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Chicago Special Parent  Summer 2012

On the cover: Abby Scott, 7, of Chicago. Photo by Katie Driscoll. See her work at 5boysand1girlmakes6.com.

  • Dads less likely to reach out to other dads for support

  • 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

    Also inside:
  • How to cope with recurring grief

  • Fit in fitness for kids with special needs

  • Tips for feeding special needs children

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    The sweet smell of success

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

    Mom realizes denial is no way to live life happily

    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...

    Tips for feeding special needs children

    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...

    Special needs stepdad

    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's many lessons

    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 less likely to reach out to other dads for support

    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...

    Fit in fitness for kids with special needs

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

    How to cope with recurring grief

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

    New Chicago Lighthouse facility building on success

    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...

    Kids with autism more isolated

    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...

    Got talent?

    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...

    Help with the iPad

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

    Local therapist pens book

    A local therapist has written a new book to help children with special needs.  Read more...

    Make a donation, get a gift

    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...

    Kids need to know

    A new powerpoint presentation helps explain Asperger's syndrome to other children in the classroom.  Read more...

    FYI: Parents create baby carrier

    A new baby carrier was designed for children with special needs.  Read more...

    Time for bed: Tips to ease the routine

    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...

    Limited no 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...

    Feeding disorder?

    For many developmentally delayed children, picky eating is a serious health problem.  Read more...

    Combine art and nature for fun day

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

    Beautiful faces

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

    When opportunity knocks

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

    New autism clinic opens

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

    Blindness can't stop boy's adventures

    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...

     

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