We’ve all been a part of moments like this, some of us more often than others:
Your child sits on one side of the table, eyeing you with suspicion. More specifically, eyeing what is in your hands. You are shielding your hands with little success, hoping that the popsicle you just gave your child a few minutes prior was a satisfactory peace offering. Your child backs away as you lean in.
I am not one to complain, but it is really hard to have something wrong with your child and not be able to fix it! Damien started his life with a complete
Some parents know instinctively that their child needs speech therapy- maybe it’s the way strangers cannot understand him or the way he struggles to get his “words out”. Other parents are encouraged by their child’s teacher to have their little one evaluated. So…what do you do once your child has been evaluated and speech therapy is recommended?
If your child has a hearing impairment or is deaf, he may struggle in a mainstream camp environment. In a camp designed for hearing children, your child may feel left out while the others chat around a dark campfire and may even be in danger if the children are expected to hear a bell or alarm. A camp designed for and aware of deaf children may be a safer, more enjoyable option.
ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a syndrome characterized by impulsivity, inattentiveness, hyperactivity and distractibility.
While many medications, generally stimulants, are in widespread use in treating children with ADHD, they can have serious side effects. Some parents of children with ADHD prefer alternative therapies to prescription drugs, although claims of health benefits are not borne out by compelling research to date.
Like adults, children can suffer from a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety. Diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders in children and teens can be especially challenging, but is critical. Untreated mental disorders in childhood do not resolve on their own and can cause difficulties at home and in school.
Medications cannot treat autism, but are sometimes used to treat symptoms associated with autism and autism spectrum disorders. Doctors treat symptoms including obsessive-compulsive behaviors, depression, anxiety and hyperactivity in children with autism using drugs developed for these conditions. Parents may also consider asking for medication to improve severe behavioral issues, including aggression, self-injury and tantrums.
A summer camp adventure provides all children with opportunities for adventure, play and learning. But if your child has Down's Syndrome, finding the right camp requires special care. You can choose an integrated camp or one designed for children with special needs; you may even opt for a camp that encourages a specific hobby or favorite sport.
While diabetes can sometimes be difficult for adults to manage, it can be even more difficult for children. With all the sweet foods and carbohydrates available, limiting sweets can pose a problem for many children with diabetes. Although your child's diabetes is a serious health condition, it doesn't mean your child can't enjoy an occasional piece of candy.
Autism presents unique challenges when it comes to learning to read. Children with autism typically have problems focusing, learning to decode words and problems with motivation. An International Journal of Special Education article states high-functioning autistic children have the skills in place to learn to read, though those skills are delayed. Choosing the right teaching method can clear the way for your child to learn to read.
