DFWChild September 2020 by DFWChild

MEET MOM NEXT DOOR DR. DANIKA FRANKS S E P T E M B E R 2020

HOW TO RAISE AN ETHICAL KID

HELP YOUR KID FIND A HOBBY

+ THE WAY FORWARD WHEN YOU BELIEVE YOUR CHILD HAS AUTISM

INSIDE: SPECIAL NEEDS ISSUE

Your recovery is our game.

John Christoforetti, M.D.; Katherine Kester, M.D.; Andrew Parker, M.D.

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pages / S E P T E M B E R

2020

13 CHILD + SPECIAL NEEDS

DEPARTMENTS NOTED 9 The Right Track

We all want our kids to stand up for what’s right—and parents can encourage it

REAL MOMS 13 Mom Next Door / Danika Franks How the North Texas physician and educator tackles challenges from at- home schooling to dyslexia to racism

ABOVE // Dr. Danika Franks, an assistant dean at the TCU and UNTHSC School of Medicine, says her kids “really, really, really love living in Fort Worth.”

FEATURE 20 Joining the Spectrum

ON THE COVER

Autism diagnoses are more common than ever—here is a guide to your first steps if you think your child might be on the spectrum words Alexis Patterson

16 18

Briefs / Doctor’s Orders

Our Mom Next Door shares advice for learning technology, safety and more

Routines / Rebecca Lively

Whether she’s baking “8 million cookies” or on video calls to the court house, this Denton County mom and attorney stays busy

PEOPLE + PLACES 35 Breaking Down Barriers

This DFW organization is fostering compassion and empathy for people with disabilities

KID CULTURE 55 Hobby Shopping

Soap making? Rock collecting? How to help your child find a pastime

SPECIAL NEEDS

FRANKS FAMILY: NICK PRENDERGAST; AUTISM: ©ISTOCK; ; MOM TRUTH: MARY DUNN

39 Mom Next Door / Amanda Lang 42

Since her daughter was diagnosed with Rett syndrome, this Dallas mom has learned to roll with the punches

Briefs / Joie de Vivre

Amanda Lang’s favorite shops, writers and ways to spend time with family

44 Routines / Lori Eason This mom balances work and meeting the needs of her son with autism Cover Kid: Veda, 8 Photography: Cindy James / Alyssa Pizer Management Art Direction/Styling: Heather Vance Devers

47 Take Note / Stand-Up Pups

Could your child use a service dog?

52 Take Note / Working ARD

How the pandemic is affecting special education decisions and services

COLUMNS

6 Hello / A Wild Ride

When we pictured 2020, it wasn’t this words Heather Vance Devers 62 Confessions / Mom Truths Funny and heartwarming parenting moments to remember dfwchild.com / september 2020

hello / E D I T O R ’ S

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ABOVE // Heather Vance Devers in her home with her daughter, Betty, and son, Jude. Facebook

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a wild ride

N THIS CRAZY WORLD of COVID parenting, it seems like we’re on a roller coaster with twists and turns that just keep coming. I can safely say that when we all pondered what 2020 would bring, this was not what any of us envisioned. I saw a meme the other day that said, “We all stayed up until midnight and cheered with champagne for this?!” It gave me a much-needed laugh. It’s been a tough year; there is no denying it. When the pandemic hit in March, we naively thought we would hunker down for a few weeks and COVID would pass. Now, in September, it’s hard to even predict when things may go back to normal. Part of me believes that this is the new normal—maybe not virtual schooling or travel restrictions, but I think our eyes have opened to how careless we were about viruses previously. Sure, we washed our hands and stayed home when we were sick. But if you were to wear a mask to the grocery store before this, people would probably give you a side-eye and assume you were a germaphobe. We took our temperature only if we suspected a fever, and social distancing was something for introverts. Isn’t it wild how quickly the norm changes? With the unpredictable ride we’ve had this year, who knows what 2021 will bring? I keep thinking about the advice I would go back and give “early quarantine me.” While I would definitely tell her to stock up on bleach wipes and toilet paper in February, I would also tell her that’s it’s going to be OK. Yes, you can virtual school your daughter, work and take care of your 2-year-old. Yes, you will survive being physically separated from your friends and family. Video calls will become your lifeline, giving you a way to share laughs and glasses of wine with loved ones. You will get used to wearing a mask, and with practice, so will your kids. Yes, you will know people who get the virus. Some will get very sick and others will get not much more than a cough. I think the most important advice that I would give “early quarantine me” is to find time to breathe. There will be people, tasks and responsibilities coming at you from all angles, but if you don’t find time to breathe, you won’t be able to help anyone or anything. Especially yourself.

Be well,

Heather Vance Devers 6

september 2020 / dfwchild.com

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KORENA BOLDING SINNETT

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CHILD + SPECIAL NEEDS

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noted.

THE RIGHT TRACK raising kids with moral courage

WORDS

ALEXIS PATTERSON

DENTON COUNTY BOY NAMED BLAKE LEONARD made headlines not too long ago after he found a bank bag containing $4,000 in cash and checks in a parking lot. He immediately told his dad they should turn it in, and the pair headed off to the Flower Mound Police Department to do just that. The owner, tracked down just hours later, was beyond grateful for the money’s return; it ended up belonging to a youth sports league. In media interviews, then-11-year-old Blake said simply that turning in the money was the right thing to do. We’d all like to think our children would have the same reaction. But kids are … kids. Much is made of the fact that the area of the brain that controls higher functions doesn’t fully develop until adulthood. (And even so, there are plenty of adults out there who wouldn’t have done what Blake did.) So how do we foster moral courage in our kiddos? dfwchild.com / september 2020

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RIGHT TRACK

START ’EM YOUNG A child’s actions don’t need to make the news in order to demonstrate that they’re living a “do the right thing” kind of life. They can show honesty, integrity, kindness and related qualities in their day-to-day activities. Colleyville mom Michelle Carter takes great pride in 11-year-old daughter Priscilla’s empathy for children around her. “She stands up for new kids in school,” says Carter. “We’ve moved around, so Priscilla knows how it feels. One day, she saw a new girl at recess alone, and she went and talked to her so she wouldn’t be by herself.” Carter thinks her daughter came by that care for others naturally. “Priscilla has always noticed people in the world who need our help,” she explains. Still, it’s a quality Carter and her husband praise and encourage. “We try to foster those emotions in our children and give them the tools to help others.” For their family, that means regular volunteer work. (Carter established the group Little Helpers of Dallas/ Fort Worth after Priscilla sought ways to contribute to the community.) Volunteering is one way—and a great way—to start developing these characteristics in your child, according to Sam McCage, Ph.D., manager of behavioral health at Cook Children’s. But he notes that before kids can even walk, you have a job to do. Children begin absorbing lessons about behavior “from infancy,” says McCage. “Even babies pick up on tone of voice or tension in the room. While they are still nonverbal, they can see and sense how we react to situations.” As your little grows, there are a variety of ways to introduce and reinforce concepts such as respecting different opinions and making a positive impact on others. McCage suggests reading your preschooler picture

books that have an element of moral courage (see sidebar, below right, for some of our picks); involving the whole family in volunteer projects, as the Carters do; discussing scenes on TV where honesty and integrity come up, and asking your child what they would do; and with teenagers, watching the news and talking about what you see. It’s all about taking advantage of daily activities. “[Look] for teachable moments,” McCage explains. “It is habit-forming and will come more naturally to them as they mature.” STAND UP, STAND UP Toni Randle-Cook’s 7-year-old daughter has no problem intervening when she sees an injustice. “Ansley saw a little boy using a toy alligator to hit another child. She approached the boy and told him, ‘Stop!’” recalls the Arlington mom. In this case, it didn’t have the intended effect: “The boy turned around and hit her!” says Randle-Cook. “Ansley then took it above the bully and went to tell the teacher.” Letting a trusted adult know what’s happening is one of the recommendations of the AntiDefamation League when it comes to being an ally and not a bystander in a bad situation. “We have to share with our kids that being an ally isn’t always easy, but it’s important,” says Sherasa Thomas, the ADL’s education director for the Texoma region. Thomas offers these tips for children seeking to be an ally to someone being bullied: • Support the target, whether you know them or not. “Show compassion and encouragement to those who are targets of bullying behavior by asking if they’re OK, going with them to get help and letting them know you are there for them,” notes Thomas. “Ask what else you can do.” • Don’t participate. “This is a really easy way to be an ally because it doesn’t require you to actually do anything, just to not do certain things—like laugh, stare or cheer for the bad

“YOU CAN TEACH WITH YOUR WORDS, BUT CHILDREN WILL LEARN BEST IF THEY SEE YOU MODEL HONESTY AND INTEGRITY.”

CARING HANDS: ©ISTOCK; ©ISTOCK RUTHIE AND THE (NOT SO) TEENY TINY LIE: BLOOMSBURY USA CHILDRENS; HOW TO HEAL A BROKEN WING: CANDLEWICK

noted / T H E

behavior,” says Thomas. By not participating, “you are sending a message that the behavior is not funny and you are not OK with it.” • Tell aggressors to stop. “If it feels safe, tell the person behaving disrespectfully to cut it out,” Thomas says. • Inform an adult. “Sometimes you may need extra help to stop the bullying. Telling an adult when you see someone engaged in bullying is never ‘tattling’ or ‘snitching,’” states Thomas. “And remember, bullying happens online and through cell phones too. Online and offline, do your part to help others.” Of course, the best way to ensure your child has these sensibilities is to do your part as a parent. McCage explains, “You can teach with your words, but children will learn best if they see you model honesty and integrity, inclusion and standing up for what is right.”

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By the Book Children’s books are a great way to get conversations going with your kiddos about topics of moral courage. Here are some of our favorites:

The Dallas Arboretum is a non-profit organization supported, in part, by funds from Dallas Park & Recreation.

Ruthie and the (Not So) Teeny Tiny Lie by Laura Rankin: A little fox finds a treasure that she’s desperate to keep, so she claims that it’s hers—and discovers what a guilty conscience feels like. The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig; illustrations by Patrice Barton: This story encourages children to notice the quiet kids who might get overlooked. It includes discussion points and other recommended reading. How to Heal a Broken Wing by Bob Graham: This book shows how one kid can make a difference. A Bike Like Sergio’s by Maribeth Boelts; illustrations by Noah Z. Jones: When Ruben finds a $100 bill, a new bike is finally in reach. What will he do? The Spiffiest Giant in Town by Julia Donaldson; illustrations by Axel Scheffler: A giant in need acquires new clothes—but learns that generosity has rewards.

dfwchild.com / september 2020

real moms. RÉSUMÉ

Danika Franks loves helping her kids as they get older and come to her "with their real problems and real needs."

AGE 41 LIVES IN Fort Worth. “We recently bought a house and renovated it. So I have been enjoying my design skills. My mom gave me an appreciation for beautiful things in your space and how that can boost your well-being.” TRAINED IN Emergency medicine CAREER Assistant Dean for Student Affairs at the TCU and UNT Health Science Center School of Medicine ALMA MATERS Midwestern State University; University of Texas Southwestern Medical School SIGNIFICANT OTHER Husband Chauncey, the TCU-FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) Life & Character Coach KIDS Eli, 10, Eden, 9, and Elle, 6

STETHOSCOPE: NOUN PROJECT

mom next door /

DANIKA FRANKS the doctor is in

WORDS

ALEXIS PATTERSON

PHOTOGRAPHY

NICK PRENDERGAST

ANIKA FRANKS HAS THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS in many facets of her life. She grew up in a military family and had a chance to see a variety of countries and cultures; today she’s happily rooted in her Fort Worth neighborhood. And she followed her lifelong dream of becoming a doctor— then discovered an opportunity to combine her passion for medicine with her skills as an educator. Oh, and her interest in interior design? She’s been able to indulge that too through a home renovation, all while raising three thoughtful children with her husband Chauncey—amid a pandemic and a national conversation on race and justice. What drew you to medicine? When I was young, I didn’t love school. Then there was one week in third grade when my teacher gave us an overview of the human body. I remember showing up every single day and having this amazing fascination with what I dfwchild.com / september 2020

real moms

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/ MOM NEXT DOOR

was learning. When that week was over, I went back to being bored. Medicine for me was just so natural. It was ingrained. It’s just who I was meant to be. You worked as an emergency medicine physician before becoming a dean at the TCU and UNTHSC Medical School. What about education interested you? After I was accepted into medical school, I felt like I needed to get some more life perspective before embarking on such a serious part of my training. So I deferred my entrance to medical school for a year, and then I needed to find a job. I thought about teaching, because I had a biology and chemistry background. I decided maybe high school would be the best fit. Fortunately, Dallas had a need that year for teachers. Even if you didn’t have a teaching background, they would give you the additional training you needed. I learned some amazing lessons that year. Without that experience, I don’t think I would have recognized that one of the things I love most in life is teaching. It truly is probably one of my strongest gifts, and it is one of the things that gives me the most fulfillment. How has your interest in education influenced your children? It’s amazing for my husband and me to see what is in our children’s minds—things that weren’t even part of what we understood the world to be like when we were kids. My parents both graduated high school and did some college but decided that wasn’t for them; they really made careers for themselves by joining the military. I had the privilege to attend an institution of higher learning and to have a professional degree. Between that and my husband’s education as well as his role in working with collegiate athletes, higher education is on our children’s minds. We’ll hear our oldest share, “I’m going to get a master’s in this.” He already understands the construct of how education works and its benefits. We consider that a real joy. And we’re navigating some really beautiful and complex things with our children as it pertains to learning. For example, we discovered in the past year that my son has dyslexia. We’ve really been working with him to embrace the

way his mind works. He’s learning how to work through how mainstream school sometimes doesn’t quite fit the way his brain operates. That doesn’t make him bad or incapable; it just makes him different. What has it been like balancing your professional role with teaching your children during virtual learning? Starting in the spring, my husband and I shared those responsibilities. I took Monday while he worked; he took Tuesday while I worked. And when we needed to, we taught them at night so we could maintain our Zoom calls and everything we needed to do during the day. It was definitely a juggling act, like it was for so many professionals across the country. This school year, our children are going virtually until at least Sept. 28. We are looking to create a more defined workspace for the kids and to better align our schedules as parents to support their tasks in the daytime as much as possible. Also, we are going to emphasize more reading for enjoyment for the kids. Increasing their reading fluency will keep them moving forward as we navigate online instruction. We are also going to extend ourselves more grace, because working remotely from home and schooling from home is hard! Are your kids handling the pandemic situation well? They’re loving seeing Mom and Dad at home more; they’re still struggling with not understanding that Mom and Dad aren’t always as available to them, even though we’re at home. At the beginning of the pandemic, with Zoom calls, I would really try to hush the kids, get them in the other room, try to make things as quiet in my home office as possible. But I think as a country and really as a world, as we grapple with having to be professionals from home, we have to be more understanding. Sometimes I’m on a Zoom call and my kids are in the next room having an epic fight. So maybe I have to say to my colleagues, “Hey, I have to go break up a fight really quick.” This morning, my youngest just needed to sit in my lap. And so she sat in my lap while I took my call. We just have to find more creative ways to be efficient and make sure that we’re still putting out an

“THIS SCHOOL YEAR [WE ARE] GOING TO EXTEND OURSELVES MORE GRACE, BECAUSE WORKING REMOTELY FROM HOME AND SCHOOLING FROM HOME IS HARD!”

FRANKS FAMILY: NICK PRENDERGAST

ABOVE // Danika Franks has loved each stage of parenthood. “This is the age when they’re all playing with each other. It has been sweet.”

exceptional work product. How have you helped your kids process what’s happening in terms of the national attention on race and justice? These are conversations we’ve been having with our children for a while. We are a Black family. We live in a predominantly white neighborhood. My children are typically the only children of color in their classes, and we’re having really big conversations with them around what it means to be Black in America and how to help them navigate that—how to help them understand the beauty of their heritage and how to be proud of who we are, while still having to navigate some of their own circumstances. My son was playing basketball a few years back with some kids, and they were playing shirts and skins. He was told that he couldn’t play “skins” because his skin is a different color. So kids have real problems and real things that they’re addressing. They have real things that we have to sit down with them about on a daily basis. How have recent events affected what you’re talking about with them? What we’re doing is responsibly giving them context for what is happening in our nation. No, we don’t sit them in front of the television and let them watch the news. But yes, we tell them what is happening and give explanations. For example, we’ve talked about the recent death of George Floyd with my older two. We talked with my son, in particular, about Ahmaud Arbery and his death as he was just jogging through a neighborhood. Some of that is in the context of the injustice. Some of it is in the context of raising a Black son to help him to understand the world that we are in as we try to change it. How do you try to change things? My husband and I have had a lot of amazing conversations with our own community. We endeavor to help shed light on how we as Black people are impacted, even as professionals in Fort Worth. As a Black doctor, I’ve walked into the room and had patients say that they didn’t want me to treat them because of my race. When we first moved to Fort Worth, somebody called the police on Chauncey because he was sitting in his car waiting for our dogs at PetSmart, and they thought he looked suspicious. So we want our community to understand that we too are on the receiving end of both implicit and explicit biases. Unfortunately, those things happen every day. Do you have hope for real change? I do have hope for a more empathetic, conscientious and celebratory society—where I as a Black woman, my beautiful Black family and Black people are fully seen and equally valued alongside all our fellow humans. Some of my hope is rooted in aspirations for what our current world can be, framed in the bright eyes of my children; as a Christian, most of my hope is rooted in what is yet to come and what lives on eternally. dfwchild.com / september 2020

BRIEFS

DOCTOR’S ORDERS

TO P FI R S T-A I D TI P

danika franks’ family favorites INTERVIEW

FAVO R ITE FA M I LY O UTI N G S

g “We really enjoy the Fort Worth Zoo as well as Casa Mañana. While living in Collin County, we frequently would take the kids to Arbor Hills Nature Preserve. It has awesome trails, and they also have a playground that’s a perfect before- or after-hike treat for the kids. We also lived in Dallas and love Klyde Warren Park. Even after our move to Fort Worth, we routinely head back to visit.” FORT WORTH ZOO // 1989 Colonial Parkway, Fort Worth; fortworthzoo.org CASA MAÑANA THEATRE // 3101 W. Lancaster Ave., Fort Worth;

casamanana.org ARBOR HILLS NATURE PRESERVE // 6701 W. Parker Road, Plano; plano.gov KLYDE WARREN PARK // 2012 Woodall Rodgers Freeway, Dallas; klydewarrenpark.org

P OS T-PA N D EM I C VAC ATI O N

WE LOVE ALL THINGS OSMO! OSMO IS A WONDERFULLY CREATIVE AND IMAGINATIVE PLATFORM THAT INTERACTS WITH YOUR CHILD AND PROVIDES POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT. WE PARTICULARLY LOVE THE TANGRAM GAME.

OSMO EDUCATIONAL GAMES SYSTEM // playosmo.com

‘‘

MY ADVICE— REMAIN ORIENTED TOWARD THE PREVENTION OF INJURIES. HOME CHILD-PROOFING, SAFETY PLANS FOR YOUR HOME, PROPER CAR-SEAT SELECTION AND USE AS WELL AS WEARING SEATBELTS ARE AMONG THE MOST IMPORTANT ACTIONS TO TAKE FOR INJURY PREVENTION.

B E AUT Y PRO D U C T O F CH O I CE

“We promised my son that for his 10th birthday we would take him to a place of his choosing. He chose Egypt!”

“Beautycounter Countermatch Adaptive Moisture Lotion. It leaves my skin moisturized and not too oily. I love Beautycounter products overall for their safer and healthier ingredients.”

H OW TH E Y G I V E BACK

g “My husband’s role as the TCU-FCA character coach has given us some amazing opportunities to pour into the student athlete community over the last 10 years. Additionally, I have had the honor of serving on the Programs and Services Committee for the Young Women’s Leadership Academy (YWLA) in Fort Worth. I am amazed by these powerful and remarkable young women and consider it an honor to serve in this capacity. I also have the privilege of joining the YWLA board in September.” TCU FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN ATHLETES // tcufca.org YOUNG WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP ACADEMY // fwisd.org/ywla

september 2020 / dfwchild.com

INTERACTIVE GAME: MYOSMO; PLAY: CASA MAÑANA; EGYPT: ©ISTOCK; MOISTURE LOTION: BEAUTYCOUNTER

B E S T E D U C ATI O N TECH N O LO GY FO R KI DS

ALEXIS PATTERSON

‘‘

real moms /

Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 11amâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;4pm

Follow details on Facebook at: And at dfwchild.com/babyday Register for the event and to win giveaways at dfwchild.com/babyday

real moms

/ ROUTINES many times you do the dishes. Returning to work, I make a public records request, conference with the district attorney’s office, write a letter to a client and have a client conference via Zoom. Then I head outside. We have a garden that my neighbor and I both work on. It has taken years to turn it into anything worth the labor, but it has finally exploded with the most beautiful vegetables and herbs. It is where I go to escape the chaos of my house. Today I harvest about 24 tomatoes and tons of herbs.

REBECCA LIVELY Defense attorney Rebecca Lively makes her home in the Denton County community of Argyle, but her namesake law firm handles criminal cases across the Metroplex. When she’s not conferring with clients or appearing before a judge over video call (a sign of the COVID times), Lively is spending time with the three guys in her life: husband Eric—they’ve been happily wed for 15 years—and sons Lucas, 11, and Hunter, 10.

:30AM Wake up, check work email, respond to any client emergencies from overnight. Coffee, hugs, food. MidCOVID pandemic, our days definitely look different than they used to. My husband, who once traveled more than 50% of the time for his job in telecommunications, now works 100% from home. I used to be in court multiple days a week and now handle most of that via Zoom—but I still have to make some visits to the courthouse and jail. So we look at our schedules to see who has what and plan our day. 8AM More coffee, please. As a family we have decided that our boys will be spending at least the first nine weeks of school learning virtually, so we are in the process of creating learning areas in the house. That is going to be our main goal today, outside of our other jobs, so I check to make sure all the deliveries have arrived. I get in 15 minutes of yoga … need some deep breathing. 9AM Check in with my family. They are all frontline workers, from my mom (a travel nurse currently in Miami) to my sister (a pediatric surgeon in New York). I text with them daily to make sure they are OK and weathering the stress. I send funny memes or pictures of the boys and little stories of our days. I know they are exhausted; they know I am very worried about them. Last of the coffee, I promise. 10AM Dishes! Amazing when you are all home— four humans, eating three meals a day—how

12PM We rearrange Hunter’s bedroom for virtual learning with his new desk, bookshelves, lights, alternative seating and whiteboard calendar. Email with district attorney, negotiate felony plea offer, read and make notes on material for a case. 1PM Continue rearranging Hunter’s room and build shelves in Lucas’ room to support his virtual learning. And I have to update the chore chart. We have a chore chart where the boys earn and spend internet time like money—I forgot to add that Hunter did laundry. 2PM I research a drug rehab program for a client and do a Zoom conference with the client and their family, then set up a cookie-baking-slashmath lesson with Hunter. He is going to double the recipe so we’re working on fractions. Before we can start the cookies, I finish off the roasted tomato sauce and put it in the fridge for tomorrow. 3PM Bake cookies with Hunter and make a gigantic mess in the kitchen. He insists on tasting as we go—so he tastes the sugar, then the sugar and butter together, then the batter, then the chocolate chips, the cookie dough. I swear this kid had eaten at least six cookies’ worth of ingredients before even one was in the oven! I email with the court then text with my mom and my sister. Arrange a playdate and pitching lessons for Lucas. 4PM Bake more cookies, clean up cookie mess because there is flour everywhere, check work email, clean kitchen. (Didn’t I do that like four times today??) 5PM Finish baking cookies by myself. Because we made a double batch, there are eight dozen cookies to be baked, and by now Hunter has completely lost interest. Clean the living area, set the dinner table. My in-laws arrive early for dinner.

Diaries are penned by moms (and dads) in the North Texas area. The authors volunteer to share a day of their choosing and are not paid or endorsed by DFWChild. Send your diary to editorial@dfwchild.com. All submissions are subject to editing and may be cut for space. 18

september 2020 / dfwchild.com

LIVELY FAMILY: AMANDA CROW PHOTOGRAPHY

a tuesday in the life of

11AM I’ve decided to make roasted tomato sauce with the tomatoes from the garden and watch Gov. Abbott’s news conference at the same time. Once the sauce is in the oven, I have a conference with a client’s brother, do some legal research, send emails to the district attorney, read and summarize police reports, have more conferences with clients. Then I make a quick lunch for the boys, make sure they have made their beds and cleaned their rooms (eventually taking away video game controllers to ensure it’s all done). Teach Hunter how to start a load of laundry; Lucas does a quick pickup of the living room.

the fine

WHAT SHE’S READING Everything. I love to read. I just finished American Dirt, Mexican Gothic and Let’s Pretend This Never Happened. FAVORITE DATE NIGHT SPOT Keiichi in Denton GUARANTEED TO MAKE HER LAUGH My husband. He’s hysterical, even after we’ve been together for 20 years. GUARANTEED TO MAKE HER CRY I am a “fixer,” so when I am extremely frustrated and do not have the power to fix something, that is very personal to me. FIRST CELEBRITY CRUSH Joey McIntyre from New Kids On The Block

PODCAST

BIGGEST PET PEEVE

Dishonesty. Actions speak louder than words. MOTHERHOOD IN FIVE WORDS Remember to trust your gut. WHAT SHE DOES WHEN LIFE GETS STRESSFUL Breathe. This is just a season. You will survive all your feelings. SHE’S INSPIRED BY People who offer grace, people who laugh really loud, good parents, intentional actors, smart decisions, thoughtful choices and sincere apologies.

My husband gets home with pizzas, and we open some wine and finally sit down.

AMERICAN DIRT: MACMILLAN PUBLISHERS; JOEY MCINTYRE: SONY LEGACY

6PM We eat as a family, discussing anything and everything. Papa O, Eric and Lucas run down the street to practice baseball for 30 minutes. Grandma and Hunter play basketball. I sit in silence at the table and finish my glass of wine. 7PM I clean the kitchen (please let this be the last time) and take a video call from my lovely high school friend in New York. We laugh over fantastically creative gag gifts we’ve been sending back and forth since coronavirus. Hers was delivered today; it was a blue metal chicken. I go and sit on the back patio with my family. We laugh at the boys performing jokes. 8PM Grandparents leave. We clean up the patio and direct the boys to shower. I put away 8 million cookies and double-check my schedule for tomorrow. I lay out supplies needed for my son’s math placement test in the morning. Make sure I closed the garage, holler at the boys for the third time to shower, and rotate a load of laundry. 9PM Check work email and send a quick response to the court. Wash my face, kiss my boys goodnight, lie down and pick up my most recent book; most likely will fall asleep reading it. This was a good day.

INTRODUCING THE DFWCHILD PODCAST Check out the lineup of the September DFWChild podcast. You’ll learn more about an important update about a childhood disease called AFM, maintaining a healthy marriage, and finding and nurturing mom friendships.

New podcast episodes arriving bi-weekly starting September 2nd

DOWNLOAD + SUBSCRIBE

on Spotify, Google, Stitcher, and Apple Podcasts

dfwchild.com / september 2020

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Autism diagnoses are more common than ever— here is a guide to your first steps if you think your child might be on the spectrum WORDS ALEXIS PATTERSON

BOY: ©ISTOCK

LEXA WATT REALIZED SOMETHING WAS DIFFERENT

with her son Trace at his 18-month checkup. “There is a questionnaire aimed at screening for developmental and social delays,” the Fort Worth mom explains. “He was supposed to be saying multiple words, pointing to things and expressing his wants and needs with words or vocalizations of some kind. I was pretty surprised, because he said only ‘Mama’ and ‘Dada’ and occasionally ‘ba-ba.’ He did not have any other words and rarely pointed at things.” The pediatrician didn’t necessarily suspect autism spectrum disorder but still recommended a referral. Watt and her husband decided to wait until after their next baby was born—Watt was almost through her second pregnancy—to see if Trace acquired more language. He didn’t. “Again, I shrugged it off,” Watt recalls. “There was a new baby in the house, and that rocked his world. I thought, Some kids don’t talk until 3 or 4, right? I guess I was always questioning what we should have been doing, but in the postpartum haze we kept putting it off. If I’m being honest, a big part of that was not wanting to admit something wasn’t right.” The family received an initial diagnosis of a significant speech delay. Trace plateaued in speech therapy, and sensory symptoms begin to appear. He was finally diagnosed with autism shortly before he turned 4; he’s now 5. “Trace is an extraordinary, loving child with an amazing mind,” says Watt. “Socially, we have a lot of work to do.”

EARLY SIGNS

The road Watt is now walking has been traveled by many parents, including Frisco mom Monica Piper. She first suspected a difference in the development of her son Shawn, now 17, when he was about 9 months old. “We had three neighbors with children about the same age, and the kids were starting to babble more, interact more and really looking at things. None of that was happening with Shawn,” Piper recalls. Signs of autism usually appear early, as they did in Shawn. “Most parents report noticing symptoms before 2 years of age, with many reporting symptoms before the age of 1,” notes Clinton Smith, a licensed psychologist who works in the Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities at Children’s Health and as an assistant professor in UT Southwestern’s psychiatry department. Some children with autism hit their milestones and then regress, which often happens at ages 18–24 months. In that case, Smith says, a child may lose most of their words and become disengaged. Other kids on the spectrum don’t hit their milestones in the first place. By 12 months, if a child is not babbling, not using gestures such as pointing, not smiling at those around them, and not responsive to or interested in others, the chance for an autism diagnosis increases. Shawn Piper displayed all these signs. At 18 months, most neurotypical children use at least single words, and by 2 years, they use two-word phrases. Shawn did not. “He didn’t say his first word until past 3 years old,” says Piper. Even simply uttering words isn’t enough. “The language has to be dfwchild.com / september 2020

LATE BLOOMERS

While both Watt and Piper received diagnoses before their boys reached kindergarten, an autism diagnosis can come later. Shelly Parrill says her son Aaron was speaking in full sentences at 15 months, and everything seemed fine in his younger years. But behavior problems surfaced when Aaron was 4 years old. Starting kindergarten in his Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD neighborhood school was a “nightmare” because of Aaron’s issues, recalls Parrill. Aaron initially received a diagnosis of “emotional disturbance.” In first grade, he began developing tics, such as coughing and making a “hee-haw” sound. He was also continually chewing on his shirt. Though Parrill says Aaron was extremely smart, his academic performance dropped. And the behavior issues escalated to include throwing chairs in the classroom. While Aaron was receiving life skills therapy from a local center, Parrill pulled him from class to homeschool him. During this time, he received another diagnosis: pervasive developmental disorder – not otherwise specified. Aaron returned to public school in a special education program, and district specialists told Parrill they believed her son had Asperger’s (now termed high-functioning autism) when he 22

september 2020 / dfwchild.com

was in third or fourth grade. Smith says it’s common for children who are high-functioning to not receive their autism diagnosis until an older age. They may meet developmental milestones as a baby, then later show signs. Children with high-functioning autism “may re-enact commercials or other things they see in media, with few attempts at spontaneous, imaginative play,” explains Smith. “They tend to echo others’ speech and are highly routine-oriented.”

parents, according to René Riek, the district’s director of special education and dyslexia. The evaluations are free. Still, it’s common for parents to also consult a health provider. “The school district typically completes an evaluation for eligibility to receive special education services under the designation of autism spectrum disorder. This is not a diagnosis of autism,” says Smith. “Parents who wish for their child to receive services or governmental supports will need medical confirmation.” FIRST STEPS

“I wish I could say ‘Trust your gut,’ but honestly, with autism, our parenting instincts can sometimes lead us astray.” Some children on the spectrum are also very rules-oriented. “Other children may view them as a ‘tattle-tale,’ or they may be able to be only a leader or only a follower in play, and not switch roles,” Smith adds. He goes on to say that these kiddos may have trouble responding to social cues, and it can be tough to redirect them from a favorite topic. Older, more high-functioning children on the spectrum may have their symptoms identified in school. But schools can play an important role in assessing younger children too. Most public school districts have an early childhood team that is tasked with evaluating kids nearing their third birthday through age 5 for developmental issues. Referrals for evaluations could come from day cares or private schools; in HEB ISD, most evaluation requests come from

If you think your child might have autism, your first step is to document your concerns. “What are you noticing?” asks Smith. “When do you notice it? How often is it happening? Videos of the behavior can be helpful.” Bring that information to your pediatrician, who can refer your family to a specialty clinic. Smith says there is some misinformation—even among medical and mental health professionals—that formal testing for autism is appropriate only after the age of 3. “This is incorrect. The testing instruments used in autism evaluations can be used at 12 months of age, and we can give the diagnosis as early as need be,” he states. At Shawn Piper’s 9-month checkup, his pediatrician gave his mom the name of a developmental pediatrician—a specialist for children with developmental, learning or behavioral issues. Around the age of 2, Shawn underwent a full assessment. “They said, ‘We can’t rule in or rule out autism,’” says Piper. “They started by recommending six months of therapy and then reassessing.” Speech therapy, occupational therapy, music therapy, play therapy—Piper and her husband did every kind of treatment offered for Shawn at that time. “Then they did another evaluation, and he received the autism diagnosis.” Shawn was about 2½ years old. For the Pipers, the diagnosis process was fairly swift and straightforward. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen. Aaron Parrill, remember, went through two different diagnoses before his autism was recognized in elementary school. And Alexa Watt’s son Trace received only a diagnosis of speech delay when he was 2, after what Watt calls a “cursory” assessment that took less than an hour. When Trace was 3, the family pursued another evaluation, but he couldn’t be seen right away. “About four months into that waiting period, he was so far behind where he should have been, and I was getting frantic,” Watt says. “We started the process of getting an academic diagnosis through Fort Worth ISD, and that process was quicker and more streamlined. They diagnosed him with autism four months shy of his fourth birthday, and two months later, we finally got his medical diagnosis.” Trace has a mild to moderate form of autism, in addition to a speech disorder. His mother still considers what she might have

ALL ILLUSTRATIONS: ©ISTOCK

spontaneous and involve more than a child repeating what others have said or using the same phrase in a repetitive manner,” says Smith. In addition to language and communication signs, repetitive behaviors are often noticeable in toddlerhood: flapping hands, teeth grinding, spinning for extended periods, moving hands or fingers in unusual ways or body tensing. Girls sometimes present different signs. They are usually diagnosed later than boys, and the current ratio is four boys diagnosed for every girl. But Smith says that statistic may not be an accurate reflection of autism prevalence. “Many believe this is due to girls developing language at a similar rate to their peers. They also tend to engage with others more than boys on the spectrum,” Smith says. “Girls with autism may use more repetitive language, echo each other’s speech, struggle to adapt to changes, speak with an unusual voice or struggle with physical boundaries.” Not all children who miss their milestones have autism, notes Smith, but an early evaluation is key to starting treatment. If you’re seeing any of these signs, bring them to the attention of your child’s pediatrician—even if it’s hard to admit your child could be developing differently. “It’s so devastating to go through that as a parent,” shares Watt, Trace’s mom. “I felt like I wasn’t parenting him right and was terrified there was something ‘wrong’ with him. I tried to explain it away by telling myself that the milestones are just averages, that all children are different and develop in their own time. And that is absolutely true, but it is not an excuse to look the other way when your child isn’t checking all the boxes.”

done differently. “Hindsight is everything, right? I really wish we would have gotten a second opinion earlier than we did. I wish at Trace’s first evaluation we had insisted on a thorough assessment,” she admits. “I wish I could say ‘Trust your gut,’ but honestly, with autism, our parenting instincts can sometimes lead us astray. My gut told me he was fine and developing in his own way, but that mama bear instinct blinded me from the truth: that he needed intervention.” TREATMENT PLAN

For many children diagnosed with autism, that intervention may come in the form of applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy. “ABA therapy helps teach basic skills to kids on the spectrum,” explains Monica Piper. “It focuses on three main areas: communication skills, social skills and challenging behaviors like aggression or tantrums that a lot of kids present.” Piper isn’t speaking only from her own experience as a mom. After her son showed improvement through ABA, she decided to make the therapy her life’s work, eventually opening her own practice, called Stepping Stones Consulting Services, which provides inhome ABA therapy in Collin County and surrounding areas. “A lot of these kids are frustrated because they don’t have the ability to communicate effectively,” says Piper. “Often, when we are able to increase communication—whether that’s verbal or through an iPad, for example—we find a lot of the challenging behaviors decrease.” In addition to working on communication, an ABA therapist might help a child on the spectrum learn to manage independent tasks (how to dress, brush their teeth, wash their hands and do chores) as well as improve basic competencies (letters, reading, counting and so on). High-functioning kids may get a few hours of therapy a week, while others go up to 40 hours a week. If you have a younger child, you can tap into the state’s Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) program. ECI is designed for families with a child up to age 3 who has developmental delays, disabilities or certain medical conditions that affect development. In addition to providing assessments, ECI specialists will develop a plan for your child and provide services (which can be administered at home, a park, the library or another setting). As your kiddo grows, schools can also provide services or work in tandem with other professionals to ensure the best outcome for a child. There are specialty private schools, as well as special education and mainstream class accommodations delivered through public schools. Districts like HEB ISD work closely with families to develop an individualized approach. “There’s a saying that if you’ve met one kid with autism, you’ve really met only one kid with autism,” says Riek, the director of special education and dyslexia. “And as kids get older, we

want them to be part of their plan. We sit down with them and say ‘What’s working? What’s not working?’ The plan needs to evolve as the child grows and changes.” SUPPORT SYSTEM

This all may seem overwhelming if you’re new to the spectrum—and that may be just one of many feelings you experience. “Some parents have a sense of validation and relief, while other parents experience various degrees of grief, guilt or anger,” reports Smith. “It’s OK to not be OK. There are many professionals ready and equipped to help both your child and you.” Smith suggests that parents who receive a diagnosis focus on one recommendation at a time, while also seeking their own emotional support. Counselors and therapists can help moms and dads talk through their experiences, and parent-to-parent support groups may be available through your child’s assessment or treatment provider. You can also search out groups in the community and on social media; Watt is part of the #MomStrongFW group on Facebook, which connects moms of children with autism in Tarrant County. Piper says when you’re growing your personal network, try to find a parent who has lived the reality of autism for a while. “I think it helps mothers with younger kids or newly diagnosed kids to find moms with older kids,” she says. “You get a sense of what you might be able to expect down the road. Life can still be good. You still love your kid. You don’t want your kid to have autism, but it’s not the end of the world.” Parrill points out that kids with autism are often very passionate, and some have great gifts. For Aaron, it’s art. “We bought art supplies out the wazoo,” she laughs. “Find your child’s strong suit. Encourage it.” Shawn Piper is blessed with perfect pitch

and enjoys performing. Alexa Watt believes her son Trace may have a photographic memory, and he has a talent for numbers and patterns. Bottom line: Keep the right perspective. “These kids develop differently,” emphasizes Watt. “They have minds that surpass understanding. We have to tap into those differences and use early intervention to help them realize their full potential in a world that isn’t always aware of or sensitive to their uniqueness.” Want to learn more? Listen to our DFWChild podcast for an interview with Monica Piper.

Autism on the Rise? Facts & figures from the CDC Estimates indicate 1 in 54 children is identified as having autism spectrum disorder (ASD). That is about 1.85% of kids. ASD diagnoses are over four times more common in boys than girls, but autism is found in all races, ethnicities and socioeconomic groups. While ASD diagnoses are more common than ever, it is unclear whether that is because of better diagnosis processes and a broader definition of ASD, or an actual increase in the number of people with autism. Numerous studies have investigated whether there is a link between vaccines and autism. Those studies have consistently shown that vaccines do not have an association with ASD.

dfwchild.com / september 2020

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Faith Lutheran Day School serves children 18 months to kindergarten. We provide an early childhood setting where each child is encouraged to grow, learn and develop as a child of God.

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Get on the path to conserving water. From the Trinity River to the Trinity Trails, water is one of our most valuable resources. To help keep North Texas thriving, consider these water conservation tips. Water your lawn deeply and infrequently. Make sure sprinklers are in working order and that they’re watering the lawn, not the concrete. Water only after 6 p.m. and before 10 a.m., when it’s not as hot. Do your part to help keep Texas water on tap because water is awesome. Use it. Enjoy it. Just don’t waste it.

Visit WaterIsAwesome.com to learn ways to water wiser.

people+places.

ANNEMARIE: DAVID ALPUCHE; CARING HANDS: NOUN PROJECT ANNEMARIE

Annemarie Carrigan shares her experiences as one of To Be Like Me’s Leaders.

BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS fostering compassion WORDS

ALEXIS PATTERSON

AVE YOU EVER THOUGHT ABOUT what it would be like to navigate the world with a disability? Imagine flying on an airplane—with all its pings, announcements and jet noise—when you have severe sensory sensitivities. A Dallas-based nonprofit called To Be Like Me is helping kids (and adults) understand how it would feel to live like those with autism, chromosome differences, mobility challenges, learning differences, mental health challenges and other disabilities. We talked with To Be Like Me’s Hollis Owens, Toya Harris and Andrea King about the ways the organization breaks down barriers—and how anyone, anywhere can learn to become more empathetic. What inspired you to start To Be Like Me? Hollis Owens, founder: Toya, Andrea and I have all worked in the medical field for many years. Toya is a speech therapist, and Andrea and I dfwchild.com / september 2020

people + places / B R E A K I N G are physical therapists. Some of our patients have disabilities. They would tell us stories about barriers in the classroom, on a plane, at a restaurant and so on. They felt disconnected, misunderstood and sometimes bullied. There is a lack of understanding in the community about how you relate to and connect with people who have disabilities. We thought it was really important to educate the community. And the earlier we start, the better. Many don’t realize that 1 in 5 people has some sort of a disability. So 1 in 5 students in a classroom has some sort of a disability. The chance that your child will interact with someone who has a disability or difference is very high.

How does To Be Like Me work? Toya Harris, director of programming and education: We

DOWN BARRIERS

So we posted weekly interactive interviews with our Leaders called “To Be Like Me Tuesdays.” We’ve covered topics such as “life before and after an injury,” service animals and stuttering. Then we put our heads together and came up with an online curriculum that launches on our website Sept. 1. Our main focus is still providing interaction between our Leaders and students. We’re having the Leaders lead all of the online curriculum. Then we’re excited to offer Zoom calls with the Leaders. We hope the online platform takes our work broader and plan for it to live on even when we start in-person programming again. How can people get involved and support To Be Like Me? AK: Visit our website and

follow us on our social media pages. And we invite people to share our posts, because are a two-hour field trip destination. We we want to spread the awareness of our have “FlyKind Airways,” a cafe, a classorganization and message. You can also room, a “day in the life” experience and an support us through Amazon Smile; select To assistive technology showcase. Each of these Be Like Me, and Amazon will donate some experiences is designed to get kids thinking of your purchase price to us. You can also about what it would be like to live life with make donations through our website. To a disability. We’re so Be Like Me is a place proud that all experiof employment for ences are led by people our Leaders. They get living with disabilities, paid. So to continue telling their first-hand providing this platform account of what it’s of advocacy and like. Kids might meet employment, we rely a Leader who is deaf in on donations. Visit tobelikeme.org to find more the technology section. HO: We also information, the free online curriculum, They could meet somewelcome anyone who videos and more. one in a wheelchair in wants to volunteer or Stay updated by following facebook.com/ even work as a Leader. our “day in the life” tobelikeme1, instagram.com/tobelikemeorg, Reach out to us at section. It’s just amaztwitter.com/tobelikeme3 and the ing to watch the chilhello@tobelikeme.org. organization’s YouTube channel. dren’s demeanors and We have adult voluncomfort levels change teers and even some Fill out the contact form on the from the beginning to students in school. website or email hello@tobelikeme.org the end. What advice do you to volunteer or inquire about Leader

To Be in the Know

Your work sounds so have for parents? TH: positions for individuals with disabilities. important for everyone When your child noticto experience. Andrea es somebody with a King, director of develdisability or difference opment: Exactly. Disability awareness applies and they ask questions, way too loud, don’t

to everyone. We chose to focus on children for most of our programming—research has shown that it’s usually that 10- to 12-yearold range where, developmentally, kids are ready and can better have an appreciation for someone’s differences. We also have done community programs, where whole families and just anyone can come. Teachers and school administrators have gone through our program. We hope to expand to offer programs for businesses—training programs that help foster compassion and empathy in those groups as well. How has the pandemic changed things for To Be Like Me? TH: In the spring, after

COVID-19 halted in-person programming, we really wanted to continue our mission. 36

september 2020 / dfwchild.com

see it as awkward. See it as an opportunity to say, “I see they’re using a wheelchair. What questions do you have about that?” You may not know all the answers, but try to start that conversation. Don’t make it taboo. Make it something that you can talk about. So many of our Leaders say, “I don’t like when people stare or point at me. I’d rather them talk to me.” So, if the situation’s right—don’t interrupt somebody at dinner, but if you’re at a playground, it might be OK to say in a polite way, “My child’s very curious about your child’s wheelchair. Can we ask you a few questions?” Also, model inclusive behavior. You may need to approach somebody with a difference or a disability and show your kids that it’s OK.

Safety is the Rule for After-School a Christian School for students with learning differences

S T . T IMOTHY C H R I ST I A N A C A D E M Y We offer:

Student Profile:

• Student-Paced Learning • Adapted Physical Education • Academic Language Therapy • Art & Music Enrichment • Social Skills Training • Technology Program • Bible Instruction • Job Skills Training • ADD/ADHD • Autism Spectrum Disorders • Processing and Speech Disorders • Dyslexia and Dysgraphia • Mood Disorders • Chromosomal Disorders • Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

2020/2021 Enrollment is Now Open on Our Website: claytonyouth.org + Academic Homework Assistance Daily + Engaging Activities and Social Emotional Learning + Character Building and Community Leadership + Nutritious Snacks and Physical Fitness + Caring, Professional Adult Role Models + Online Customer Service Parent Portal Check out our COVID-19 Preparedness Plan at claytonyouth.org/covid19virus Visit us online at: claytonyouth.org for more information and to register! ©

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6801 W. Park Blvd., Plano, TX 75093 | 972.820.5460 info@staplano.org | www.staplano.org

The learning continues at Clayton with fun innovative curriculum that supports your child’s Social Emotional Learning. It’s licensed after-school care catering to your child’s needs while following safety COVID-19 protocols.

dfwchild.com / september 2020

EMPOWERING

FAMILIES AND CHILDREN TO MOVE MOUNTAINS We serve children whose diagnoses may include Autism, ADHD, ADD, OCD and ODD • Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) • Play Therapy • Social Skills Training and Problem Solving • Therapeutic Games and Books Early Intervention Program

• Parenting/behavior solutions— parent training and coaching

2–5 yrs old

Bridge Program 4–6 yrs old

Transition Program 7–10 yrs old

Maintenance Program 8–13 yrs old

LOCATIONS IN FLOWER MOUND, GRAPEVINE & TROPHY CLUB Office: (972) 410-5297 | Fax: (972) 410-5270 | abc-pediatrics.com

special needs. RÉSUMÉ

Connecting with other special needs moms has helped Amanda Lang cope with her daughter's diagnosis.

AGE 44 HAILS FROM Richardson LIVES IN The Lakewood area of Dallas ALMA MATER Southern Methodist University SIGNIFICANT OTHER Michael, husband of 16 years—they went to junior high and high school together but didn’t date until they reconnected at SMU. OFFSPRING Daughters Neely, 10, and Virginia, 6. “I specifically wanted two girls—I was terrified of having boys!” CAREER Working for Yves Delorme for 20 years as a store manager and now sales representative

STOREFRONT: NOUN PROJECT

mom next door /

AMANDA LANG rolling with the punches WORDS PHOTOGRAPHER

K E L LY W O O L E Y

K O R E N A

BOLDING SINNETT

IFE IS FULL OF UNCERTAINTIES for us all, though some people’s lives are fuller than others’. Amanda Lang’s older daughter has been healthy since birth, but worries about her younger daughter began almost immediately. Fast-forward almost two years and more questions than answers, and the Langs finally received a diagnosis for Virginia: Rett syndrome, a rare genetic neurological disorder with no cure—and total uncertainty as to what Virginia’s future might hold. But the family’s daily life is far from doom and gloom. In fact, Lang’s marriage has strengthened since Virginia’s diagnosis. “We both admit it’s hard, but it’s really changed us as people,” she says. “Our relationship is stronger because we know that we’re in this together.” Meanwhile, their older daughter, Neely, has grown into a confident, independent dfwchild.com / september 2020

HOW AM I

FEELING

Regulating Your Childs’ Emotions It is not uncommon for parents to quickly attend to childrens’ reactions when they scream, cry, and have a tantrum, only to discover that the response is exaggerated. For example, your child drops ice cream on the floor and they choose to scream, which would be an unmatched response. Your solution: emotional regulation, and this often has to be taught. So instead of saying “stop screaming” or giving a consequence, try these steps:

► Talk about emotions as a lesson

prior to a crisis. (Use chart below)

► Validate your child’s emotion -

“sounds like you’re sad”, or hurt, frustrated, etc.

► Brainstorm with your child specific

situations where it is ok to scream, cry, pout, be frustrated or happy (For example scream- someone scared you, cry- your body is injured or someone said something unkind, frustrated- can’t open a box, etc.)

► When a crisis does occur and the response is unmatched, pull out this chart and walk through the lesson again.

► When a crisis occurs and your child self regulates emotions, praise them.

Having these conversations about emotions will strengthen your relationship, validate feelings, and teach emotional regulation in a positive way. Most importantly, celebrate when your child has chosen to react appropriately because it’s mastery of a life skill!

Therapy and Beyond provides ABA, Speech and OT for individuals with autism. OUR EXPERTISE IS THERAPY.

OUR PASSION IS AUTISM.

september 2020 / dfwchild.com

special needs / M O M preteen, and the whole family has learned to relish life even more than before Virginia’s diagnosis—despite the uncertainties. When did you first suspect that something might be wrong with Virginia? Almost immediately. Neely was an easy baby, so I knew what was normal and what wasn’t. After bringing her home from the hospital, Virginia struggled with almost everything. Breastfeeding and bottle feeding were hard. She wasn’t gaining weight and was sleeping almost all the time. We were having such problems with feeding that we were referred to a gastroenterologist. They wanted to perform a swallow study to figure out why she was turning blue and choking so often when feeding. Would you say this is when your life started a new chapter? Definitely. I wasn’t nervous about our GI appointment at all until we got there. I got there and saw all these babies with feeding tubes and had a full-on anxiety attack. Virginia’s swallow study showed that liquid was going into her lungs when she swallowed, meaning it wasn’t safe for her to eat orally. I felt like I’d been hit by a ton of bricks. A feeding tube was placed in Virginia’s nose so that we could safely tube feed her for the time being. Did things get better after that? I wish, but she continued to miss all the early milestones, which increased our desperation for an answer as to what was going on. When Virginia turned 1, we began seeing [our health provider’s genetics department], where we went through a series of tests, still searching for answers. Our insurance policy at the time would only cover one test at a time, so the process took even longer. It felt like we were just randomly throwing darts at different things. When did you first learn about Rett syndrome? My sister-in-law called me one day and told me to turn on the Today show. They were airing a segment about a little girl with Rett syndrome who had almost the exact same symptoms and story as Virginia did.

NEXT DOOR

I assume you immediately asked her doctors whether Virginia could have it? Yes, but I was told she didn’t fit the “typical” diagnosis. The diagnosis usually occurs in older children who hit milestones and then start regressing, not babies who never meet milestones to begin with. So, the testing and dart throwing continued. When did Virginia receive her official diagnosis? Our insurance policy changed, and we were finally able to have a test performed that would test for almost any possible diagnosis. Six weeks later, and a week before Virginia turned 2, I was driving down Knox-Henderson and got a phone call telling me that she did in fact have Rett syndrome. I pulled into a parking lot and immediately started bawling. How do you and Michael cope? For me, I dove into the world of special needs moms, connecting with other moms and learning more about her diagnosis. Michael has handled it more with a combination of denial and hope. What does life look like for Virginia right now? She can’t walk or talk. She uses a motorized device to get around and a speaking device she controls with her eyes. She just recently had a G-tube placed in her stomach, a more permanent feeding tube than the one previously placed in her nose. She now has a service dog named Radley who has become her protector. They have a special bond and sleep together every night. What is the longterm prognosis? We don’t know. She will always live at home but will likely outlive us. Possibly Neely will care for her, or she may end up living in a special home equipped to care for adults with similar diagnoses. But who knows? They’re always running various medication trials, so there is the possibility they could come up with a cure or at least something that could help. How do you cope with that kind of uncertainty on a daily basis? Between Neely’s school and extracurricular activities, Virginia’s daily needs, making sure I’m still investing in our marriage and my job, I don’t have idle time to just sit down and think. I’ve learned to fly by the seat of my pants and roll with the punches as they come. I think if I took the time to sit down and really think about everything, I

“I THINK IF I TOOK THE TIME TO SIT DOWN AND REALLY THINK ABOUT EVERYTHING, I WOULD BECOME COMPLETELY OVERWHELMED.”

CONCERNED ABOUT YOUR CHILD’S BEHAVIORAL DIAGNOSIS? Let the PNP Center Help! Over the last 15 years, the PNP Center has helped parents with a comprehensive brain-based assessment with an individualized treatment plan to maximize their child’s potential. Seen multiple times on the “Dr. Phil Show” because PNP is capable in the most complicated circumstances offering hope and direction. ABOVE // Amanda Lang says daughter Virginia—who has Rett syndrome— has a very special bond with her service dog Radley.

pnpcenter.com | 972-434-5454 | 571 W. Main St., Lewisville, TX

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would become completely overwhelmed. You’re a wife, a mom of two children—one with specials needs—and you work. How do you manage it all? We have a lot of help from Michael’s parents, and Neely has just become so independent. I have a great resource of special needs moms and I just love my job at Yves Delorme so much. Somehow it just all works out. What about COVID—how has it impacted your family? We spend a lot of our time at home, so it hasn’t affected many of our daily activities. I was traveling a lot for work and haven’t done so since March, which has been so nice—to be home with everyone. The biggest interruption to our lives is that Virginia’s G-tube placement was considered an elective surgery so it got delayed until just recently. How has Virginia’s diagnosis affected Neely? Neely has always been strong and independent. She knows our life is different than her friends’, but she never whines or complains about it. She goes to a different school than Virginia so she can have her own identity. She and I have recently starting drawing and painting together, which has been fun for both of us. Has Virginia’s diagnosis changed your parenting style? If anything, it’s made me more laid-back. As we’ve gone through this journey, I’ve watched how the universe seems to come together at the right time, and so we just take things day by day. During all of the testing, Virginia was at a preschool with typically developing kids. Did her diagnosis change your outlook on what was best for her? Yes. She had been in a typical day care setting for a while, but it had become more and more obvious that she just didn’t fit in. While we were still searching for answers, I kept hearing about The Rise School in Dallas. It was created for children 6 months to 6 years with varying types of disabilities. She could get an education, all the therapies she needed and social interaction with other children, all in one spot. Within one week of getting her diagnosis, a spot for her opened up. That’s wonderful. How has Virginia’s education progressed since then? Our time at The Rise School was fantastic. Our whole family connected with children and parents whose lives looked more similar to ours. For me, I finally connected with people in a way I never had before. Now that she’s 6, we’ve found a small kindergarten class at Lakewood Elementary created for children with varying diagnoses. She’s supposed to start there in the fall.

Oak Hill Academy is dedicated to providing individualized academic and social-emotional learning programs not found in traditional learning environments. Through a multi-sensory instructional model, we take a whole-child approach, preparing our students for life after graduation. 9407 MIDWAY ROAD, DALLAS 75220 | 214-353-8804 | oakhillacademy.org

dfwchild.com / september 2020

special needs / B R I E F S

JOIE DE VIVRE

amanda lang’s family-time favorites and self-care picks

WR ITE R S S H E R E A DS

I N T E R V I E W K E L LY W O O L E Y

HARDIE NURSERY // 5060 W. Lovers Lane, Dallas (also visit the nearby Garden Center at 5725 W. Lovers Lane); nicholson-hardie.com

R E TA I L TH E R A PY

WE LOVE WALKING OUR THREE DOGS (BRENDA, BRUCE AND RADLEY) AND EATING AT MI COCINA IN LAKEWOOD— THEY HAVE ALWAYS BEEN SO KIND TO US.

MI COCINA // 6332 La Vista Drive, Dallas (more DFW locations); micocina.com

september 2020 / dfwchild.com

‘‘ 4

ANYTHING GLENNON DOYLE, ANY BOOK THAT HAS A FUNNY OR INTERESTING WAY OF LOOKING AT LIFE, AND SHORT STORIES. I ALSO LOVE ANYTHING PRUDENCE MACKINTOSH.

GLENNON DOYLE // momastery.com

“I love to shop. My favorite stores are Ann Mashburn, J.Crew online and of course, I love Yves Delorme.” ANN MASHBURN // 3319 Knox St., Dallas; annmashburn.com J.CREW // Multiple locations; jcrew.com YVES DELORME // 4244 Oak Lawn Ave., Dallas; 2959 Crockett St., Fort Worth; yvesdelorme.com

S E LF- C A R E S TR ATEGY “Yoga has been a great coping strategy. I also love hanging out with friends and family, and reading.”

LANG: KORENA BOLDING SINNETT;; FLOWERS: NICHOLSON-HARDIE NURSERY; MI COCINA:LESLEY BUSBY; UNTAMED: THE DIAL PRESS; SHOP: MASHBURN

FU N WITH TH E FA M I LY

g “Michael and I are such homebodies. We love to visit nurseries like Nicholson-Hardie and garden together. We’re always doing something with the yard. We put in a pool this summer and it’s been a lifesaver.” NICHOLSON-

‘‘

FO R CO U PLE TIM E

SPECIAL NEEDS TRUSTS AND GUARDIANSHIPS

5600 Tennyson Parkway, Suite 105 Plano, Texas 75024 214-269-4290 weekslawfirm.com

S e r v i c e S m ay i n c l u d e :

Improving Healthcare for Children

wavehealthcare.com 866-935-WAVE (9283)

Diapers & Underpads Formula & Feeding Pumps Ventilators High Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC) Suction Devices Concentrators Oxygen Pulse Oximeter Monitor CPAP/BiPAP Cough Assist Devices IPV Nebulizers & Medication Chambers 50 PSI Nebulizer for CF Therapy Portable Vest Baby Scale

Pediatric Respiratory Home Medical Equipment dfwchild.com / september 2020

a tuesday in the life of

LORI EASON

Lori Eason is a Stitch Fix styling team leader and single mom to Cael, 15, and Thadd, 13, who has autism. The family— including their Yorkipoo, Betty—lives in Collin County near Lucas, just steps from the shores of Lake Lavon.

:10AM Alarm goes off. Need a few more minutes. 6:20AM Out of bed. Make a latte and look at my work calendar. Start a load of towels. Grab Thadd’s whiteboard and write today’s tasks. 6:38AM Peek in to see that Thadd still has covers over his face. I’ll give him 15 more minutes. We’re feeling the schedule shift with the start of school. Cael is at his dad’s right now, but I imagine he’s also feeling that shift. 6:55AM Wake Thadd. Turn off the house alarm and let our dog Betty out. 7:12AM Return to see Thadd’s still in bed. Gently nudge him awake. Lay out his clothes for the day and remind him of his whiteboard tasks: get dressed, comb hair, brush teeth and, as we like to say, “deo for B.O.” 7:21AM I jump in the shower. I have a day of (video) calls, so makeup and hair are a must. 7:45AM Thadd appears, dressed! Hair, teeth

and deo aren’t done. Part of his ABA program addresses latency, so getting even part of this done on time, with few prompts—a win. Usher him to the bathroom to complete his routine, then return to my bathroom to finish mine. 8:07AM Into my home office to start work. Work through emails, but move to résumé reviews for the two interviews I’m conducting today. Thadd asks about breakfast. I remind him to reheat leftover gluten-free protein pancakes. (We’re working on independence, and he’s killing it with breakfast!) 8:30AM Thadd cleared his plate (yes!). I’m wrapping up résumé reviews and realize Thadd needs to get signed into school. He’s not thrilled. Tell him to breathe . . . I breathe . . . we breathe. Print assignments and schedule; today there’s less Zoom time and more independent work. Get him started reading a worksheet. Hope for the best there—I must return to my work. 9:20AM Hear in the other room that Thadd hasn’t stayed on task and has grabbed his iPad. I have a 9:30 call, so getting him back on track has to wait. 10:14AM Call over. Get Thadd set up for his next class. Back to my office to check my team’s schedule compliance. 10:47AM Thirteen minutes until my first interview. Pop my head around the corner and see that Thadd has left his worksheet (and is upstairs with Legos). Look at his schedule and see that we don’t have to log into Zoom again until later. Phew. Back to the office to put a whiteboard up reading “Mom’s unavailable. Don’t disturb until 11:45am.” Interview is starting. 11:48AM Interview over. Thadd’s still upstairs with Legos. I have another interview starting in 12 minutes. Thadd’s home ABA therapist will be here at 12:30; I text her that I’m locking myself in my office space instead of my usual space. I also give her the scoop on the day so far and his lunch. 12:50PM Second interview complete—no interruptions! Can hear upstairs that his therapist is here. He needs to log in for school soon. She’ll spend some of his 2.5-hour session helping him stay on task (as part of his latency and independence goals). Realize I better get back to my office—1 o’clock call starting soon. 2:02PM Finished call. Check on therapy session. Very few behaviors so far today—woohoo! Return to my office for a 2:30 call. 3:03PM Call is done. Debrief with the ABA therapist. The last period of Thadd’s day is PE, so he gets a snack then heads out to the backyard to swim. I’ll work from the living room now so I can see him while on my last call of the day at 3:45. 4:27PM Last call done! Take my laptop outside to catch up on email and screen new applications and résumés while Thadd swims. 5:56PM Thadd says he’s hungry. I realize I haven’t eaten all day. Close laptop and go inside to start dinner.

september 2020 / dfwchild.com

EASON FAMILY: LORI EASON

special needs / R O U T I N E S

the fine

WHAT SHE’S LISTENING TO Willie, Fleetwood Mac, newer country WHAT SHE’S WATCHING Re-watching Downton Abbey for the third time FAVORITE INDULGENCE Really good pizza BEAUTY PRODUCT SHE CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT Renée Rouleau serums and Tula 24-7 moisture cream SHE’S REALLY GOOD AT Most things artistic—sketching, painting SHE’S REALLY BAD AT Remembering to eat during the workday HABIT SHE CAN’T QUIT Morning lattes SHE WISHES SHE HAD MORE TIME TO Travel ONGOING PROJECT My garden GREATEST FEAR Thadd not being independent one day WHAT SHE DOES WHEN LIFE GETS STRESSFUL Turn on the music, head to nature FAVORITE PLACE FOR A NIGHT OUT Anywhere with live music FAVORITE SCENT I can’t pick just one! Ylang ylang, vetiver, lavender, chamomile. WORDS SHE LIVES BY Do what is right, not what is easy. NO. 1 ITEM ON HER BUCKET LIST Europe again—but this time hit France, Germany, Switzerland and Ireland. IF SHE HAD TO CHANGE CAREERS, SHE’D BE

Back to my original career—architecture/design. Miss it very much. MOTHERHOOD IN FIVE WORDS Challenge. Reward. Grit. Doubt. Love.

CREATIVE + INTEGRATED

6:10PM Put chicken in the Instant Pot for tacos. The Instant Pot saves the day! 6:45PM Sit down to eat and am told by Thadd that tacos are “too juicy”—a sensory issue for him. We work through it by him dabbing his tacos with a paper towel. 7:02PM Give Thadd a timeline for the night, including shower by 8:30 and bed by 9:30. He chooses to play on his iPad and draw before his pre-bedtime movie ritual. 7:30PM Kitchen’s clean (enough). I sit down with a glass of wine, return personal texts and calls, and check in with Cael since he’s at his dad’s. Realize Betty never got her soft food today (and she’s holding out on kibble), so I open a can for her. See the floor needs cleaning, so I run a quick vacuum over the hardwood. 8:20PM Give Thadd the 10-minute . . . then five-minute . . . then oneminute countdown to get in the shower. 8:31PM Hear shower water running. Success! 8:48PM Get Thadd set up for his movie in my bedroom (Lego Batman). Remember the towels in the washer from this morning. 9:20PM Go to give Thadd the 10-minute countdown and see that he’s already asleep. Don’t have the heart to wake him to brush his teeth, so I just turn off the TV. 9:37PM Fold towels. 10:53PM Yawn. Let Betty out, set our alarm and wash my face and brush my teeth. Collapse into bed, ready to do it all again tomorrow.

Speech | Orofacial Myofunctional | Feeding Therapy We believe in a multi-sensory holistic approach to therapy to meet individual needs.

SAFETY IS A PRIORITY

Our safety measures include: + Checking temperature at door + Wash hands upon entering and leaving + Clean and sanitize rooms between each client + All therapists and clients wear face shields

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approaches to speech + feeding therapy

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walkeztalkez.com Rebecca L. Dana, MS, CCC/SLP, PC, SIPT-C

dfwchild.com / september 2020

special needs

/ TAKE NOTE

Andrew Sapp and his autism service dog Nora grew very close over time.

have around. “I find that [for psychiatric dogs], the mere presence of the dog tends to be as valuable if not more so than the tasks that you’ve trained,” says Laurel Summerfield, executive director of Aretas Assistance Dogs, a nonprofit based west of Fort Worth. Maureen Bennett, president of local nonprofit IDEA Service Dogs, gushes about her own mobility assistance dog. “They’re always caring for you, they’re always watching you, they’re always aware of what’s going on with you,” she says. A dog might enable an adult with disabilities to live independently, or a parent to sleep soundly. “Having an autistic child that doesn’t sleep is like having a newborn for decades,” Sapp says. “The sleep deprivation was really getting to all of us.” She feared that Andrew would wander out of the house in the middle of the night, so Nora provided peace of mind simply by alerting Sapp if her son left his bed. “That right there, just the fact that I knew she would come and get me if he got up, was priceless.” To many families, a service dog is worth the These organizations all have differfour- or five-figure price ent processes and pricing for training tag. 4 Paws for Ability, the service dogs; call to learn more about organization that trained their methods. Nora, has a $17,000 fee that clients pay by fundAretas Assistance Dogs trains dogs for raising. Sapp admits, “The children with physical, developmental tracking and the tethering and psychological disabilities. Families alone—I would have paid get “weekend visitation rights,” if you double for that.”

At Your Service

STAND-UP PUPS

why (or why not) to get a service animal WORDS

NORA: JILL SAPP; SERVICE DOG: NOUN PROJECT

CARRIE STEINGRUBER

AKING A BATHROOM BREAK IS RISKY when your son is a chronic wanderer. “We were at a house in Colorado, and I just ran to the bathroom real quick,” recalls Pantego mom Jill Sapp. “I heard the front door open and shut, and he was three houses down along the river. It was terrifying.” Even locks and fences don’t thwart Andrew, an expert escape artist—he once climbed on the roof in order to get out of the backyard. “It was really scary, just constantly trying to figure out ways to keep him safe,” Sapp says. But that day in Colorado, the family had a trained tracker on-site. “I didn’t panic—I just got Nora, and she found him right away.” Nora was Andrew’s autism service dog. She could track him by scent, and in public he was sometimes tethered to her in case of bolting; Sapp also taught Nora to bark if Andrew tried to leave the backyard. After six years of service, Nora died of cancer this spring. “I haven’t slept as well without her,” Sapp reveals. “I need my tattle-tale back!”

BY YOUR SIDE

Even though the terms service animal, emotional support animal, and therapy animal get used interchangeably, they don’t mean the same thing. Therapy animals are trained to comfort will, while the dogs are in training with other people (like nursthe pros before transitioning to full-time BRINGING LASSIE ing home residents), not care. 817/330-9495; aretas.org their handler. Emotional HOME support animals calm and Just about every service 4 Paws for Ability, based in Ohio, trains dog organization does comfort their handler, but all kinds of service dogs for children, aren’t trained for any tasks things a little differently. including autism dogs, hearing and guide Some work with breeders; related to the handler’s dogs, mobility dogs and medical alert disability. others adopt shelter dogs. dogs. The dogs are delivered to owners In contrast, service Some assign a puppy to fully trained during a two-week orienta- you; others help you select animals (legally, only dogs tion. 937/374-0385; 4pawsforability.org a puppy (or let the puppy and miniature horses) perform specific tasks for choose you—an integral IDEA Service Dogs has a rigorous owner part of Summerfield’s propeople with disabilities, training program for mobility and medi- cess). Some give you a fully mental health disorders cal alert dogs. IDEA helps clients (must and some medical conditrained dog; others work be 18 or older) choose a puppy, then tions. with you to train the dog teaches them how to train their new For a person with yourself. companion in a small group setting. a physical disability, a Summerfield recom817/437-3181; ideaservicedogs.org service dog might open mends calling organidoors, tug off socks or zations you might be pick up things that get interested in to get the dropped. Meanwhile, detailed scoop on their dog psychiatric service dogs selection process, training mitigate symptoms of mental disabilities by, for philosophy and background. While there is no example, lying across their person like an inter“right” way, there are a few things you want to active weighted blanket, or pawing impatiently avoid. One is getting a dog before you consult when their person needs an excuse to exit a a trainer, as most dogs just aren’t suited to stressful situation. And the pups are just nice to service work. “Getting help from a qualified dfwchild.com / september 2020

special needs / T A K E

Hope, health, and safety are always in session here! The Behavior Exchange offers a safer alternative to schools this fall for children with autism. Our child-to-therapist ratio is smaller than many special education classrooms, and our hives experience less overall foot traffic than schools. Set your mind at ease. Enroll today!

Plus,

Texas law has made ABA therapy an excused absence as long as your child attends class before or after therapy.

Be sure to ask about insurance. We’re an in-network provider.

972.312.8733

intake@behaviorexchange.com

Plano | Frisco | Boulder

behaviorexchange.com

We’ve reimagined our events! Saturday October 3, 2020

NOTE

person to select the right dog is so incredibly important,” Summerfield says. “We would love to never hear from anybody who’s already bought a puppy.” Also steer clear of punitive training methods. “We do not want to train dogs on choke collars, prong collars, shock collars, where the dog learns, ‘If I make a mistake, I’ll be corrected, so maybe I just won’t do anything,’” Summerfield says. “We want a dog that will try any behavior that comes to their mind, and we can then reinforce that behavior, or not reinforce that behavior.” Finally, beware of scams, as well as folks with good intentions but little experience. The last thing you want is to waste thousands of dollars on a poorly trained pup. Once you’ve partnered with an organization, expect to wait months or years until you’re matched with a dog. (It was about a year after fundraising that Andrew met Nora.) And you’re not done when the dog finally comes home. “Even if you get a dog that’s already trained, you have to train your dog for its entire life,” Bennett says. “They get out of practice.” Plus, as your child’s needs change, you may have to teach your dog some new tricks. That’s why getting a service dog isn’t a cure-all. “I talk as many people out of service dogs as anything else, because it just isn’t the right solution for everybody,” reveals Summerfield. “A lot of parents are really looking for a dog to ease some of the burden at home, but they don’t always realize that before it gets better, it’s going to get worse, because now you’ve got a whole other living being to take care of.” Whether you should invest in a service dog depends on your child’s needs and your family’s capacity to care for the dog. Would a dog fit into your family’s lifestyle? Does your child even like dogs? Some children with autism, for example, are scared of animals; if they’re not already accustomed to a family pet, they may be frightened of a furry new housemate. And, of course, the money: Can you afford dog food, regular vet bills and unexpected expenses—on top of that pricey initial investment? Bennett did a rough estimate of the cost four or five years ago. “I figured that it costs probably between $2,000 and $3,000 a year easily to support a service dog,” she says. “A service dog needs equipment. It’s like having a pet, and then maybe even more money than that.” BELOW // During a two-week orientation, 4 Paws for Ability clients get to know their service dog and hang out with other special needs families.

Two great ways to support the autism community.

act.autismspeaks.org/ Dallas5K2020

Join us on wheels, on foot or online. Register today!

september 2020 / dfwchild.com

BOY AND SERVICE DOG: 4 PAWS FOR ABILITY

autismspeakswalk.org HMS

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

DFWCHILD SPECIAL NEEDS

CHILD CARE & SCHOOL DIRECTORY

We are fortunate in DFW to have a wide variety of child care centers and schools tailored to meet special needs. Whether you have an itty bitty one or a young adult, you can find a program that’s right for your family. Here are some options to consider: Achievement, Balance, Community, LLC (ABC Pediatrics)

Multiple locations, DFW area abc-pediatrics.com Ages/Grades: 3–10yrs Total Enrollment: 12 Before School Program: No After School Program: No Our program focuses on individual intensive therapy in a social environment. We provide ABA and other therapy services. See ad on page 38.

Camden Hill Montessori

2020 E. Hebron Pkwy., #130 Carrollton, TX 75007 camdenhill.com Ages/Grades: 6wks–6yrs Total Enrollment: 100 Before School Program: No After School Program: No We create a rich, stimulating school environment for students, families, and staff to support the optimum development of the child.

Fairhill School

16150 Preston Rd. Dallas, TX 75248 fairhill.org Ages/Grades: 1st–12th Total Enrollment: 130 Before School Program: No After School Program: No

Fairhill provides a traditional school experience for students with learning differences grades 1–12. The studentcentered curriculum focuses on differentiation, multi-sensory experiences, and executive function development. It is a community of dedicated, caring, and experienced educators that empower students to succeed. See ad on page 31.

Marigold Learning Academy & ABA Therapy

401 W. Washington St. Rockwall, TX 75087 marigoldlearningacademy.com Ages/Grades: PK–3rd Total Enrollment: Varies Before School Program: Yes After School Program: Yes We help kids with special needs diagnosed with autism or any similar spectrum. See ad on page 53.

North Texas Performing Arts—Starcatchers

Multiple locations, DFW area starcatchers.org Ages/Grades: 8yrs–Adult Total Enrollment: Varies Before School Program: Yes After School Program: Yes Starcatchers is designed specifically for children and

adults with special needs. Students shine through drama, music, dance, and visual art classes and productions. These programs improve development of social, communication, motor, and cognitive skills. All fall programs will meet virtually.

Notre Dame School of Dallas

2018 Allen St. Dallas, TX 75204 notredameschool.org Ages/Grades: 6yrs–23yrs Total Enrollment: 150 Before School Program: No After School Program: Yes Notre Dame School of Dallas educates students with developmental disabilities and facilitates their integration into society. With one teacher for every 5 students, we work to prepare students for independence in an atmosphere of love and genuine concern. See ad on page 50.

Before School Program: Yes After School Program: Yes Oak Hill Academy is dedicated to providing customized academic and social-emotional programs not found in traditional learning environments. From preschool through high school, we offer an individualized curriculum with a whole-child approach, preparing our students for life after graduation. See ad on page 41.

Pediatrics Plus

6025 Sports Village Rd. Frisco, TX 75033 pediatricsplus.com Ages/Grades: 6wks–6yrs Total Enrollment:100 Before School Program: Yes After School Program: Yes Pediatrics Plus is a state-of-theart medical facility that offers a developmental preschool and therapy services for children with special needs including; ABA, speech, physical and occupational therapy. See ad on page 51.

Oak Hill Academy

9407 Midway Rd. Dallas, TX 75220 oakhillacademy.org Ages/Grades: Preschool–12th Total Enrollment: 150

For more options, visit our directories for Special Needs Child Care and Schools at dfwchild.com/directory.

dfwchild.com / september 2020

special needs / T A K E

NOTE

ABOVE // IDEA Service Dogs says they train “teams,” not dogs, because the handler and the dog go through the entire training course together.

Does your child have a natural enjoyment of animals?

Again, dog is not necessarily kid’s best friend—you don’t want to make your child uncomfortable by introducing a pet. What type of dog would be best?

“THEY’RE ALWAYS CARING FOR YOU, THEY’RE ALWAYS WATCHING YOU, THEY’RE ALWAYS AWARE OF WHAT’S GOING ON WITH YOU.”

“I’ve seen kids with autism who literally would not touch a dog that had a coat—they only want the singlecoated, short-coated dog. They don’t even want to touch a Labrador; they certainly don’t want to plunge their hands into a collie’s coat,” Summerfield explains. “But I have other kids who get their comfort out of running their hands through a long, plush 50

september 2020 / dfwchild.com

coat.” If your child has sensory needs, be sure to choose a dog that eases, rather than exacerbates, their issues. Also consider that some breeds tend to be barkers, some breeds require lots of activity, some breeds are quite excitable—do your research to find a dog that fits your lifestyle. Who is going to train the dog? Even if you’re not

teaching the dog to open doors or track a wayward child, you want your fur baby to reduce the general stress level, not add to it with wild behavior. “Can a well-behaved, well-mannered, well-trained dog work wonders for a kid? Sure,” says Summerfield. “But a bouncing, leapingon, licking-in-the-face dog that’s stealing all their toys may have just the opposite impact.” Exposing your child to therapy dogs (who are typically well-trained) may help you gauge whether a pet or service dog would be a welcome addition to your household. In fact, it was Andrew’s kinship with a couple of therapy dogs at school that prompted his mom to start the service dog search. For the Sapp family, getting a dog was the right call—and still is: Andrew’s hoping to bring home a new companion by next summer.

GIRL AND DOG: IDEA SERVICE DOGS

PROJECT PET

So maybe a service dog isn’t the right fit for your family—a plain ol’ pet dog can offer some of the same intangible benefits, such as comfort and companionship. But before you adopt the cutest canine at the shelter, here are three points to ponder, courtesy of Summerfield:

developmental preschool +therapy for children with special needs! Developmental Preschool Applied Behavior Analysis Occupational Therapy Physical Therapy Speech Therapy 6025 Sports Village Rd | Frisco, TX 75033 | 214.687.9374 www.pediatricsplus.com | frisco@pediatricsplus.com dfwchild.com / september 2020

special needs / T A K E

NOTE learning that ARD committees must consider in determining compensatory education and future educational services. What are some accommodations parents might want to consider requesting this year? Some

parents may need in-home training on how to support virtual learning. Others may need to request more synchronous instruction, or a change in schedule for their video-based services for a student who is sharing a computer. Some districts may offer in-person instruction, but students with medical conditions may need to remain virtual or receive homebound instruction as accommodation to reduce risk.

If a school determines that a child doesn’t need a particular accommodation that a parent has requested, what course of action do you recommend? As members of the

child’s ARD committee, parents check “agree” or “disagree” at the end of every meeting. Whenever a parent checks “disagree,” a reconvene meetARD committees bring together ing is scheduled to allow school and family stakeholders to make tion services and ARDs? others in the district to decisions related to a child's special The pandemic has creget involved in problemeducation services. ated a huge need for solving the parent’s conschool districts to hold cerns. An outside facilitaARD meetings for high tor can also be arranged. percentages of students to adjust programming. Parents can also use the TEA complaint process, They have also had to figure out how to deliver mediation or even due process hearing system more services remotely, provide technology to to resolve complaints. students who don’t have it and support parents How can parents ensure their children get comwho are struggling to provide in-home support. pensatory services if their usual special education While some districts held an amazing number services were delayed or canceled due to COVID, of remote ARDs and seemed to work very hard and make sure they continue meeting their IEP to provide direct instruction and related services goals? Parents can request compensatory educa(like speech therapy) virtually, others offered tion in an ARD committee if insufficient serviclittle more than suggestions about where pares kept their student from making meaningful ents could find existing homeschool resources. progress. The parent should keep track of what Sometimes these disparities existed between services weren’t provided as well as any inforcampuses in the same districts or even teachers mation showing that the child has regressed or within the same school. failed to make meaningful progress because serWhat’s your take on virtual ARDs? Do they vice wasn’t provided. TEA has prepared a handseem effective and accessible? Some parents like out for parents on compensatory services; you that virtual ARDs allow them to participate can find it on the TEA website, tea.texas.gov. without leaving office or home. Some parents do Schools shouldn’t take requests for compennot have sufficient cell phone data plans to allow satory instruction personally, especially during video participation in long meetings. Educators this time. Even if we work together and try to also vary in their comfort facilitating effective overcome challenges, what is possible in this virtual meetings. Overall, virtual ARD meetings time won’t work for all students. We have to have worked better than virtual instruction. accept that fact, put students first and plan for Do you think virtual learning makes it more the challenge of helping impacted students catch challenging for teachers and administrators to up when they can safely return to schools.

WORKING ARD

advocating for your child’s education during COVID WORDS

ALEXIS PATTERSON

F YOUR STUDENT HAS SPECIAL NEEDS, you’re probably familiar with admission, review and dismissal (ARD) meetings. But even if you’re used to ARD, you may be uncertain of how the pandemic is affecting decisions and services for your kiddo. We caught up with Dustin Rynders, supervising attorney at Disability Rights Texas, about what parents need to know. For families who are just starting on the special education pathway, can you provide some background on the purpose of ARD meetings?

All decisions about the education of a student receiving special education services are made by an ARD committee that includes the parent. The committee determines academic and behavioral goals, accommodations, the amount and focus of any related services, and where the services will occur. The committee can also determine if the student needs assistive technology, such as a laptop, and if the student needs any compensatory educational services to make up for any time when instruction didn’t meet the student’s needs. ARD meetings occur at least once per year but can occur more frequently when needed. Parents or the school can request an ARD meeting whenever the student’s plan needs to be reviewed or changed. How has the pandemic impacted special educa-

september 2020 / dfwchild.com

accurately assess a student’s ongoing needs and determine the best individualized education program (IEP)? Last spring, many districts assigned

online or packet-based assignments but didn’t assess student progress. With more preparation time, more districts will try to collect information on student progress during virtual learning this fall. Still, most students will need to be reevaluated at the conclusion of virtual learning to see if they need compensatory education. Many parents will also have valuable information about how a child performed during virtual

How do you recommend that families best advocate for their students right now, especially if they are learning virtually? Families and edu-

cators should strive to be solution-oriented. When something isn’t working, parents have to discuss the issue with educators to see what can be done. Everyone also has to accept that some students will need compensatory services at the end of this time. Parents who need more information or help navigating challenges with their child’s school can request advocacy assistance from Disability Rights Texas, drtx.org.

What is ARD?

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

services.

a resourceful guide for your special needs We provide services to children and adults. • 1-on-1 in center & in home ABA therapy • Social Skills • Community Outings • Naturalistic Teaching • Interactive Approach • Social Skills Group • Community Outings • Speech Therapy Available ABA Interactive Behavioral Therapy 817-849-5802 abainteractive.org

A One-Of-A-Kind Camp Camp Summit is a residential camp for children and adults with disabilities where the emphasis is on the campers’ abilities rather than their disabilities. Traditional camp activities are adapted to each camper, provided in our barrier-free facilities, and implemented by trained, caring staff. Campers are grouped by age, providing the opportunity to make friends within peer groups while experiencing new adventures.

Increase communication. Decrease behavior. Improve quality of life. Now enrolling new Dallas location at 635 and Hillcrest! The Helm ABA Allen. Lewisville. Dallas. In-Home. 469-730-0925 www.TheHelmABA.com

Dance is Heart, Not Ability “What’s Your Beat?” Looking for extracurricular activities for your loved one with special needs? Jasmine’s Beat provides Adaptive Fusion Dance and Adaptive Theater Dance classes with an optional sensory-sensitive recital! Led by Jasmine Mathew, a Recreation Therapist with over 20 years experience working with a multitude of populations with disabilities. Virtual/in-person (with masks).

Camp Summit 270 Private Rd. 3475, Paradise, TX 76073 972-484-8900 • camp@campsummittx.org campsummittx.org

Jasmine’s Beat Frisco, TX jasminesbeat.com

Language Works/Rainbow Kidz

ENROLLING NOW

Language Works/Rainbow Kidz provides low-cost, high therapeutic interventions and therapies both 1:1 and in small groups using the principles of ABA and the analysis of verbal behavior. We offer individual therapy, social skills classes, recreational classes, handwriting, sibling classes, Saturday classes and summer/holiday break classes at affordable prices. Andrea Gamble M.Ed., BCBA 2155 Marsh Ln. Ste. 132, Carrollton, TX 75006 972-306-3189 • gamblea@yahoo.com www.languageworksllc.com

ROCKWALL & GREENVILLE Our program includes an on-site therapy clinic, where students receive ABA Therapy throughout the day in addition to participating in an accredited educational program. • ABA Therapy • Indoor Motor Lab • Speech Therapy • Social Skills Group • Occupational Therapy • Summer Camp Marigold Learning Academy ABA Therapy Center 401 W. Washington St., Rockwall, TX 75087 972-722-3892 • MarigoldLearningAcademy@gmail.com MarigoldLearningAcademy.com

To advertise in the DFWChild Special Needs Services section, call 972-447-9188 or email advertising@dfwchild.com

dfwchild.com/newsletter

dfwchild.com / september 2020

Seeking patient, flexible and big-hearted foster parents. There are many children who need safe and loving homes so it’s good that families come in all shapes and sizes. If there’s room in your heart, please consider becoming a foster parent. Fostering isn’t always easy. But there’s not a more fulfilling job in the world.

3712 Wichita Street Fort Worth, Texas 76119 817.335.HOPE (4673) ACHservices.org

For more information on becoming a foster parent, visit ACHservices.org/foster-care 0r call 817.886.7140 CRISIS INTERVENTION | FOSTER CARE AND ADOPTION | FAMILY SERVICES | RESIDENTIAL SERVICES | COMMUNITY-BASED CARE

kid culture.

HOBBY SHOPPING the value of helping your kid find a pastime WORDS

CARRIE STEINGRUBER

INE-YEAR-OLD LAREN is “like a little businesswoman,” says her mom, Kathy Lee. The Dallas duo share a love for crafting (and mining social media for inspiration). A couple of months into the pandemic, Laren fell down the “rabbit hole of Instagram” and—unlike those of us whose scrolling leads to vague, unrealized plans—emerged as a soap-maker. Now she’s taking orders from friends and family, packaging the colorful bars herself, and experimenting with new techniques. “She learned that if she let [the soap] dry for a little while, she could add another color,” Lee says. Lee’s role in this soap-making enterprise: slicing the 5-pound slab of soap base into more manageable chunks for Laren to heat, color and perfume. And that’s it. While Lee is working from home, Laren is working in the kitchen—not only learning how to make multicolored soap, but also gaining independence and a bit of business savvy. dfwchild.com / september 2020

We’ve heard about a lot of kids—and parents!—picking up pastimes in recent months to fill their newfound free time, from painting to playing instruments to fishing to planting an herb garden. Make that one positive thing to come out of this terrible pandemic, because having a hobby—especially one that doesn’t involve more screen time—is good for kids. “I think it’s important for them to try different things, because you can find those hidden talents that kids have,” says Paula Brañez, a kids life coach based in McKinney. “When they actually find a hobby that they like, it’s because it resonates with them, they can connect with it, so it helps them [gain] confidence.”

Saturday, October 3rd 11am–4pm

dfwchild.com/babyday 56

september 2020 / dfwchild.com

NO PRESSURE The beauty of hobbies: They’re about enjoyment, rather than expectations, a reprieve from the high-stress atmosphere of school and even organized sports. “When it’s a hobby, you don’t have that pressure that, ‘I have to be the best at doing this,’” Brañez says. “It also helps them relax and find that idle time that will help them connect with themselves and de-stress.” Her 7-year-old daughter has recently taken up baking (a side effect of watching Zumbo’s Just Desserts on Netflix). “It’s challenging for her because it’s something different, something new,” Brañez says. “We started with cookies. It was something simple but at the same time, she felt special. She felt that she could use her skills and that she could be independent.” Brañez supervises her daughter not only to help with the oven but also because it’s a time for them to bond. But she’s careful not to take the reins. “Give them different options, and just let them do [it] at their pace with their own abilities, because otherwise it becomes something that the parent wants to direct and wants to do in their own way,” she explains. “I think it’s important for parents to just accept that sometimes they’re going to be messy, sometimes they’re going to be noisy, and just let them try new things.” Maybe your child has naturally gravitated toward new interests during the pandemic, or maybe they need to be gently shepherded away from the iPad—here are six hobbies you can try together: SOAP MAKING If you ever made soap from scratch for science class, you may be wary of letting your kids

SHOPPING

mess around with lye—but Lee explains that there’s an easy bypass. “We went the safer route and just bought the stuff that you chop up and put in the microwave.” This is called soap base, which Lee purchased from Joann. Laren adds essential oils for fragrance and pours the melted base into silicone molds (she has flowers, ovals—all kinds of shapes). To brighten up your melt-and-pour soap, opt for soap dyes or natural colorants (like turmeric or beet root powder) to ensure that the color doesn’t fade. Stir slowly when mixing in colors and fragrances; you don’t want to stir up air bubbles. Laren plans to try embedding real flowers in her soaps; you can also spice things up by adding seeds, coffee grounds, even small plastic toys. ROCK COLLECTING The best part about this hobby is that you can technically get started without any equipment—though a trowel or even a screwdriver can help you dislodge stubborn specimens, and a segmented container (like an egg carton) is useful for organizing your child’s collection. If your kiddo dreams of unearthing dazzling crystals, you may have to head to Arkansas’ dig-your-own mines. But in DFW, we have rocks that are arguably even cooler. “Around here you’re going to find fossils,” reveals Donald Slater, who owns the rock shop Nature’s Gallery in downtown Carrollton. “One of the best places nearby is Mineral Wells Fossil Park. It’s free to collect; anything you find is yours.” Otherwise, Slater says, your best bet is an accessible creek or riverbed such as Ladonia Fossil Park, a designated swath of the North Sulphur River about an hour and a half northeast of DFW. “You can actually go walking up and down the river,” he says. “There’s some decent fossils, like mosasaur. You’ll find bones there, and teeth and arrowheads.” Closer to home, he mentions Furneaux Creek in Carrollton (where, as a kid, I spent many hours with my dad squelching through mud and sifting the rocky beaches for ammonites, clams and other fossilized shells). Be sure to also watch for creatures that aren’t fossilized while traipsing through creeks. “That’s part of the fun,” Slater says. “Even if you don’t find much, especially for kids, it’s the thrill of hunting, getting out in nature and seeing what’s out there.” Slater speaks highly of the Dallas, Fort

SOAP MAKING: KATHY LEE

kid culture / H O B B Y

dfwchild.com / september 2020

kid culture / H O B B Y

SHOPPING

ABOVE // If your child wants to crochet, knit or even finger-knit, yarn shops like West 7th Wool can offer demos.

Worth and Arlington gem and mineral clubs, as well as the Dallas Paleontological Society. “They really like to have kids” at their classes and field trips, he says. “The clubs are very good for a kid to learn.” And, of course, you can always get advice at your friendly neighborhood rock shop.

PreSchool EXPLORE SHARE PLAY LAUGH LEARN GROW

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september 2020 / dfwchild.com

• Homework Helpers • Flexibility For Your Family • Enrichment Classes

BIRDWATCHING A lot of families cooped up at home have tuned in to the avian drama outside their windows. Give your own child something new to watch by maintaining a bird feeder, hummingbird feeder or even just a birdbath. Though binoculars can be helpful, they’re not necessary for basic backyard birdwatching—especially for younger kids who can’t easily hold or manipulate them. To identify your feathered friends, purchase a field guide. (I’m an avid birdwatcher—the hefty Sibley Guide to Birds is my favorite for its beautiful illustrations; Peterson Field Guides for Young Naturalists: Backyard Birds is an option specifically geared to middle-grade readers.) You can also download the free Merlin app, which gives you possible IDs for a bird based on characteristics you input. And while studying a field guide will boost your kid’s birding IQ,

KNITTING: WEST 7TH WOOL

U N I V E R S I T Y

KNITTING & CROCHETING Kids who enjoy knotting friendship bracelets might like other yarn crafts. (And, ahem, boys can knit too.) Amy Young, co-owner of West 7th Wool in Fort Worth, explains that yarn comes in various weights, or thicknesses. “Really thin yarn is going to be harder to learn with, really chunky yarn might be a little bit easier, but really the middle of the road is where you want to learn.” She recommends what’s called worsted weight yarn, paired with U.S. size 8 knitting needles or a size H crochet hook—and plenty of patience. “A lot of people want to make a perfect item the first time they knit, but you have to know it’s not going to be perfect,” Young says. “Not even an adult can make a perfect little square the first time.” You can hit up your local yarn or craft shop for beginner’s kits, demos and classes (as the pandemic allows), but Young also points beginners to YouTube channels like VeryPink Knits. Once your child gets the hang of creating stitches, make sure they come up for air once in a while. “When you’re concentrating so hard to make your hands do a certain thing, it’s good to take breaks,” says Young. “It’s good to stand up every 30 minutes or so. Especially for kids—they need little short breaks.”

There’s safety in our small numbers. The Behavior Exchange offers a safer alternative to schools this fall for children with autism. Our child-totherapist ratio is smaller than many special education classrooms, and our hives experience less overall foot traffic than schools. Set your mind at ease. Enroll today!

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Texas law has made ABA therapy an excused absence as long as your child attends class before or after therapy.

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Through Septem

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kid culture / H O B B Y

Jobi and Friends Performing Monkeys Parties • Commercials Special Events

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JobiAndFriends@gmail.com

Sharon & David Langham

Your Child Can Enjoy Reading Success! • Classes can be online or in person • Individualized math instruction available

iwant2read.com 214-794-1232

A progressive curriculum • Small classroom ratios

Preschool: 6 wks – 5 yrs School Age: 5–12 yrs 817-246-1448

501 Academy Blvd., Fort Worth 76108

Precious Miracles Lactation Services Offering support, education, and guidance for your breastfeeding family Michele Gaudette, RN, IBCLC-RLC 30 years experience

817-542-3554 • preciousmiracleslactation.com

september 2020 / dfwchild.com

experts will tell you the best way to become a better birdwatcher is, well, to watch the birds. The more your child gets out in the field—even if that field is your patio—the more they’ll learn. Encourage them to record what they observe by drawing or writing it down in a notebook. When your kiddo is ready to look for birds beyond the backyard, DFW is full of parks and trails, though you may be surprised what you can see on a walk around your own neighborhood. Several nature centers (including the Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area, the Fort Worth Nature Center and the John Bunker Sands Wetland Center) offer guided walks with seasoned naturalists, and the local Audubon chapters welcome new birders on their field trips. PRESSING FLOWERS Pressing flowers not only gives your child raw materials for even more crafts, but it’ll teach them the virtue of patience. First, you need to pick the right flowers at the right time. As you might imagine, poofy flowers don’t flatten easily (though you can get around that by cutting particularly plump blossoms in half). You also want to pick buds or fresh blooms, rather than more mature flowers, and wait until any morning dew has evaporated. Arrange the flowers between two sheets of printer paper and place them in a large book—preferably one you don’t care too much about, as the pages are likely to get damp. Your child can experiment with different types of paper and even letting the flowers sit in a vase for a few hours before pressing them. Stack even more books or other heavy objects on top to add weight. And then … wait. It’ll take a few weeks before the flowers are ready to become a greeting card or unique wall art. In the meantime, your child needs to leave them alone except to (carefully) change out the paper once or twice. When fully dry, remove with tweezers. Full disclosure: You can skip the “few weeks” part by using an iron or microwave,

SHOPPING

but flowers dried without a lot of heat tend to look the best. Patience pays off! BUG COLLECTING Maybe your child has started channeling the cat and bringing home dead treasures to show you. Tamp down your disgust, and consider nurturing their interest in insects. But is it even safe to touch dead bugs or keep them inside your house? John Paul Hays, an amateur lepidopterist and intern at Texas Discovery Gardens, suggests freezing your kid’s finds to get rid of any parasites before storing them in a closed container (to, ironically, keep them away from bugs). Now, your child’s entomological exploits can include live creepy-crawlies too. “To catch something like a butterfly with a net, it’s often good to hold the net by the end and lower it down slowly,” says Kent Caldwell, entomology assistant at TDG. “A butterfly’s first response is usually to fly up.” Your child can observe the process of metamorphosis by ordering a chrysalis, or capturing a caterpillar themselves, “as long as they know what the host plant is that the caterpillar needs,” Caldwell says. (And never pick up an unidentified caterpillar—some species hurt!) John Watts, TDG’s entomologist, says he stores live insects in snap cap vials, but any clear plastic jar will work. As long as you don’t screw the cap on tightly, you don’t need to poke any air holes. But he adds that your child doesn’t have to bring live bugs inside in order to study them. “I often sweep vegetation in fields to survey what is out. It is amazing just how many insects are out there that you just don’t see,” says Watts. “You will also find many arthropods under logs, rocks, boards, etc. If you do look for stuff under these materials be certain to replace the log, rock or whatever back the way you found it so that the habitat stays intact.” Watts also says spreading mashed banana on a tree trunk will attract critters, and at night, a white sheet illuminated by a light (especially a blacklight) will become peppered with moths and other nocturnal fliers—nirvana for a budding entomologist.

“I THINK IT’S IMPORTANT FOR THEM TO TRY DIFFERENT THINGS ... YOU CAN FIND THOSE HIDDEN TALENTS THAT KIDS HAVE. ”

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

made it e v ’ e W plan the easy to party! perfect

PARTY DIRECTORY

SERVICE DESCRIPTION

Alley Cats Entertainment alleycatsbowl.com

Party Place

With bowling, laser tag, Putt-Putt golf, arcades and more, we have something for everyone. Numerous party packages to choose from. Locations in Arlington (817/784-2695) and Hurst (817/589-0523). Recently voted best place for a party.

Challenge Island of W. Plano/N. Dallas challenge-island.com/westplano-northdallas 469/779-7844

Party Place

Challenge Island parties are epic and STEAMtastic! Choose one of our amazing themes or customize your own. Parties can be in-person or virtual. Let us celebrate your child with high energy, interactive, mind engaging fun! See ad on page 60.

Fort Worth Zoo fortworthzoo.org 817/759-7300

Party Place

Step outside ordinary for your next party! Featuring unexpected views of animal habitats and close-up animal encounters you and your guests are guaranteed to have a truly memorable experience at the Fort Worth Zoo.

Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau grapevinetexasusa.com 817/410-3185

Party Place

Home to family-friendly entertainment, Grapevine is the perfect place for your next party! Choose from LEGOLAND Discovery Center, Peppa Pig World of Play, SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium, Grapevine Vintage Railroad, Palace Arts Center and more. See ads on pages 57 and 59.

Gymboree Play & Music of Southlake gymboreeclasses.com 817/421-9300

Party Place

We offer a private facility, enthusiastic teachers, and fun-filled play, music, or art activities for parties. Themes are tailored to ages and interests, we set up and clean up, and Gymbo may visit.

Jobi and Friends jobiandfriends.com 817/233-1847

Entertainment

Performing monkey, Jobi, entertains at parties giving kisses, playing ball, slam dunks his basketball, cleans up his room, pulls his wagon, and rides his scooter. Interacts with everyone for picture opps. Brings a birthday card. See ad on page 60.

Paint My Pottery paintmypottery.net 972/800-5977

Party Place

Put the ART in party! Party host will set/clean up, guide kids throughout the activity, help serve refreshments. Parents may bring balloons, decorations, food and drinks. Choose from Pottery Painting and Pottery Wheel party packages. See ad on page 36.

Papa Murphy's Take N’ Bake Pizza papamurphys.com

Party Food

Customizable options for any size parties. We offer everything from gourmet to individual size pizzas that kids build on fresh dough. Be in control of your party and bake or grill on your schedule!

Pump It Up of Fort Worth & South Dallas pumpitupparty.com 682/317-3428

Party Place

When you party with us, only you and your guests will be partying in our huge inflatable indoor playgrounds and in our colorful private party rooms. Your event will not be shared with the public.

Reunion Tower reuniontower.com 214/712-7040

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Family outings, date nights, group visits, Scout troops, graduation celebrations—take your moment to new heights at Reunion Tower. Options can include exclusive access to the GeO-Deck, your visit now!

Ripleys Believe It or Not! ripleys.com/grandprairie 972/263-2391

Entertainment

Includes all 5 attractions: Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, Wax Museum, Mirror Maze, Laser Race, and the 7D Moving Theater. You also have access to our party room for 2 hours with colorful tableware provided. See ad on page 59.

Vetro Glassblowing Studio & Fine Art Gallery vetroartglass.com • 817/251-1668

Entertainment

Vetro provides a party atmosphere where you can discover the world of glassblowing. Reserve your date to experience hot glass birthday parties, family outings, and get-togethers in a creative safe venue for all ages! See ad on page 37.

Yard Card Wishes yardcardwishes.com 855/691-2251

Supplies & Rentals

Bring your celebration to life with a smile generating, cheer inducing Yard Card Wish! Endless colors and designs to match your theme or interests. Book now on our website! Special discount with code DFWCHILDMAG.

dfwchild.com / september 2020

confessions

MOM TRUTHS ILLUSTRATION MARY DUNN

WE HAVE NIGHTLY PRAYERS IN OUR HOUSE. OUR OLDEST DAUGHTER THANKED GOD FOR THE USUAL: MOMMY, DADDY, LIL’ SIS, ETC. AND THEN OUR YOUNGEST SAYS, ‘THANK YOU FOR MY SISTERS, MOMMY, DADDY, DRAGONS AND UNICORNS BECAUSE THEY ARE SO SPECIAL. AMEN.’”

“Moms who have time to cook chicken nuggets in the oven, you win! I couldn’t keep up with the days of the week during e-learning, not to mention planning three meals a day, every day.” —NIKA, FRISCO. SHE HAS TWO SONS, ONE OF WHOM IS ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM. LUCAS. HER SON IS 13 YEARS OLD AND ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM.

—MEREDITH, THE COLONY 62

CO M P I L E D BY E M I LY Y E A R W O O D

september 2020 / dfwchild.com

“Recently, my son and I stopped at a gas station. He spotted a group of strangers taking a smoke break. He’s fascinated by all things health right now, so he stopped and gave them a speech on the dangers of cigarette smoking.” —LORI, LUCAS. HER SON IS 13 YEARS OLD AND ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM.

Got a funny parenting moment you’d like to share? We’d love to hear from you. Send it to editorial@dfwchild.com.

“We were standing in line at Disney World last December when the couple in front of us kept looking at my daughter. They didn’t speak English very well but gestured at her feet. I smiled and said, ‘Thank you,’ thinking they were admiring her shoes. Turns out, her shoes were on the wrong feet!” —SABRINA, LANTANA

MY LITTLE ONE ISN’T SO LITTLE ANYMORE, BUT I ALWAYS LOOK BACK ON OUR MORNING DATES WITH CHICK-N-MINIS AT ‘CHICKTA-LAY’ AND LAUGH.” —ALISSA, LITTLE ELM

When my son was little, he would have unusual names for things. The one that really made us giggle was when he called Lucky Charms ‘Side Dumps’! How he came up with that, we’ll never know.” —JEANMARIE, PLANO. HER SON IS ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM.

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CREATING NEW WAYS TO DELIVER THE SAME INNOVATIVE CARE.

At Children’s Health , we’ve added new measures every step of the way to ensure a safe experience for your family. SM

See all our latest safety information at childrens.com/covid19.

DFWChild September 2020

Articles inside

Mom Next Door / Amanda Lang

Joining the Spectrum

Mom Next Door / Danika Franks

The Right Track