On the cover: Abby Scott, 7, of Chicago. Photo by Katie Driscoll. See her work at 5boysand1girlmakes6.com.
Dads are less likely than moms to reach out for support when parenting a child with special needs, but there is help out there. Read

Raising children on the autism spectrum - regardless of where they are on that spectrum - can hardly be described as "exciting." Read more...

In the span of four months we were asked to leave two preschool programs. It took more than two and a half years to get a diagnosis. For some reason, not one professional wanted to break the news to me. Read more...
Most children outgrow picky eating between ages 5 and 7. Yet for a large percentage of developmentally delayed children, picky eating is a serious health problem. Read more...

The first time I knew my husband was going to be more than just your average stepdad to my three special needs children was three years ago when my oldest son lost his "transition item"-a small, rubber toy bat from Halloween many months before. He carried that bat everywhere-he ate with it, slept with it and just didn’t feel right if he didn’t have it. Read more...

Abby Scott, our cover child, likes horseback riding, playing soccer, riding her bike and playing with her cousins, friends and fellow Brownies. The 7-year-old Chicago girl also happens to have cerebral palsy and a smile that can warm the coldest heart. Read more...

Dads are less likely than moms to reach out for support when parenting a child with special needs, but there is help out there. Read more...

Kids with special needs need to stay fit too. Here are some ideas to help kids get moving. Read more...

Parenting a child with special needs means coping with recurring grief, as constant reminders of how your child's different arise. Read more...

The Lighthouse for the Blind has served those with visual impairments for many years. This year, they opened a new facility in Glenview. Read more...
Adolescents with autism are far less likely than their peers with other disabilities to hang out with friends after school or attend group activities. Read more...
Special Talents America is inviting singers, musicians, dancers, actors, comedians and magicians who have disabilities to audition for its 2012 talent show. The event will be held Nov. 5 in Naperville. Read more...

A new product helps make it easier for children with special needs to hold an iPad. Read more...

A local therapist has written a new book to help children with special needs. Read more...
Donate $30 to Autism Speaks, the nation's largest autism science and advocacy organization, and Bob's Red Mill Natural Foods will deliver your child a special birthday gift. Read more...
A new powerpoint presentation helps explain Asperger's syndrome to other children in the classroom. Read more...

A new baby carrier was designed for children with special needs. Read more...
Bedtime routines for children with special needs can be as challenging as accomplishing daytime activities. Here are some tips to make things easier. Read more...

WalkAide is used for cases of foot drop caused by stroke, multiple sclerosis, incomplete spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury and cerebral palsy. In addition to improving a person's ability to walk, it also increases the distance the wearer can walk. Read more...
For many developmentally delayed children, picky eating is a serious health problem. Read more...

Tips and projects to get outside and combine art and nature with your children. Read more...

A local photographer and business owner team up to create an ad campaign showcasing children with disabilities. Read more...

Opportunity Knocks creates a seamless environment for those age 14-30 with developmental disabilities to pursue educational, occupational and social interests. Read more...

Easter Seals recently opened an Autism Diagnostic Clinic that will focus primarily on very young children. Read more...

Jack Falejczyk is a pretty typical kid--he plays the violin and piano, swims and plays video games. And one more thing, Jack's blind. Read more...