Resources
Animal Assisted Therapy
It has been observed that interacting with animals can reduce stress and anxiety, increase certain brain chemicals associated with healthy behavior and function, reduce depression in older adults and have a significant improvement on behavior in children . The bond created between humans and animals has been used for several decades as a therapeutic strategy to help many different issues.
Resources
Animal Assisted Therapy
It has been observed that interacting with animals can reduce stress and anxiety, increase certain brain chemicals associated with healthy behavior and function, reduce depression in older adults and have a significant improvement on behavior in children . The...
Resources by Topic
Prenatal Resources
How to Tell Family and Friends About a Prenatal Diagnosis
After receiving a prenatal diagnosis of a life-limiting condition, you will be navigating information, decisions, grief, and the inevitable experience of telling your family and friends about the diagnosis and prognosis. The idea of sharing this news and devastating reality with your network of family and friends may seem daunting, and you may not feel fully emotionally prepared for the process.
Resources for Infants, Toddlers & Kids
How to Choose Developmentally Appropriate Toys for Your Baby and Toddler
In today’s society, classic toy stores are almost obsolete! Typically, parents will turn to Walmart, Target, or Amazon to purchase toys for their child. It can be very difficult to choose the most appropriate toy for your child’s age. At Collaborative Corner for Exceptional Children, our Panelists are here to encourage the use of age appropriate toys to facilitate fine and gross motor skills as well as language development.
Caregiver Resources
Sensory Responses Versus Behavior Challenges
One of the questions I am most often asked is if a child is presenting with sensory responses or behavioral challenges. This question can be difficult to answer as oftentimes challenges with sensory experiences can result in behaviors and vice versa. The most important thing to remember in either a sensory or behavior-based situation is to provide your child with an intervention BEFORE the meltdown occurs.
Resources for Adults with Special Needs
Assistive Technology
Assistive technology is changing the ways people with disabilities can interact in the world around them. The number of students enrolled in a special education setting is increasing each year. One way educators are helping ensure that each student’s individual needs are met is through technology.
Search Diagnosis Resources
Community Stories
Emma and Abby
Meet Emma and Abby...two sisters battling one Ultra-Rare disease! Emma, now four, had her first seizure when she was only 2 months ... ...read more
Shiloh
Our sweet daughter was born two months premature with a genetic condition called Cri Du Chat Syndrome. She is missing part of the short ...read more
Sock Talk
Sock Talk: All About The Special Olympics
In this episode, we dive into the history surrounding the formation of the Special Olympics. We interview Rebecca Ralston, who is the director of the Young Athletes Program of The International Special Olympics.
Sock Talk: A Doll Like Me with Amy Jandrisevits
Amy Jandrisevits created A Doll Like Me, so kids with physical differences could love and cherish their very own doll that looked exactly like them. She personally makes each doll by hand, and to date she has raised more than $225,000 to help off set the financial burden for those who could not otherwise afford a doll.
Newsletter
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Every four and a half minutes a child is born or diagnosed with a condition parents never dreamed would be their reality. If this is you, you’re in the right place. You’re not alone.
December 2020 Newsletter
When I started Orange Socks, I wasn’t aware of the impact it would have. Not only on others, but on myself as well. I have been incredibly blessed to have this opportunity to meet so many parents and siblings who, like you, have someone in their life who has a...
November 2020 Newsletter
With the season of holidays approaching, I wanted to touch on something that I think is very pertinent during this time. In my interview with Amy Jandrisevits I mention how ignoring differences isn’t how parents want you to respond to their child who has a...
October 2020 Newsletter
Trying to get your kids to wear a mask is hard enough, but adding a sensory sensitivity makes it even more difficult. Sesame Workshop, a nonprofit whose mission is “helping kids everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder,” is working to help that. If you...