Search Results for: blog early intervention give your child a head start

Interest Level In Toys Can Predict Success Of Treatment Program

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If your toddler is showing some of the early signs of autism, now might be a great time to start with a form of treatment. You might find it difficult to select from the treatments that you are aware of, unsure which will be the most effective for your child. A study finds that the level of interest that a toddler has in toys is a good indicator for how responsive that child will be for a certain kind of parent-guided treatment program. When a child has a special need, it is generally beneficial for the child to have access … Continue reading →

Author Interview – Lindsey K. Rietzsch

Yesterday I reviewed a fun new book, “How to Date Your Spouse.” Today we are joined by the author of that book, Lindsey K. Rietzsch. Lindsey, you just released your first book. How does it feel to accomplish the goal of being a published author? It’s been such an amazing experience and very humbling. Ever since I was a little girl I dreamed of publishing a book someday. To those who know me, this came as no surprise. I’m happy to say that I accomplished my dream and the journey has been worth it! Your book is designed to help … Continue reading →

Does Your Baby Know His Name?

I must admit, I’m not a big fan of early diagnosis and intervention. Well, let me back track a little. If the intervention is actually needed, then I’m glad we have the ability to diagnose early. The problem I see however, is that many kids are ‘diagnosed’ early, to find out that in reality they were on a normal part of the curve doing things a little later than their peers. However, I fully recognize that the earlier a problem is diagnosed, the earlier treatment can begin. One of the more difficult disorders to diagnose in early childhood is autism. … Continue reading →

“My Son Has Juvenile Diabetes and Autism.” A Mother’s Interview

The following interview is with Ammey, a mother whose children have multiple medical and cognitive conditions. Of particular interest to me is her situation with her oldest son, Khy, who has both juvenile diabetes and autism. Ammey responded to my blog, Do You Have BOTH Juvenile Diabetes and Autism in Your Family? Here is her story. 1. Tell us a little about your family. My name is Ammey, and I’ve been married for thirteen years to my husband Mikel. We have three children: Our son Khy is 14, Kaine is 11, and Lilli is four. Khy has autism, asthma, type … Continue reading →

Talking with Children About Special Needs

Many children who are adopted have some special needs. Children adopted from the foster care system may show emotional and behavioral needs related to neglect or frequent separations (although most of these kids do very well, contrary to the media focus on problems). Children from overseas may have a birth defect which is correctable by relatively routine surgery common in this country but not in theirs, for example a cleft palate or club foot. In some cultures facial differences can make life harder and these children may be more likely to be placed for adoption. Parents may consider a child … Continue reading →

A Pearl of Great Price

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During the period when we tried to assess Regina’s potential disabilities and decide if we could parent her, we wondered what effect raising a special needs child would have on our family life. Would we have to totally change our lifestyle to accommodate a rigid schedule of appointments and daily care? The image I persistently recall from this time in my life is the biblical parable of the Pearl of Great Price, the pearl of such surpassing value that the merchant was willing to sell all that he had to obtain this pearl. Could I give up my image of … Continue reading →

Parents, YOU are the Experts

You’ve got a toddler who is the light of your life. He’s rosy-cheeked, bright-eyed, and curious. But something just seems a little. . . off. You can’t quite place it. Maybe you express your concerns to a few close relatives or friends, and they assure you that your worries are unfounded. But still, you’re troubled. When A Child’s Play Seems Unusual One of the most common things that parents notice when they feel something isn’t quite right with their child is that his or her play is unusual. “She doesn’t use toys the way other children do.” “He doesn’t want … Continue reading →

AUTISM: Are You Aware?

April is autism awareness month, so I’m writing this blog to check your awareness level. Whether you parent a child with autism, know someone who does, or if you just happen to be reading this blog for interest’s sake, understanding certain facts about this condition is extremely important. Autism is no longer an obscure, rare thing. It’s all around us, and we need to be tolerant, supportive, and vigilant in searching for answers so that we can eventually shed some light on what is causing this mysterious disorder. Are you aware that autism has now been deemed a national epidemic? … Continue reading →

Mental Retardation – Criteria and Lingering Questions

I must admit, I hesitated to write this blog. Experience has shown that some parents are extremely sensitive to the use of the term “mental retardation” when describing their children. I absolutely understand this. There can be very negative connotations with those two words, especially when neuro-typical kids use “retard” as a playground slur. I considered calling the blog “Cognitive Disabilities” or “Cognitive Delays,” but all the current literature I ran across (as recent as 2006) still use “mental retardation” (MR) as the diagnostic term to describe intellectual ability that is significantly below average. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of … Continue reading →

Is Your First Grader a Poor Reader? You’d Better Act Fast

New studies show that if your child is a poor reader by the end of first grade, he will continue to struggle with reading difficulties by fifth grade, falling well behind his peers. If your child shows signs of reading struggles, you’ve got to act quickly and aggressively. Early intervention will give your child a much better chance at success than waiting to help your child catch up in later years. The “late bloomer” theory has now been officially thrown out, at least with respect to reading. No longer can we suggest that you adopt a “wait and see” approach, … Continue reading →