The Role of Executive Functioning in Learning: Unveiling Strategies with Tera Sumpter, SLP
Wow! What a discussion we had about Executive Functioning today! Even if you do not have time today, I am urging you to come back…
Disability Resources for Families
The ‘Disability Resources’ category is your one-stop-shop for information and support on living with a disability.
Here, you will find a wealth of resources to help you navigate the unique challenges that come with living with a disability. From assistive technology to advocacy groups, this category provides you with the tools and resources you need to live a fulfilling and independent life.
Our expert authors share their knowledge and experiences to provide you with valuable insights, support, and encouragement. Stay informed and empowered with the latest disability resources!
In Disability Resources for Families category, you will find:
- Disability Parenting books about all kinds of related topics
- where to find the best gifts for teens and adults with autism
- where to find….{insert just about anything!} for disabilities
- autism apps, other apps for learning disabilities, apps for executive functioning
- equipment and sensory toy reviews for disabled kids
- and so much more!
I hope you find what you need here. Thanks for stopping by.
What is Pathological Demand Avoidance?
Pathological demand avoidance in autism explained Pathological demand avoidance (PDA) is a contentious term. Over the past 40 years, some clinicians have used it to…
Masking and Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA): A Closer Look with Dr. Jessica Myszak
I recently had the opportunity to interview Dr. Jessica Myszak about Autism Masking and PDA or Pathological Demand Avoidance. If your family is experiencing either…
Locomotion Skills and Motor Planning: What’s the Difference?
Inside: Learn the differences between Locomotion Skills and Motor Planning, and how a child can improve both. Includes examples of locomotion skills and motor planning…
Do Chair Bands for ADHD work?
One of the less positive things about my job as an IEP advocate is that, I am so often surprised and disappointed at what some…
Autism Incontinence: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Inside: We’re talking causes and solutions to your autistic family member and their incontinence. We want our kids to have dignity and reduce bullying whenever…
4 Best Homeschool Curriculums for ADHD and Autism
Inside: For some families, homeschooling their child with ADHD or Autism is the best option for them. Here are some curriculum options for kids who…
6 Replacement Behaviors for Hitting and Aggression
Inside: Hitting and Aggression are fast ways for your child to earn suspensions at school, or be socially ostracized by peers. Here are some replacement…
What is a Communication Board? A Guide to Improving Communication for Non-Speaking People
Inside: Everything you need to know about communication boards for non-verbal or non-speaking children or adults. Including how to get started with a communication board….
What is Perseveration and How to Get ‘Unstuck’ When Perseverating on Something
Inside: Learn what perseveration is, what causes it and how to get unstuck if you are perseverating on something. Plus IEP goals if a child…
Anxiety and Summer Camp: Set Your Child Up for Success
Summer is here and for many kids, that may mean sleep away camp or sleepovers at a friend’s or grandparent’s house. But what about the…
How to get EEG Glue Out of Hair (painlessly!)
Removing EEG glue from your child’s hair-is there anything worse? I cannot believe that we have the technology to actually do EEGs, but we do…
Practical Solutions for Dealing with Poop Smearing in Children and Adults
One of the most unpleasant parts of parenting is the gross stuff we sometimes have to encounter. A little baby throw-up and dirty diapers–no big…
Anxiety and OCD in Teens with Dr. Chad Brandt (Video)
During 2020 and 2021, when we were all stuck at home, I took the opportunity to engage subject matter experts to do some online chats…
What is Prompt Hierarchy? (and its many flaws!)
Prompt hierarchy is a teaching technique that involves providing prompts to help students learn new skills. Its flaws include over-dependence on prompts and limited generalization of skills.
Spatial Awareness and How to Improve it for Your Disabled Child
Learn how improving your spatial awareness can boost your cognitive skills, enhance athletic ability, and even improve your sense of direction. Read on!
Autism Prevalence in 2023: Latest Statistics and Trends
Autism prevalence rises again: one in 36 (2.8%) 8-year-old children have been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to a 2023 report.
10 Affordable and Quiet Fidget Toys for ADHD (pictures)
Inside: Learn the benefits of fidget toys for ADHD adults and others, and some quiet fidget toy recommendations. I recently participated in a local consignment…
What is Occupational Therapy for Kids?
OT and school-based occupational therapy help students with disabilities develop the skills they need to participate in daily activities at home and school.
What is Task Paralysis? And How to Save Yourself!
Task paralysis is the inability to start or complete tasks, affecting productivity and causing stress. It can be caused by various factors, not just ADHD.
How to Make a Child Gain Weight (and Add 500 Calories a Day!)
Discover effective ways to help your child gain weight quickly and healthily. From nutrient-dense foods to exercise tips, learn how to support their growth.
What is Time Blindness? (and how to manage it!)
Time Blindness is a phenomenon associated with ADHD, but it is not exclusive to ADHD. Read what it is and how to manage it if you have time blindness.
What is an Executive Functioning Coach and What do they Do?
Learn what an Executive Functioning Coach is, what an EF coach does and how to become an executive function coach. Plus, video tips from an Executive Function Coach.
7 Popular AAC Devices for Autism and Communication
AAC devices can be liberating for autistic children and others who lack verbal communication. A list of the best, and how to get an AAC device for your child.
Legal Guardianship for Adults with Disabilities: A Beginner’s Guide
This article provides a comprehensive guide to legal guardianship for adults with disabilities, including the benefits and considerations for families and caregivers. Learn how to navigate the process and ensure the best possible care for your loved one.
25 Disability Awareness Activities for Kids of all Ages
Activities to Teach About Disabilities What better day than today to publish this post! Today is the first day of Developmental Disabilities Awareness month. I…
Weighted Blanket Causing Back Pain? It Probably Is.
Weighted Blanket Causing Pain Weighted blankets. They seem harmless enough, right? So we started using them. I purchased two for our household. In less than…
5 At-Home Strategies for Speech and Language Skills, from a Special Ed Teacher.
Worried about reinforcing speech and language skills at home? Here are 5 Tips from a Special Education Teacher.
Special Needs Trusts: How and When to Set One Up
SNTs are legal arrangements in which a trustee holds, manages, and distributes assets to a beneficiary. The beneficiary is the disabled person. In most situations,…
Sensory Overload: How to Recognize and Manage the Symptoms.
Is Sensory Overload really a ‘thing?’ YES. It happens to people with anxiety, autism, ADHD, and other conditions. How to help and prevent sensory overload.
Does your Child have Hyperlexia, Autism, or Gestalt Language Processing? How to Know.
When your child is diagnosed with a specific learning disability, or you suspect a disability of some kind, many words are thrown at you. Until…
What is CVI Cortical Visual Impairment?
Cortical Visual Impairment I recently attended a conference to educate myself on Cortical Visual Impairment, one of my son’s diagnoses. It was so enlightening and…
What to Know About Xfinity Essentials, the Internet Disability Discount Program.
I had the chance to attend a super cool event at Pennsylvania School for the Deaf to celebrate teh Xfinity Essentials program. Many of our…
The Best Swim Diaper for Adults and Older Kids (and where to buy them!)
Swim Diaper for Adults This has been a huge struggle and colossal waste of money for us. Finding an adult swim diaper for an older…
The Autism Epilepsy Connection: My Son’s Brain Surgery
Can preventing seizures alter the course of autism? Delicate lines dance across a screen mounted on the wall of the operating room. Their peaks and…
What are Echolalia and Autistic Scripting?
Does your child repeat back words to you, often? Are they repeating words and phrases over and over? Or maybe reciting movie and TV lines?…
What is Animal Assisted Therapy? How do you find a program?
Pet Therapy vs Animal-Assisted Therapy “Is that a therapy dog?” The good news–more and more, we (society) are better understanding the human/animal bond, and using…
4 Best Classroom Pet Ideas (and which ones to avoid!)
Pets in the Classroom Pets in the classroom are now easy for every teacher to get. The benefits students receive just by having a pet…
10 Best Visual Timers for Kids with Autism or ADHD
Does your child benefit from a visual reinforcer? Then take a look at these online and other visual timers for kids who have sensory needs.
What is Hyperfixation? How do You Stop Being Hyperfixated on things?
Hyperfixation Lots of teens love video games. Everyone knows that. And many teens, autistic or neurotypical, play video games too often, which can interfere with…
What to Expect (and do!) When Your Child has a Disability
For the Newly Diagnosed With a Disability Welcome! None of us expected to be here, but here we are. And I’m here to tell you,…
How to Create a Compelling GoFundMe Page (and make it go viral!)
Start a GoFundMe Page GoFundMe has become increasingly popular in recent years. It makes sense. Times are tough for a lot of people. It’s no…
7 Audiologist-Recommended Noise Cancelling Headphones for Autism, ADHD, or Anxiety
These cool noise-cancelling headphones can help with Autism or ADHD focus issues, avoid sensory overload and reduce stress. Decibel ratings too.
19 Inclusive Sports Programs for Disabled Kids
Sports for Kids with Disabilities: List of Inclusive Sports Programs for Kids with a Disability, plus the benefits of sports for disabled kids.
What is Kinesthetic Learning? Does My Child Need It?
Many students learn better through movement and doing, rather than sitting and listening. Here’s how you can support your kinesthetic learner.
15 Best Sensory Toys for Adults
Here are some reader-recommended sensory toys for adults, including those with disabilities like autism, ADHD, and intellectual disabilities.
50 Best Teacher and OT Recommended Toys for Autism
A Special Education Teacher, OT, and others share their recommendations for the best toys for autistic and disabled children; plus how to use them effectively.
Interoception and your IEP: How to Improve Interoceptive Skills
Interoception and Interoceptive Skills Several years ago, I took my boys up to my Dad’s house. Kevin just walked into the room where we were,…
What is a Sensory Diet? (Examples)
A sensory diet may help a child improve their self-regulation skills. Read how, why, and getting a sensory diet added to your child’s IEP.
15 Popular Fiction Books with Autistic or Disabled Main Characters
Great list of fiction books for kids with a character with autism, disabilities or just plain quirky. There are a few suggestions for each age group and ability.
How to Find a Dentist for Kids with Autism
Just because a dentist says they serve the disability population doesn’t mean that they serve all kids. Questions to ask and what to know about restraints.
Autism and Haircuts: How to Find the Perfect Autism Barber
My autistic child LOVES going to the barber. Yours can too. Here’s what to look for to find that perfect autism barber or autism haircut.
Autism, ADHD and Daylight Savings Time: Small Time Change, Huge Disruption
How to Successfully Manage Daylight Savings Time in the Neurodivergent Household: Autism | ADHD | Tips for Managing this stressful week (or weeks!)
The Hidden Costs of Special Needs Parenting
These extra costs don’t occur because my child is disabled. They occur because our society is not set up to support disabled people.
What is NVLD Non-Verbal Learning Disorder? (Symptoms)
Is your child struggling with pragmatics and other issues, but you just can’t find what fits their symptoms? Read about NVLD. It gave many parents that a-ha! moment.
How to Improve Focus and Attention, Reduce Anxiety: 15 Activities and Foods
15 Activities and Lifestyle Changes you can make to improve focus and attention and decrease anxiety.
Crossing Midline: 12 Crossing the Midline Activities for Older Kids
Crossing midline is often a skill that teams stop working on once the child hits tween years. But if your teen or adult needs the skill, here are some activities to practice crossing midline.
Are There Different Levels of Dyscalculia?
Levels of Dyscalculia Dyscalculia is a condition that makes it difficult for people to understand math. Those with dyscalculia may find it challenging to solve…
How to Get Your Autistic Child to Try New Foods (written by an autistic person!)
A dangerous, yet common, misconception in regard to autistic kids is that they will eat if they’re hungry enough. The reality is that hunger, appetite…
Is Your 3rd Grader Struggling? It’s Probably the Matthew Effect in Reading.
Matthew Effect | Matthew Principle Ask any Special Education Advocate, and I bet they all will tell you that they have a huge chunk of…
5 Popular Stim Toys for Autism or ADHD | Cheap | DIY | Chew
Stim Toys Quality stim toys can be hard to find, since fidget toys and chewy jewelry, or chewelry, is trendy. Even the higher priced ones…
How to Redirect Self Injurious Behavior | Autism
Self Injurious Behavior and Autism Self-injurious autistic behaviors do not illustrate why stimming, or self-regulatory behaviors, are bad. Stimming is harmless by default and crucial…
10 Mental Health Tips for IEP Moms
Mental Health Tips for Moms Being an IEP mom is no easy task. In addition to all the other mom chores we do, we have…
3 Best Adaptive Bikes for Autistic Teens | Adults with Disabilities
Autism and Riding a Bike I get a surprising number of inquiries about this. Ever since I posted a photo of my son riding our…
ARFID | A Family Guide to Overcoming ARFID
ARFID “Mom, I don’t want another ham and cheese sandwich for lunch.” “Well, you don’t eat anything else for lunch. Give me something else to…
5 Free Google Organization Apps that help Manage the Disability Household
Google Organization Apps Let’s face it, when you have a disabled child, Moms and Dads become caseworkers. I’ve never seen one person, let alone a…
Seizure Disorder | 6 Things I Wish I had been told about my Son’s Seizure Disorder
Seizure Disorder I’ve been having some real “beat myself up” moments about Kevin and his risk for seizures. Things I should have known. Or could…
DIY Weighted Doll | Easy | Budget-friendly
DIY Weighted Doll File this under, “If I can make a DIY weighted doll, anyone can.” Because I am NOT crafty. I’ll show you step-by-step…
Disability Moms | 9 Habits of Happy, Strong, and Successful Disability Moms
Disability Moms Yesterday I had a lovely phone conversation with someone whose child was recently diagnosed with a disability. We have mutual friends who referred…
Liar
When your Child Lies As I often begin many articles, I state “this has been coming up in the Facebook group a lot lately.” And,…
Disabled Child Grandparenting | Including Extended Family in your Disability Household
Disabled Child Grandparenting Disabled Child Grandparenting? That’s a phrase you never heard even 20 years ago. Now, grandparents want to know. It’s their nature to…
Buying a Home While Disabled | 11 programs that help People with Disabilities buy Homes.
Buying a Home While Disabled Buying a home while disabled may feel impossible but here are 11 programs available to help you. I’ve compiled a…
Chester County Special Education | Best School Districts
Chester County Special Education Omigosh, if I had a nickel for every time I was asked this! Ok, this is not the answer you want…
Wraparound Services | What are they? | How do I apply?
Wraparound Services As I’ve navigated my way through the disability community over the past fifteen years, I’ve noticed a trend. That is, NO ONE TELLS…
11 Healthy Marriage Tips when you have an IEP
Healthy Marriage Tips My visiting mother-in-law walked away uncomfortably as my husband yelled at me. “WHY are you doing this?” What was I doing? A…
How To Get a Photo ID for your Disabled Child
ID card for your Disabled Child Does your child (with or without disabilities) have a photo ID card? Why not? Have you ever thought of…
How to Talk to {Disabled} Children about Death | 10 Ideas for Parents
How to Talk to Children about Death “Mommy, can people die from surgery?” I’ve answered that question about 1000x in the past 2 months. Or…
How and Why You Should Talk to Your Child about their Disability
6 Reasons Why You Should Tell Your Child About their Disability Over the years, I’ve had clients with all kinds of diagnoses. And yeah, some…
I Used to Be an Anti-Vaxxer.
Vaccines Just saying the word Vaccines makes some people uncomfortable because they know a debate will ensue. This is something that I’ve been wanting to…
How to Create a Medical and IEP Binder for your Child | Free Printables
How to Create a Medical Care Binder I need to do a Care Binder. This is long overdue. I’m traveling across the country in 2…
The 5 Best Weighted Calming Toys your Child will Love | Under $10
Weighted Calming Plush Toys We tried the whole weighted blanket thing. And, I did an entire separate article on how my weighted blanket caused pain…
Direct Language | How to Correct your Communication with your Child
Direct Language We live in a sarcastic society. We also live in a society that uses clichés, innuendos, double entendre and other literary license. Even…
25 (free!) Evidence-Based Games and Activities to Learn Social Skills | Autism
Evidence Based Games for Social Skills If you go out to bars frequently, or you’re in a phase of your life where you’re attending a…
Developing Matching Skills | Matching Pictures | Printable | for Older Kids
Matching Pictures Matching is a skill that many take for granted. And, I hear from parents who want IEP goal suggestions or printable matching pictures…
ADHD and Sleep Issues | Best Tips for Everyone to Get a Good Night’s Rest
ADHD and Sleep Have you ever walked into your child’s room to find them sleeping on the floor? I mean, you put them in bed,…
Amazon Echo for Disabilities | 8 Alexa Uses for Disabled People | Autism
Amazon Echo for Disabled People Look, I love reading to my kids. But the thing is, it is never enough for them. One book or…
PA Access Card | Medicaid for Disabled Children | Understanding the PA Loophole PH 95
Medical Assistance PA When I moved from Canada to the Philadelphia area, I was a bit confused as to what services I could receive for…
23 Books about Siblings with Disabilities | Autism | Down Syndrome
Books About Siblings of Special Needs Children Yesterday was not a great day. It wasn’t terrible, just not great. I picked B up from preschool…
Adaptive Clothing | Special Needs | Adults | Kids | Abdominal Access and More
Special Needs Adaptive Clothing Accessible and Adaptive Clothing for kids and adults with Special Needs is really having a moment, isn’t it? (and yes, I…
8 Companies that Hire Disabled Adults | Fair Wage | Inclusionary Practices
Work for People with Disabilities We vote with our dollars. When you buy something, you aren’t just saying that you like or need the product….
Accessible Playgrounds | What to do if your school playground is not ADA-compliant.
Accessible School Playgrounds It always surprises me how often this comes up. That a mom asks what she can do because the school playground is…
DIY Kids LightBox | Cheap Light + Sensory Play Ideas
Light Play at Home Last week I went to a special thank you dinner at my son’s school. We were thanking a group because of…
10 Best Books if you are Raising a Disabled Child | Special Needs Parenting Books
Disability Parenting Books “My brain is always sending me off on little missions, whether or not I want to do them. And if I don’t…
Alternatives to Tube Feeding Formulas | Real Food for G Tube Feeding
Tube Feeding Options So, here’s a weird case of foreshadowing. Several years ago, for Tube Feeding Awareness Week, this small business asked if I would…
{Autism Safety} Products, Kits and Tips to Keep Your Child Safe.
Autism Safety I want my son to increase his fine motor skills. I do not, however, want him to be able to unbuckle a seatbelt….
{Insurance Appeals} How I forced Aetna to pay for my son’s brain surgery.
Insurance Appeals “I just know you’re going to do a blog post about this!” my friend Lisa told me. Yes, I knew I would. After…
7 Social Stories about Friendship
Social Stories about Friendship Ah, friendship. I had a mom once say to me, “I want my child to have a friend, not a buddy.”…
The Complete List State and Federal Organizations that Help Disabled Adults.
Disability Advocacy Organizations If you are looking for organizations that help disabled people, you’re at the right place. This will give you a starting point….
How to Discipline a Disabled Child~8 Tips for Success.
Disciplining a Special Needs Child. Several years ago, I was in Juvenile Court with a teen client. I was her IEP advocate, but on this…
10 Best Websites for Disability Parents.
10 Best Websites for Special Needs Parents. I have a friend who is older than I am. Her son was born a year after I…
35 Private and APS schools-Chester County, PA Area.
APS Schools So many times, parents ask me for a list of IEP, APS and private school placement options in Chester County. I always say,…
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