When you parent a child with special needs, it can seem the list of special needs never ends. One of the most integral services for many children is that of occupational therapy. Known in short as, OT, this therapy is a fundamental component for children with autism, but beneficial regardless of diagnosis.

Before I had a child with autism, I thought OT was given to older persons that needed to learn daily life skills. It never really occurred to me that children needed OT, but all that changed in the mid 1990’s.

I’m so excited it feels like I’m the one having a party, but it’s my son Ian’s Christmas Party that has me filled with anticipation. This is the first year I’ve used Birthdays in a Box for a Christmas party and now I can’t wait for the actual party day to arrive.

All children love letters from Santa and children with special needs enjoy the experience and wonder all the same. Most children do not receive mail, including Christmas cards, so sending your child a letter from Santa is double the treat. The best part is, it costs about five dollars!

As I write this, my cell phone is going off with text messages from my 14 year old son, who is in the school's bathroom, sending me messages saying "plz pick me up ma". This morning, my son who is picked on everyday by his peers, slipped on black ice in front of everyone and, as is the case when those things happen, the laughter and such began.

I opened my son Ian’s book bag, and I felt like someone punched me in the gut. I was overcome with conflicting emotions of happiness and devastation – all due to a worksheet he completed at school about the word: Danger.

He was so proud to show me the worksheet and explain that danger meant, “It can hurt me”. I replied by saying, “Ian, did you know what ‘danger’ meant before Mrs. C taught you?” He just replied – “danger means it can hurt me”.

A few weeks ago I ran a survey of my members, which total near 700 and I was surprised by the answer to the following question: What question do you have, but rarely ask (no matter the reason why)?

Many parents report remarkable changes in their child with special needs, after starting supplements. Often times, this is one piece of a larger intervention including dietary changes. However, many begin the process by adding vitamins to their child's diet. In particular, Vitamin C seems to provide substantial benefit to the vast majority of those that try it.

It’s almost that time of year already; Christmas and the Holiday season that is. Before we know it, we’ll be out and about shopping, followed by the dash home to hide the goods and the late nights of secretly wrapping the gifts. How fun!

Sometimes, it can be a little more difficult to choose gifts for kids with special needs – especially for extended family that doesn’t know your child very well. I know with my two boys, who have autism and Asperger syndrome, their interests can be so narrow at times, and it makes them hard to buy for.

I am holding my breath. I probably shouldn't, but I am.

My email is full of messages discussing our soon to be President, Barack Obama, and his announcement that he will reform Autism and insurance mandates; i.e. policy reform targeted at having insurance companies help pay for the cost of treating autism; at least I think that's what it means...

Many parents home school and I think even more consider it (or perhaps wish they could). As a home schooling family (at times I should add!), and as an autism consultant, I'm frequently asked about home schooling. Those interested in learning more may find the following common Questions & Answers helpful.