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Chicago Special Parent Spring 2011
On the cover: Patrick Maresh, 14, of Westmont and his service dog, Mary Lou. Read more
Service dog broadens horizons for Chicago-area boy with disabilities
The months since Mary Lou, a therapy dog, came to the Maresh family's Westmont home have sparked a dramatic change in Patrick, a 14-year-old boy with severe disabilities. Read
Special grandchildren, special needs
There's an app for that, too!
Special needs and food allergies
Service dog broadens horizons for Chicago-area boy with disabilities
The months since Mary Lou, a therapy dog, came to the Maresh family's Westmont home have sparked a dramatic change in Patrick, a 14-year-old boy with severe disabilities. Read more...
Grandparents to special-needs children pulled in two directions
It's difficult to watch loved ones struggle. But grandparents of children with special needs suffer this two-fold while observing both their adult children and their grandchildren. Read more...
Special needs and allergies are a balancing act for Chicago families
Severe food allergies can be life-threatening, bringing an added risk to a child who already copes with other physical or developmental issues. Read more...
Chicago-area Easter Seals gets grant for iPads
There are nearly 200 mobile apps geared to the special-needs community, from medical guides to sensory stimulation. Read more...
Chicago area adaptive sports put kids with special needs on the move
The opportunities for children with physical disabilities to participate in sports and outdoor adventures are truly endless, due to the work of some very dedicated athletes and volunteers. Read more...
Parent Essays
One awful day for Plainfield family
Soccer was rained out, we were all in the car, why not take the kids to breakfast? But things are never that easy for our family. Read more...
Waiting rooms are great places to meet fellow parents
On an often-lonely road as the parent of a special needs child, it is comforting to find a parent who knows what you're going through. Read more...
Illinois lags behind on programs for disabled kids
Two boys with Asperger's finish in top four in Illinois geography competition
There is a bright future for wonderful quirky kids on the autism spectrum as long as they place themselves in situations that showcase their best qualities. Read more...
Two Chicago-area women help families find special-needs nannies
Two local women have teamed up to help families with children with special needs find nannies who can better care for their children. Read more...
For special-needs kids in Chicago, IEP process starts early
How to talk to your child's teacher about special needs
You can't sit in the back of your child's classroom, but you can ask his or her teacher for a daily communication log. What information should you request? Read more...
Caregivers of kids with special needs: Make time for you
Caregivers often fall into the trap of neglecting to give themselves a little TLC while looking after others. Read more...
Lisle program offers after-school activities for Chicago area kids with autism
Giant Steps School in Lisle operates The Rec Center, a program for after-school, days off and summer break just for kids on the autism spectrum. Read more...
Imaginative play can help kids with communication problems
Imagination is a powerful tool for children with communication delays by allowing them to speak for or through the imaginary figure they become. Read more...
Easter Seals' sibling support group coordinator knows what it's like
When Easter Seals started a sibling group at its Villa Park location three years ago, the staff knew Holly Aldrich was the best person to head up the new program. Read more...
Find a Chicago camp for your child with special needs
The Chicago area is teeming with day, overnight and away camp choices, assuring something for everyone regardless of age, ability, interest or budget. Read more...
Website helps Chicago families find allergy-friendly restaurants
AllergyEats.com helps parents of allergic kids find a restaurant to fit their needs. Read more...
