During the COVID-19 outbreak, families across the country are practicing social distancing, quarantining, and isolation. Children are home from school and parents are home from work. For parents, this can mean planning activities to keep their kids busy at home when they aren’t in school. Why is self-care important? According to a recent article in…
Going to the movies can be stressful for children with autism, sensory processing disorders, or developmental disabilities. Things like theater lighting, the volume of the movie, and having to sit still quietly may cause distress. This often causes families with children with developmental disabilities to leave a movie early or decide against going to the…
Independence Day can be an exciting holiday for children of all ages and abilities. Firework shows, parades, barbecues, festivals, and many other fun activities can create an action-packed celebration. But for children with sensory processing disorders, the commotion can be more upsetting than entertaining. To prepare for Independence Day with your child, we’ve compiled a…
Much like expectant parents, grandparents-to-be often assume that the baby they so eagerly await will be healthy and free of any significant challenges. When that turns out not to be the case – when a grandchild is diagnosed with a disability or injury – it can be very distressing. Grandparents may also feel confused about…
Children with developmental disabilities often struggle to interact with their peers. Many experience difficulty understanding nonverbal communication such as social cues and body language. It is important to have realistic expectations for your child’s level of socialization because social interaction can induce anxiety more for some children than for others. Some questions to ask yourself…
Parents of children with developmental disabilities or autism often encounter many obstacles when trying to provide their child with a balanced diet that they won’t reject. Parents often discover that their child has an affinity for or detests certain foods. Their food preferences often fit into one of these four categories: Sweet Salty Sour Bitter…
Traveling with a disability can be overwhelming, but can be made more easily accessible for people with a variety of disabilities by following some tips and getting help from well-informed groups and travel agencies. 8 Tips for Traveling with a Disability Discuss the trip with your doctor. Make sure you specify where you will be…
In recent years, software companies and parents have worked to develop many apps that utilize modern technology such as iPhones and iPads for the benefit of people with cerebral palsy. Technology is not a one-fits-all approach for all types of disabilities, but it can help some people with disabilities to better connect with the world…
The diagnosis of a birth injury following childbirth is understandably shocking and painful for new parents. Many parents don’t expect lingering emotional pain after the fact. However, many new parents do feel these emotions; according to an article on HealthyChildren.org. Parents commonly experience anger, guilt, fear, loss, and powerlessness after learning that their newborn requires…
Every new parent experiences a flood of new emotions on delivery day. While these feelings often include a blend of excitement, nerves, and joy, delivery day is almost always a day of celebration. However, learning your baby is headed to the NICU upon delivery is incredibly tough for new parents. At Reiter & Walsh ABC…
