Special Needs

Article at a Glance

• Autism is a neurological disorder that has gained increased attention over the last decade.
• Because autism is a spectrum disorder no two children share identical symptoms or severity.
• Learning to recognize and support children on the spectrum can help them feel more comfortable.

Article at a Glance

• Siblings of kids with special needs have unique needs.
• Give siblings room to be children and keep an open dialogue about their feelings.
• Explore other resources and organizations targeted for siblings.

Article at a Glance

• Be familiar with and realistic about your child’s strengths and weakness before attending the IEP.
• Talk beforehand to your child’s teachers about challenges in the classroom and any solutions.
• Be patient with yourself and your team. It takes time and experience to develop good negotiation skills and relationships with the professionals involved in your child’s education.

Article at a Glance

• Learning the purpose of an IEP, and some of the common terms used, can help parents feel more confident during an IEP meeting.
• Always review your child’s IEP to make sure nothing was left out from the meeting.
• Follow up on your child’s IEP during the school year by keeping in touch with your case manager and your child’s teachers.

• An IEP differs from a 504 plan and requires progress tracking.
• In Utah, your pediatrician may be able to help speed the evaluation process with a letter of diagnosis.
• It's important to learn your rights under your state's laws before your IEP meeting.

• Effectively managing your own emotions will make it easier to respond to your child's anxiety.
• Things like coping skills, mindfulness, support systems, and planning ahead can take a lot of the stress out of your life.
• Remember not to take your child's behavior or anxiety personally.

Article at-a-glance

• Keep homework sessions predictable and realistic.
• Learn your child's strengths and find ways to leverage those strengths when studying.
• Communicate with teachers and find what resources may be available to you at home.

Article at a Glance Keep things as familiar as possible by sticking to a routine and incorporating familiar toys, experiences, and foods. Keep your expectations and itinerary realistic. Find out ahead of time what special accommodations may be available for your child at amusement parks, attractions, and the airport.   At first, taking a family … Continue reading “10 travel tips for children with autism”

Dr. R. Mitchell Adams recently appeared on KBYU Eleven’s Community Connection to discuss the importance of early intervention for child developmental issues. He covers what parents can look for and how regular child wellness visits can help spot any issues. Community Connection is an original series that features non-profit organizations throughout the state of Utah. … Continue reading “Dr. Adams speaks about developmental issues on KBYU Eleven’s Community Connection”