feeling. They can be in any format or voice and there is no word count requirement or restriction.
You will receive a byline and short bio in the book. You will also receive 5 copies of the book. Contributors will be provided with the tools to market the anthology at book signings, radio interviews, and elsewhere.
Please send your essays to aschusteff@aol.com. Please paste the submission into the email, do not send an attachment. Please include your name, address, phone, e-mail, name and age of your child, and any publishing experience. THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS SEPTEMBER 1, 2006. We look forward to reading your submissions. All those accepted will be sent a release form and marketing plan.
Blessings . . . L.
Posted by Lynn Moore
Parents write those first words in baby books. Parents of children with special needs may have to wait longer to write those words.
My article today is about teaching children more words so that they become talkers and readers.
What kinds of kids are often slow at talking? There is a long list: autistic, deaf, hard of hearing, and developmentally delayed are a few. Adopted children who are learning Enlgish as a second language fall into that group as well.
Pattern books are a fun way to increase vocabulary, get ready for reading, and have some quality parent-child time. . . L.
Posted by Lynn Moore
Many of my recent articles have addressed outside activities for children with special needs. I have included information for parents of children with fragile X in it's many forms: autism, ADD, ADHD, and mental retardation. I have also written information for parents of children who are deaf.
Let's take the focus more inside. It is July! Parents and kids need tons of inside fun ideas.
This morning's article addresses teaching deaf children to read with pattern books. I will be honest, this technique works well for all children.
Let's take a look at some books and how to use them. Instead of I want my child to read! let's be able to say Look at my child! He can read!
Happy reading . . . L.
Posted by Lynn Moore
People learn from people. We share our experiences, challenges, and successes. My friend, Frances, says that we are all in the same sandbox of life. So here is my question to you: How was the Fourth of July in your sandbox?
Does your child have a coclear implant? How did she respond to the fireworks?
Does your child have asberger syndrome? How did he respond to the crowds at the parade?
Does your child have a physical disability like CP or cystic fibrosis? Do you have some tips on how your child tolerated the heat?
I invite you to join in the discussion on this topic. Also, don't forget to vote in our current poll: What type of disability is your child's challenge?
Stay cool . . . L.
Posted by Lynn Moore
Here are the results of the poll.
0% Swimming
0% Trampoline
100% Playground
0% Other Outside Activities
0% My child prefers not to play outside.
Posted by Lynn Moore
Although we have been discussing lots of outside fun topics, I want you to picture: a blanket under a shade tree, a pile of great books, and your wonderful child on his tummy READING!
Today I am starting a series of articles on Reading and Deafness. (We have already touched on the subject in the language articles: Building Language Skills and Building Langauge - Part 2 earlier this month. I plan to space these out over several months with articles on other topics in between. Teaching language and reading is a complicated task. Taking it one page at a time, so to speak, makes it within our reach.
The articles on reading have suggestions that work well for children who are deaf. They are techniques that work for many other kids as well: autistic, LD, and mentally retarded. Why? These are techniques that are basic, step by step ways to break down the reading process.
This summer I say Let the reading begin!. . . L.
Posted by Lynn Moore
Last night, my daughter and her friends went to a baseball game, a true sign of summer. I thought of all of the popular baseball phrases: Play ball! Batter up! Homerun!
What about children who have a physical disability such as cerebral palsy? Can they join in the fun of a summer ball game other than just as a spectator?
I hope you will take a few minutes to read my newest article Special Needs Kids Ball Games
If playing ball is not something you want to pursue with your child, check out my other articles for lots of ideas to make summer a fun time. I have ideas for children who are autistic, deaf, Down syndrome, and ADHD.
Don't miss out on these summer fun ideas with your own children.
. . . L.
Posted by Lynn Moore
Remember how much fun you had as a kid playing with sidewalk chalk? Maybe you drew pictures, tic-tac-toe squares, or played hopscotch. Sidewalk chalk is still tons of fun -- and now the regular sized sticks come in huge containers for more fun. What have they added since we were kids? Jumbo chalk! Come on -- You know you want some!
Now that I have stirred up childhood memories and started those right-brain artist juices flowing, think for a minute about how chalk can be used with your deaf child. (The blog today is focused on the deaf, but it really can be applied to children with other disabilities as well: ADD, ADHD, physically handicapped, Down syndrome, hard of hearing, etc.) Using chalk is an inexpensive, easy way to encourage talking, reading, and writing skills.
Read today's article for ideas on what to do! Then head on over to the store for some of that chalk! . . . L.
Posted by Lynn Moore
What is it with autistic kids and swings? Many educational programs even have special swings in the classroom. Swings at the park are a favorite of many kids on the autism spectrum. In fact, often they swing higher than daredevil siblings. It is enough to make a parent or caregiver gasp. If you have a child or tween who is autistic, you know what I mean.
I hope you will read my latest article for a peek into why children with autism love swings. Also, check out other great playground and outside fun ideas.
Have a swinging day ;) L.
Posted by Lynn Moore
We asked our readers.
50% said: He does not understand.
0% He understands and cooperates.
50% said: He understands but does not want to cooperate.
0% I'm not sure if he understands.
Posted by Lynn Moore
What is on your schedule this morning? Are you playing outside with bubbles? Maybe your baby is way too old for the bubbles stage.
So far, most of this site has dealt with young children with special needs. We tend to think about getting them started toward talking, walking, and doing things in general like self-help and play. There is a huge need, however, for material on tweens and teens with special needs. (What is a tween? A tween is a child who is almost a teen.) Do you have a tween or teen with special needs? Do you have a topic that you would like to see covered? Email me with your ideas! I'd love to hear from you!
Last night, my daughter spent more than two hours filling out job applications. I can assure you that bubbles are far from her mind today and far from mine as well. What type of job best suites her abilities? Will she be treated fairly? Will she be in a safe environment?
You may have a young child and are looking to the future, or maybe you are the parent of an older child in the stormy teen years. Check out my next article, Beyond Bubbles and Balls, which will address the needs of older kids to communicate at a higher level.
Upcoming articles will also deal with staying home alone, driving, dating, sex ed., jobs, extracurricular activities, and planning beyond high school. Check my articles often. I am adding new material all the time!
Have a lovely day . . . L.
Posted by Lynn Moore
What will you do for outside fun today? Remember how much you had with bubbles as a child? It is a great day for bubbles!
Bubbles are great for building the muscles that children use to talk. Asking for bubbles puts that talking to good use. Chasing bubbles is great exercise. Plus bubbles are just plain fun - not to mention the giggles when hosing off sticky arms and legs when you are finished!
Bubbles don't have to cost an arm and a leg. Of course, you can buy them in little bottles at the store. You can also purchase a large bottle to refill the little ones. Let's face it, though, sometimes it is difficult to get to the store, and if you have bought bubbles they do run out quickly (even the large bottles).
Why not make your own? Squirt a little bit of dish soap (NOT THE KIND FOR DISHWASHERS) in a container. Add a little water, and you have a solution to the no bubble blues.
What will you use to blow the bubbles? First, you can always save the bubble wands from all the bubble bottles you have purchased in the past. Other great bubble blowers include plastic sewing spools, six ring soda can holders and even your fingers curved into a circle.
Have fun with bubbles today. Watch the magic of your child wanting to talk about them. Are you looking for more ways to encourage your child to talk?
Check out my articles for more ideas!
© Lynn Moore 2006 All rights reserved. No portion of this blog may be copied or distributed without the written consent of the author.
Posted by Lynn Moore
0% We have a summer schedule.
0% We don't have a summer schedule.
0 % We have a schedule for certain times of the day.
100% We would like to have a schedule, but it is just not happening.
Read my articles on summer schedules for kids with special needs.
Posted by Lynn Moore
Happy Father's Day! It only seems right to wish the readers of this blog Happy Father's Day since it is a parenting site. How did you spend the day? I hope that you had the opportunity to spend time with your father and with your own children. That is truly what this day is about. . . celebrating the fathers in our families across generations.
The weather was not too hot here today. There was a downpour which lasted 20 minutes or so making grilling difficult. All was well, though, since we planned to cook and eat inside.
The events of the day made me think of the words that we use to communicate feelings, ideas, wants, and needs. Happy Father's Day! I love you! I hope you have a great day! For most, they are said without effort. For some, the spoken word is difficult and maybe even meaningless. There are many reasons why a child with special needs has difficulty with language. Hearing loss, autism, auditory processing, mental retardation are certainly a few.
We have been talking about sweet schedules for summer. Now it is time to use those schedules to build language skills. My next article, Building Language Skills with Schedules for Special Needs Kids, will explain how you can use everyday activities to increase your child's ability to talk. It some cases it will be a matter of taking the first step toward communicating that important message. . . Happy Father's Day. I love you!
Come back soon . . . L.
Posted by Lynn Moore
Good morning! I woke up this morning very excited because TODAY is the day that I start as the writer for the Special Needs Parenting Section of Suite 101. I just got my coffee. I have to plan my day. How will I schedule my writing time for you, my readers, in my day?
Since I have been gone for almost a week at a writing conference (actually two - remind me to tell you about that), I have a longer than normal "to do" list. I have all of my standing writing responsibilities, new things I have promised to complete, and now this wonderful section to share with you.
Because my conferences were out of town, I also have a healthy pile of laundry waiting. My mom always says that it is not going anywhere - just today, I wish it would! And what is that on the kitchen floor?? I need to put some "house" time on my list.
At the top of my list, though, are my beautiful children. I have missed them so much during the time I have been away. My children - my husband - my parents: my family is definitely my first priority.
Ahhh - does any of this sound familiar? I am looking over that list again. . . It is a lot to try to do in a day. It is summer, though. It should be easier to complete since school is out - right? RIGHT??? Sweet Summer Schedules is the topic of this section this week. We will explore how summer schedules can be sweet for families of children with special needs. I hope you will visit with me often . . .
L.