We tried the whole weighted blanket thing. And, I did an entire separate article on how my weighted blanket caused pain for me. Extreme pain. However, I still believe in and enjoy the concept of weighted items having a calming effect for anxiety, autism, etc. I really wanted to have something to use for both…
I decided today, I am done living life with a disclaimer. Here’s the thing. I’m tired of society making me justify my son’s existence. And I’m tired of constantly adding disclaimers to my conversations. Always adding a disclaimer. Here are some real-life conversations I have encountered within the past few weeks: Conversation 1: Me, complaining about…
Retaking Tests Accommodation Allowing a student to retake a test is a very common IEP accommodation. And, at first glance, it seems like a reasonable one. Reasonable? Sure. Helpful….mmm, not so sure. Last week I completed a post about extended time on tests. This accommodation goes with that one, and both are seen together, frequently,…
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 when it’s not in literature, these components have permeated our spoken language. But some kids need direct language, all the time. If you do not struggle with language processing, you…
If your school district does not give your child the special education services they are supposed to, you may be able to get what is known as compensatory education. AKA Comp Ed, for short. The pandemic has schools engaging in many more comp ed and comp services discussions than ever before. Here I will explain…
This is a scenario that has been coming up more frequently lately. As parents become more informed, we are better able to advocate for our kids. If you go back even 10-20 years, not many parents had even heard of learning disabilities like dyscalculia. Thanks largely in part to the internet and social media, parents…
“Ugh!” (and insert eye roll) “You want to talk about feelings again,” is what my 12-year-old recently groaned. I hope that as you read my site and participate in the online group, that there is so much more to social skills besides exhibiting the actual traditional social skills. Social emotional learning, which is yep, talking…
You know how when we were little, and you wanted a sleepover with a friend, and one of our parents would come home, and we’d know instantly if we could ask for that sleepover we wanted or not. Right? Just the way your dad put his keys down, or your mom sighed, you knew if…
When Your Pet Eats Human Medicine My son takes several medications every day. We have a new dog in our house. He’s a border collie mix, so he’s quite agile and smart. And, a counter surfer. I crate him when I am preparing Kevin’s medications or feedings. Most parents know to keep medications out of…