Parenting Special Needs

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NEW YEAR NEW YOU

Building Independence Through Self-Awareness

How to Decide? ABLE Account or Special Needs Trust

inside this issue... Jan/feb 2016

contents 21

21

Real Moms Share Evana Sandusky shares about 10 years of motherhood

24

Building Independence

30

Taking Control of Your )DPLO\¡V )LQDQFHV

through Self Awareness and Regulation

Following a Divorce

8

30 12

48

psn community news News & Noteworthy! 7LP 7HERZ¡V 1LJKW 7R 6KLQH 0RUH WKDQ 200 Proms for People with Special 1HHGV Popular kids may be key to stop bullying 0RUH 0RQH\ RQ WKH ZD\ IRU 6SHFLDO (G Disability Programs

check it out! Products & Products 10 New You Can Use & Win!

real life Solutions!

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PROFESSION PROFESSIONAL AL

Toys 12 The Taming of the Toys 14 IEP Help 18 Job Skills

Is the IEP individualized or cookie-cutter? :KHUH WR *R LI <RXU &KLOG 1HHGV D -RE RU Help with Post High School Education

COVER: LUCAS JAMES & CAMERON ROSE JOHNSTON Cover Image Courtesy: SHANNON BRENNAN-JOHNSTONE

NEW YEAR NEW YOU

Building Independence Through Self-Awareness

16 Boosting Your Happiness

Strategies for Elevating Your Happiness this Year

How to Decide? ABLE Account or Special Needs Trust

JAN/FEB 2016

PARENTING SPECIAL NEEDS.ORG

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inside this issue... Jan/feb 2016 your life

34

34

1(: <($5·6 *XLGH A Powerful & Harmonious You

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Mommy Time Outs

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Proud Moments

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in focus

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health & ÀWQHVV

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Investing in Vitality: Fitness and Long-term Planning

Workout Routine For Both You and Your Baby

fun & functional

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in every issue 6 psn contributors 7 from the heart 9 contest/giveaways

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Financial Planning

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Cooking with Kids:

Hot New and Updated Apps for 2016

Easy heart magnets

(DV\ &KHHV\ *ULOOHG :DIÁHV plus: Language Tips

psn contributors making a difference FOUNDER/EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Chantai Snellgrove chantai@parentingspecialneeds.org PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN CHIEF

Tom Snellgrove tom@parentingspecialneeds.org DESIGN DIRECTOR

Chantai Meme Hieneman

Barbara Sher

Eric Chessen

Barrie Silberberg

Ph.D. in Special Education

Pediatric Occupational Therapist & Author

M.S., YCS, Exercise Physiologist

Author

info@parentingspecialneeds.org GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Michael Leisttein info@parentingspecialneeds.org ADVERTISING SALES

Chantai/Judy Jaszcz Corporate Sponsors & Ad Sales Manager sales@parentingspecialneeds.org

Curt Mellott Tracy Felix

Douglas Haddad

Christina Bartlett

Ph.D. (“Dr. Doug”) Author, Full-time Contributing Writer

Ahren Hoffman

Xlinked1 Special Needs blogger

Registered Dietitian

(CTRS), Manager of Industry Relations & Partnerships at the National Lekotek Centerr

MidWest & Lower Eastern curt@parentingspecialneeds.org

Advertising Sales Person Needed inquire at Sales@parentingspecialneeds.org SOCIAL MEDIA SPECIALIST

Shannon Colon Shannon@parentingspecialneeds.org WEBMASTER

Sean Thompson sean@parentingspecialneeds.org

Cristen Reat Co-Founder Bridging Apps.org

Paula Petry

Becca Eisenberg

Amanda Morin

Ph.D.. Author

Speech Language Pathologist

Education Writer, Special Education Advocate & Author

“He who fails to plan, is planning to fail.” ~Winston Churchill

Heath Burch

Parenting Special Needs Magazine is available bi-monthly and distributed digitally for free. www. parentingspecialneeds.org Editorial Submission are welcome. We reserve the right to edit, reject, or comment editorially on all submitted material. We can not be held responsible for the return of any submitted materials. Articles and advertisements in Parenting Special Needs Magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher nor does the publisher assume responsibility for statements made by our advertisers or editorial contributors. Acceptance of advertising by Parenting Special Needs does not constitute an endorsement of products, services or information. Parenting Special Needs Magazine, is © 2016 Parenting Special Needs, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without permission is prohibited.

CFP The Special Needs Planning Center

PUBLISHED BY: Parenting Special Needs ,LLC 518 S. Valencia Circle S.W. Vero Beach, FL 32968

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Next Issue: HEALTH

Happy Planning

PATH to the Future JAN/FEB 2016

PARENTING SPECIAL NEEDS.ORG

7

psn community

news

sharing

updates

Popular kids may be key to stop p bullying y g

7LP 7HERZ¡V 1LJKW 7R 6KLQH 0RUH than 200 Proms for People with SpeFLDO 1HHGV

Despite a surge in policy and research attention to FRQĂ LFW DQG EXOO\LQJ DPRQJ adolescents, there is little evidence to suggest that current interventions reduce school FRQĂ LFW %\ HQFRXUDJLQJ D VPDOO VHW RI VWXGHQWV WR WDNH D SXEOLF VWDQFH DJDLQVW W\SLFDO IRUPV RI FRQĂ LFW DW WKHLU VFKRRO WLV W\SH of intervention reduced overall OHYHOV RI FRQĂ LFW E\ DQ HVWLPDWHG $QDO\VLV GHWHUPLQHG certain kinds of students (called “social referentsâ€?) have an RXWVL]HG LQĂ XHQFH RYHU VRFLDO QRUPV DQG EHKDYLRU DW WKH VFKRRO 7KH VWXG\ GHPRQVWUDWHV WKH SRZHU RI SHHU LQĂ XHQFH IRU FKDQJLQJ FOLPDWHV RI FRQĂ LFW and suggests which students to LQYROYH LQ WKRVH HIIRUWV (source: www.cnn.com)

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about our cover...

great giveaways Log on to parenting special needs.org click on &217(676 and enter to :,1 WKHVH JUHDW SURGXFWV

Want I t ? W in Look for this symbol on pages then enter to WIN on our site at PSN Contests

it!

Weplay Rainbow River Stones IURP $EOHSOD\

Happy Heart Kid Kits IURP $EOHSOD\

Lucas James Johnstone (left, 13) was born with Down syndrome. Lucas loves all sports especially hockey, wrestling, swimming and body boarding and skiing. He just started skiing without his harness! When he grows up, he wants to be a wrestler. Cameron Rose Johnstone (right, 6) was diagnosed at age 3 with autism and is non-verbal. She loves swinging, jumping, looking at pictures and books, swimming and gymnastics. She just started pulling up the back of her pants when getting dressed, getting her lunch bag out of her backpack and putting it back when DOO GRQH /XFDV DQG &DPHURQ·V amazing sister, Brooklyn, 11, is their best friend and they love her to pieces!

.LGV· &OXWWHU 7DPHUV Toy Tamer Bags IURP $EOHSOD\

Lucas

Stayy in touch in order to W in! Like us on )DFHERRN FRP 3DUHQWLQJ 6SHFLDO

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Brooklyn

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check it out! special products

products

you can use!

Some of these Special Products are available for 3DUHQWLQJ 6SHFLDO 1HHGV¡ Contest Winners. To enter, click on CONTESTS on our site and register.

moowi speech therapy puppets

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The Moowi Puppets are speech and language therapy tools that are designed so that mouth and tongue articulation exercises will never be boring again. This is a great help for speech-language pathologists, kindergarten educators, teachers and therapists as well as for parents. It is designed for all those who care about FKLOGUHQ¡V VSHHFK GHYHORSPHQW 7KH SXSSHWV EHFRPH an inseparable companion in speech therapy classes and encourage children to practice. They make the hard speech therapy work fun, interesting, colorful and effective. Our puppets are also distinguished by the use of high-quality material and workmanship, with special attention given to their mouth with a tongue and teeth. These puppets are aesthetic, functional and durable. www.moowi.eu.

squatty potty The Squatty Potty is a footstool that positions the legs at a VTXDWWLQJ DQJOH ZKLFK RSHQV XS WKH SHOYLF Ă RRU PXVFOHV DQG HQDEOHV HIĂ€FLHQW HYDFXDWLRQ RI WKH ERZHOV ZLWKRXW straining. It may sound far-fetched, but it is backed up by multiple medical studies. The Ecco toilet stool ($29) works perfectly for families of any size. If you appreciate the simple things in life, then this is your toilet stool. Transform your toilet into an elimination station. It is economical, durable, built to last, Kid & Family approves, easy to clean and has a 350 pound weight capacity. www.squattypotty.com

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PARENTING SPECIAL NEEDS.ORG

JAN/FEB 2016

The Family Hope Center presents

How to Help Your Child with Special Needs “I can see my son doing things I never dreamed of. Thank you!�

out of my mind Book Review by Becca Eisenberg Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper is a powerful book that teaches the reader valuable lessons about individuals ZLWK GLVDELOLWLHV VSHFLĂ€FDOO\ WKRVH WKDW DIIHFW VSHHFK 7KH book truly captures the perspective of a young girl, Melody (diagnosed with CP), with limited communication and intact cognition. Although she can produce vocalizations, she has no functional speech for communication. Although 0HORG\ FDQ¡W VSHDN KHU FRJQLWLRQ LV QRW LPSDFWHG DQG KDV D photographic memory. Although this book is appropriate for grades 3 and up, it would be appropriate and important to read for all educators and health care professionals. It is a fascinating read and yet, still a sad story. It represents for the disabled, that you can still do amazing things. Even when people are doubting you, you have to know that there are still people that are encouraging you. For example, Melody has a neighbor, Mrs. V., who never gave up on her since she was born, DQG &DWKHULQH 0HORG\¡V KHOSHU DW VFKRRO ZDV WKH RQO\ RQH that stuck with her and believed in her every single day at school. Ultimately,Melody may be different from all of us, but she, and other kids like her, will always be human. You can read the full review and tips at gravitybread.com Y

If your child has been given the diagnosis of: ‡ Autism ‡ ADD/ADHD ‡ Cerebral Palsy ‡ Epilepsy ‡ Developmental Delay ‡ Down Syndrome Vinnicius and Tatiana P., Connecticut ‡ Dyslexia ‡ or other neurodevelopmental concerns,

FHC is here to help. The Family Hope Center Team has trained thousands of parents from around the world to understand the root causes of their child’s QHXURORJLFDO FKDOOHQJHV DQG KRZ WR VLJQLĂ€FDQWO\ improve their child. This interactive, integrative and practical 3-day Parent Training Conference will teach you how the EUDLQ LV UHDOO\ ÂśZLUHG¡ DQG ZLOO JLYH \RX VLJQLĂ€FDQW tools and an organized approach to help your child progress.

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the taming of

the toys BY AHREN HOFFMAN

From the moment you open the doors, all you see is chaos. Blocks are strewn about to the left, trains thrown off the tracks to the right, a toy plane swings from a ceiling fan above, and those popular plastic blocks are stabbing your feet with every agonizing step. Yet in the middle of this GI Joe warzone, you XJMM PGUFO mOE POF PS NPSF TNJMJOH DIJMESFO happily engaged in the chaos that can be playtime. :KLOH SOD\WLPH FDQ VHHP FKDRWLF DW Ă€UVW JODQFH LW GRHVQ¡W KDYH WR EH 7KH WZR PDMRU DUHDV RI IRFXV IRU RUJDQL]HG FKDRV DUH

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Ways to Organize: 7KLV OLVW LV KHOSIXO IRU DGXOWV DQG FKLOGUHQ DOLNH ,W LQWURGXFHV D VHQVH RI RUGHU DQG LQGHSHQGHQFH IRU FKLOGUHQ DQG LW NHHSV WKLQJV ORRNLQJ WLG\ +HUH DUH VRPH RI RXU IDYRULWH ZD\V WR WDPH WR\V ‡ 8QGHU WKH EHG VWRUDJH ELQV 8QVHHQ VWRUDJH WKDW LV SHUIHFW IRU WKH NLG ZKR SOD\V ZKHUH KH VOHHSV ‡ 6KHOYHV $Q ROGLH EXW D JRRGLH <RX FDQ HYHQ SXW WKH WR\V WKDW QHHG DGXOW VXSHUYLVLRQ RQ WKH XSSHU VKHOYHV VR NLGV FDQ·W JHW WKHP RQ WKHLU RZQ ‡ 2YHU WKH GRRU RUJDQL]HUV ,Q DGGLWLRQ WR VSHFLDOO\ GHVLJQHG KROGHUV VKRH RUJDQL]HUV FDQ EH UHSXUSRVHG WR KROG DQ\ QXPEHU RI SOD\ SURGXFWV ‡ 6WRUDJH VWRROV EHQFKHV 0XOWLSXUSRVH VWRUDJH IRU KLGLQJ WR\V ZLWK VRSKLVWLFDWLRQ

W in it! Ahren Hoffman is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), Manager of Industry Relations & Partnerships at the National Lekotek Center, Sibshop Coordinator at Advocate Illinois Masonic Pediatric Developmental Center (PDC) and consultant for Autism Speaks sibling support groups.

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PARENTING SPECIAL NEEDS.ORG

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is the

I.E.P.

individualized or cookie-cutter? BY DOREEN FRANKLIN

I am sure I am not alone. You are sitting at the IEP meeting and wondering if \RXU FKLOG¡V ,(3 LV ´LQGLYLGXDOL]HGÂľ DV it is supposed to be, or is it a cookie FXWWHU ,(3" %H KRQHVW ÂŤ , KDYH RIWHQ speculated who has written the IEP that you and the Team are discussing and is this how it is supposed to look? )URP WKH )/ '2( SXEOLFDWLRQ $ 3DUHQW¡V Introduction to Exceptional Student Education LQ )ORULGD WKH SXEOLFDWLRQ VWDWHV ´$Q IEP is a written plan that tells you, your child, the teachers, and other school VWDII ZKLFK (6( VHUYLFHV WKH VFKRRO ZLOO SURYLGH WR \RXU FKLOG Âľ 7KHUHIRUH \RXU FKLOG¡V ,(3 LV VSHFLĂ€F WR <285 FKLOG RQO\ DQG VKRXOG EH LQGLYLGXDOL]HG 7KH ,(3 VKRXOG FRQWDLQ \RXU FKLOG¡V strengths & weaknesses, his/her present OHYHOV IURP HLWKHU UHFHQW HYDOXDWLRQV UH HYDOXDWLRQV RU WKH VWDQGDUGL]HG WHVWV and work product during the year), and parent input on your child for their education. Since all of these are particular to your child, this part of the IEP will be LQGLYLGXDOL]HG *RDOV VKRXOG EH ZULWWHQ VSHFLĂ€FDOO\ IRU \RXU FKLOG VR that your child will meet the state standards; benchmarks PD\ EH ZULWWHQ DV WKH ´VWHSSLQJ VWRQHVÂľ WRZDUG PHHWLQJ

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those goals. You may want to ensure that you, as parents, FOHDUO\ XQGHUVWDQG \RXU FKLOG¡V present level so that your child will be working toward the goals which should line up to the state standards. Do not feel anxious or DSSUHKHQVLYH DERXW DVNLQJ VSHFLĂ€FV DERXW \RXU FKLOG DQG where he/she is; I cannot stress this enough! To learn \RXU FKLOG¡V SUHVHQW OHYHO if it is not listed in the IEP, \RX FRXOG DVN IRU D SHUFHQWDJH RU VSHFLĂ€FV IRU H[DPSOH Jennifer is able to correctly sound out 20 out of 26 letters; Patty does not know the sounds of the following letters ² F N V P Q DQG ] WKLV FDQ DOVR LQGLFDWH ZKDW \RX FDQ reinforce/work on at home).

IEPs should be expressly tailored for your child The IEP will also indicate which VHUYLFH V ZLOO EH SURYLGHG DQG E\ ZKRP KRZ PXFK WLPH HDFK VHUYLFH ZLOO EH SURYLGHG DQG ZKHUH LW ZLOO EH SURYLGHG H[DPSOHV FODVVURRP (6( FODVV school-wide, etc). Placement and special factors will also be discussed at each IEP meeting. Again, because your child has unique needs, all of these should be tailored expressly to and for your child. (6< ([WHQGHG 6FKRRO <HDU ZLOO DOVR EH GLVFXVVHG and should not be decided on until the end of the school \HDU , KDYH VHHQ ,(3V WKDW KDYH LQGLFDWHG (6< LV QRW needed for the child and the IEP meeting was held at WKH EHJLQQLQJ RI WKH VFKRRO \HDU (6< LV QRW IRU HYHU\ FKLOG EXW LI WKH ´WHDP KDV UHDVRQ WR EHOLHYH WKDW WKH

Ask about ďŹ rst time buyer special!

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SURYLVLRQ RI D IUHH DSSURSULDWH SXEOLF HGXFDWLRQ )$3( IRU DQ LQGLYLGXDO VWXGHQW ZRXOG EH MHRSDUGL]HG ZLWKRXW VXFK VHUYLFHV Âľ 7KHUH DUH VHYHUDO TXHVWLRQV ZKLFK WKH ,(3 7HDP ZKLFK LQFOXGHV SDUHQWV DV DQ LQWHJUDO SDUW RI WKH 7HDP VKRXOG DGGUHVV ZKHQ GHFLGLQJ DERXW (6< VHUYLFHV IRU \RXU FKLOG LQFOXGHG DW WKH ZHEVLWH OLQN EHORZ (6< FRXOG DOVR EH SURYLGHG LI D QHZ VHUYLFH LV LQWURGXFHG DW WKH HQG RI WKH school year so that your child can continue toward mastery RI WKDW JRDO 8QIRUWXQDWHO\ PDQ\ WLPHV (6< VFKHGXOLQJ LV QRW LQGLYLGXDOL]HG <RX DUH WROG DW WKH ,(3 PHHWLQJ WKDW (6< will run from X week in June to Y week in July, from 8am12pm, Monday thru Thursday. This could be based on the district calendar, and ESY is not mandatory. You know your child, and you may want to discuss ESY prior to attending the IEP meeting.

Does your child struggle to button jeans?

Ask questions and be heard $FFRPPRGDWLRQV PLJKW QRW EH DV ´LQGLYLGXDOL]HGÂľ IRU \RXU FKLOG )URP P\ H[SHULHQFH WKHUH DUH ´JHQHULFÂľ accommodations which the Team will usually agree on: H[WHQGHG WLPH IRU KRPHZRUN DQG RU WHVWLQJ FKXQNLQJ RI work; special seating; testing to be done in a small setting ZLWK SURPSWV *RRG MRE %UDQGRQ ZLWK WKH SURFWRU FKHFNLQJ that your child is on the same question and answer. There are other accommodations which should be tailored to your child and will also be written in the list of accommodations on an IEP: mobility cane; less clutter/materials on the desk; YLVXDO VFKHGXOH 5HPHPEHU WKDW \RXU FKLOG KDV XQLTXH QHHGV DQG WKRVH QHHGV DUH WKH EDVLV IRU WKH ,(3 DQG (6( VHUYLFHV $VN TXHVWLRQV 0DNH VXUH WKH 7HDP KHDUV \RXU YLHZSRLQW concerns and that they are noted in the conference notes. 7RJHWKHU DV DQ ,(3 7HDP \RXU FKLOG VKRXOG EHQHĂ€W IURP WKRVH ZKR DUH ZRUNLQJ )25 \RXU FKLOG WKURXJK WKHLU ,(3 Y

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Dore Doreen oreen een n Franklin Frank klin Doreen is a tutor for AmeriCorps and a Special Education Consultant/Advocate dvoca (she assists families with children with special needs with their IEPs). Doreen & her husband adopted two daughters; both are special needs.

www.downsdesignsdreams.org

strategies for elevating

happiness this year!

BY DOUGLAS HADDAD, PH.D.

The daily stresses of being a parent can take a toll on one’s overall wellbeing and happiness. It is important that we take a look at the factors that create the emotion of happiness and see what can be done to boost and maintain that state of mind.

The Happiness Factors According to many studies conducted on the topic of happiness, there are three things that contribute to this state of being. First, there are genetic factors – biologically speaking - the level of the happiness hormones in our bodies, which include serotonin, dopamine, endorphins. This accounts for 50% of a SHUVRQ¡V KDSSLQHVV $OVR WKHUH DUH FRJQLWLYH IDFWRUV that make up 40% of your happiness which is your own personal outlook. This includes your thoughts, actions, and reactions to events and situations. Lastly, there are circumstantial factors such as a loss of a job, loved one, a sickness, or injury which constitute 10% of your overall happiness.

Boosting Your Happy Hormones There are healthy things you can do to elevate those happy hormones in your body - starting with your diet. Consuming foods rich in B-vitamins and omega 3-fatty acids, such as brown rice, leafy green veggies, ÀVK SRXOWU\ QXWV OHQWLOV DQG ZKROH JUDLQV DUH H[FHOOHQW choices. Studies have shown that people who are depressed have low levels of folate in their bloodstream and increasing the consumption of leafy green veggies and legumes have been shown to boost serotonin and dopamine levels. You can naturally boost your endorphin levels, the pain killing hormones secreted within the brain and nervous system, through a variety of means including:

26 16

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([HUFLVLQJ /LVWHQLQJ WR PXVLF 6PHOOLQJ YDQLOOD RU ODYHQGHU RLO Making love (DWLQJ GDUN FKRFRODWH /DXJKLQJ GHHS EHOO\ ODXJKLQJ LV D JUHDW ZD\ to give your abdominals a workout)

Happiness Starts Right Now! When you begin to understand the factors that contribute to happiness, you can better help yourself and others achieve this state of mind - no matter what situation you or others are presently in. When it comes right down to it, happiness is a choice that starts NOW! And this very present moment is all that we ever had, have, and will have in our lives. $V WKH JUHDW SKLORVRSKHU DQG VSLULWXDO OHDGHU (FNKDUW 7ROOH

advice

reallife

stated, “The past has no power over toward your goals. Write down your goals – A the present moment.â€? Getting to this Âą “Yesterday was goal is nothing more than a dream with a point of NOW and truly understanding deadline. Holding yourself accountable by the root of happiness is the key to your history, tomorrow is a writing down your goals and reporting to an personal breakthrough epiphany. mystery, and today is accountability partner will greatly improve We have over 50,000 thoughts that a gift, that is why it is your odds in achieving your goals. we play in our head each day where we are judging, evaluating, planning, called the present.â€? and behaving in accordance with our Âą Surround yourself with all -Eleanor Roosevelt core values. Our happiness gauge is things positive – When you put yourself (Former first lady derived from our daily thought patterns in the right frame of mind for success by of the United States) and our core values about things reading empowering books, listening to such as: money, health, relationships, positive music and empowering audio, feelings of self-worth, and the state of and being around people who are WKH ZRUOG DURXQG XV $OEHUW (LQVWHLQ XSOLIWLQJ \RX ZLOO Ă€QG \RXUVHOI IHHOLQJ PRUH once said, “The most important question you can ever SRVLWLYH FUHDWLYH RSHQ DQG H[SDQVLYH LQ \RXU PLQGVHW ask is if the universe is a friendly place?â€? From there, your and the way you set out to achieve your goals. WKRXJKWV ZLOO GHWHUPLQH ZKDW DFWLRQV \RX WDNH QH[W DQG ,I \RX ZRXOG OLNH WR UHFHLYH 'U 'RXJ¡V IUHH PDQXDO lead you to your ultimate destiny. The Happiness Formula: 30 Days to Finding You and Start Living the Life You Imagine, e-mail him at: 'U 'RXJ¡V 4XLFN 7KUHH 7LSV WR *HW drdoug@doughaddad.comY

<RX *RLQJ RQ WKH 5LJKW +DSSLQHVV 7UDFN 7KLV <HDU Âą

Determine what truly inspires you – What do you love doing and what are you actually doing? Do those two things align each day? Prioritize your schedule by making time to do the things that you love to do or that will get you

Douglas Haddad, Ph.D. (“Dr. Dougâ€?) is a public school teacher, nutritionist and the author of parenting/child guidance book Save Your Kids‌Now! The Revolutionary Guide To Helping Youth Conquer Today’s Challenges and co-author of Top Ten Tips For Tip Top Shape: Super Health Programs For All Professional Fields. www. douglashaddad.com

JAN/FEB 2016

PARENTING SPECIAL NEEDS.ORG

17

where to go if your

chil d needs a job or help with post high school education BY BARRIE SILBERBERG

I am breaking my mold today and not writing about food. One of the other jobs I do is to assist those with disabilities in seeking employment and helping them on their path to obtain a job or career. Sadly, it is a hidden secret that the government has agencies to help with employment for anyone with a disability, or an injury that requires some assistance with VFKRROLQJ REWDLQLQJ HPSOR\PHQW RU Ă€QGLQJ D QHZ W\SH of employment. There is so much help available; you just need to know where to turn. So many people are left in the dark about vocational rehabilitation services that can provide invaluable assistance. 7KH Ă€UVW VWHS LV WR FRQWDFW \RXU ORFDO RIĂ€FH RI D YRFDWLRQDO rehabilitation program. These agencies have been around for many years and are available in all states to assist people, usually from seniors in high school to adulthood, who have physical, mental, emotional, intellectual and/ or learning disabilities. If you have an IEP or 504, testing UHVXOWV RU D SK\VLFLDQ¡V GRFXPHQWDWLRQ WKHQ \RX DUH RQ \RXU ZD\ WR JHWWLQJ WKH KHOS \RX QHHG WR Ă€QG D MRE RU getting assistance with your education.

state and from the National government are available to help you and your family. If you want to locate your local department of vocation rehabilitation, call 2-1-1 and ask for WKH ORFDO RIĂ€FH SKRQH QXPEHU LV D VHUYLFH WKDW RIIHUV information about social services in your community. The call is free and they are open 24/7 to assist with all of your social service related inquiries. You can also look at these two sites. They list all 50 VWDWHV WKH 'LVWULFW RI &ROXPELD DQG WKH 86 WHUULWRULHV¡ vocational rehabilitation main headquarters, web sites and main phone numbers LINK: www.fda.gov/downloads/AboutFDA/WorkingatFDA/UCM277757.pdf LINK: askjan.org/cgi-win/TypeQuery.exe?902

Check with your local agency to best understand services

Here are a few other web sites to help you to investigate the services that the vocational rehabilitation department in your state can provide:

(DFK VWDWH KDV LWV RZQ ODZV DQG UHJXODWLRQV VR LW¡V EHVW WR FRQWDFW \RXU ORFDO RIĂ€FH WR Ă€QG RXW ZKDW LV LQYROYHG Services are completely free! Some of the services that might be available are vocational testing, help with the funding of school (tuition, books, transpiration, supplies, tools, testing, fees, etc), counseling, guidance, job placement, job coaching, etc‌Please check with your local agency for a complete understanding of the many other services available to individuals with disabilities so they can become (and remain) gainfully employed.

LINK: askjan.org/cgi-win/TypeQuery.exe?902 LINK: www2.ed.gov/about/contacts/state/index.html LINK: www2.ed.gov/programs/rsabvrs/index.html

These are your tax dollars at work. Funds from your

26 18

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JAN/FEB 2016

It is wise to view the web site before making contact ZLWK \RXU VWDWH¡V YRFDWLRQDO UHKDELOLWDWLRQ GHSDUWPHQW Read about what services they can provide and what documentation you must provide to receive these services. It is best to contact your local branch and ask for the counselor of the day to ask questions and set up an appointment. If your child is an adult and you do not have conservatorship, your child must sign a permission slip for the counselor and other rehabilitation representatives to

advice

discuss things with you, the parent.

Discuss various options with the counselor After you have set up an appointment you and/or your FKLOG ZLOO JR LQWR WKH ORFDO RIĂ€FH WR PHHW ZLWK D UHKDELOLWDWLRQ FRXQVHORU 7KH FRXQVHORU ZLOO DVN WR VHH YHULĂ€FDWLRQ RI D GLVDELOLW\ RU LQMXU\ DQG ZLOO DVN \RX WR Ă€OO RXW IRUPV (sometimes forms are sent to you ahead of time, via mail or email). The counselor will discuss the goals of the clients ´WKH FRQVXPHUÂľ WR Ă€QG RXW ZKDW FDUHHU SDWK WKH SHUVRQ ZRXOG OLNH WR WDNH 6RPH VWDWH¡V RIĂ€FHV PLJKW DVN IRU

reallife

Ă€QDQFLDO LQIRUPDWLRQ DQG WKH\ PLJKW GHWHUPLQH WKDW WKH family might have to pay for some part of the services. Usually, services are 100% free and do not need to be paid back. Be sure to ask if your state takes income of the parents or family into account. If schooling is something the person is interested in pursuing, the counselor will discuss the various options and how much money they can provide. After the intake, the counselor will inform you how ORQJ LW ZLOO WDNH XQWLO \RX Ă€QG RXW LI \RX DUH DSSURYHG IRU services. Once you get approved, an appointment will be set up with the same counselor, or perhaps another one LQ WKH VDPH RIĂ€FH <RX ZLOO PHHW ZLWK WKHP DQG JR RYHU your plan, your goals and how they can help you. The counselor will go over more laws, rules and procedures, as well as how they can best serve their consumer to reach their employment goals. <RX PLJKW EH VXUSULVHG DW WKH ZHDOWK RI LQIRUPDWLRQ WKDW a vocational counselor can provide and the steps that they will take to help you obtain your goals. Reach out, plan for \RXU IXWXUH LW¡V ZDLWLQJ IRU \RX Y Barrie Silberberg is the author of The Autism & ADHD Diet : A Step-byStep Guide To Hope and Healing by Living Gluten Free and Casein Free (GFCF) And Others Interventions. Her web site is: www.puttingyourkidsfirst.com

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Lauren Potter - American Actress As an actress, Lauren has appeared on the hit show, Glee, but she is also an advisor to the White House for People with Intellectual Disabilities and appointed by President Obama. Lauren was born with Down Syndrome.

no limits!

Support Different-Ability Awareness

Evana Sandusky

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10 years of motherhood

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vana is mother to a child with Down syndrome, AV canal defect, WolffParkinson White syndrome, sleep apnea, and asthma. She is also a pediatric, speech-language pathologist and has agreed to share some of her feelings with us. Learn what she has to say... Photos Courtesy Evana Sandusky

Jaycee and Me

JAN/FEB 2016

PARENTING SPECIAL NEEDS.ORG

21

Evana shares In a few weeks, 10 candles will be placed on a birthday cake. A little girl wearing glasses will smile as her adoring family sings the birthday song to her. She will likely need more than one breath to extinguish the candles and will laugh in delight when they are out. Her little brother will be right beside her WHOOLQJ KHU VKH¡V GRQH D JRRG MRE 7KHQ VKH ZLOO JUDE D SODWH WR EH WKH Ă€UVW RQH LQ OLQH WR HDW KHU IDYRULWH dessert. And I will stand near her taking in the scene FHOHEUDWLQJ P\ RZQ PLOHVWRQH 7HQ \HDUV +DV LW been that long? ,W¡V KDUG WR UHPHPEHU P\ OLIH EHIRUH -D\FHH DQG (OLMDK ZHUH ERUQ %HIRUH WR\V ZHUH VFDWWHUHG DOO RYHU WKH KRXVH DQG EHIRUH , NQHZ VR PDQ\ %DUQH\ O\ULFV , was a young, twenty-something wife dreaming about KDYLQJ D IDPLO\ , GLGQ¡W NQRZ ZKDW OLIH KDG LQ VWRUH for me, but I was sure I was ready for the challenge of motherhood. , KDG WKH VWDQGDUG GLIĂ€FXOWLHV RI PRWKHUKRRG IURP WKH EHJLQQLQJ %UHDVWIHHGLQJ LV HDV\ DQG QDWXUDO , ZDV WROG Not for me. I ended up using formula for both my children. It brought so much guilt at the time, but at this stage in my PRWKHUKRRG MRXUQH\ , UHDOL]H LW GLGQ¡W PDWWHU 3RWW\ WUDLQLQJ QRZ WKDW ZDV D FKDOOHQJH , DP VR JODG ,¡P through with that stage of motherhood. I read books and articles and sought wisdom from others, but it was a long process. After some trial-and-error, I thankfully stumbled upon two very different techniques that helped my children learn what to do. , DOVR HQGXUHG WKH FKDOOHQJLQJ VWDWH RI (OLMDK¡V REVHVVLRQ ZLWK 7KRPDV WKH 7UDLQ , VWDONHG WKH 7KRPDV ZHEVLWH WR VHH ZKHQ WKH WUDLQ ZDV FRPLQJ WR D WRZQ QHDU PH , Ă€OOHG P\ '95 ZLWK HSLVRGHV WR PDNH (OLMDK KDSS\ , KDG WR OHDUQ WKH QDPHV RI VR PDQ\ WUDLQV RQO\ IRU SRRU 7KRPDV DQG KLV friends to vacate our premises a few years later. 7KH Ă€UVW GD\ RI SUH VFKRRO DQG WKH Ă€UVW GD\ RI NLQGHUJDUWHQ for my children presented a bittersweet challenge. It was a marker that my children were growing up. My role as a mother was changing as their life was too. My days off work would no longer be spent taking them shopping or watching

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Images Courtesy Evana Sandusky

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defect. I have seen central line wires protrude from her neck as she lay in the intensive care unit. I have gingerly kissed a cheek that was barely visible due to tape holding a ventilator tube in place. I have seen her body bruised from a string of unsuccessful blood draws that PDGH PH ZLVK WKLQJV FRXOG MXVW EH GLIIHUHQW IRU KHU :KHQ , VHH KHU body on the brink of a disaster, I am reminded that each day is a gift DV , ZKLVSHU LQ KHU HDU ´.HHS Ă€JKWLQJ -D\FHH Âľ

~Evana-Sandusky

just for

about Evana

Every challenge for motherhood has taught me about myself, my children, and life in general. I am not that naïve young woman I was ten years ago. I am stronger, wiser, and have a greater capacity to love. Soon, I will take my place near the smiling birthday girl celebrating her 10 years of life. I will kiss her face, hold her hand, and take way too PDQ\ SLFWXUHV VLQFH WKDW¡V ZKDW PRPV GR , ZLOO EH JUDWHIXO WKDW , KDYH had a chance to be her mother through all the happy, easy times and the more challenging ones.

Family Snapshot:. , KDYH EHHQ PDUULHG IRU DOPRVW \HDUV -D\FHH DQG KHU OLWWOH EURWKHU (OLMDK FRPSOHWH RXU IDPLO\ -D\FHH KDV KDG D ORW of challenges over the years with her health, some related to Down V\QGURPH DQG PDQ\ LVVXHV XQUHODWHG ,W¡V D MR\ WR EH D PRP WR ERWK kids! Y

Evana thank you so much for taking the time to share with us and for letting us get to know a little about you and your family.

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ZKDW GR \RX GR WR Ă€QG WLPH IRU you? 7KH NLGV DUH DOPRVW DOZD\V LQ EHG DW SP 7KDW JLYHV PH D couple of hours every day to relax or WDON WR P\ KXVEDQG -DVRQ ZLWKRXW interruption. PRPP\ WLPHRXW GUHDP YDFDWLRQ" I would love to try a cruise with my husband. It will probably be a dream IRU D ORQJ WLPH VLQFH , ZRXOGQ¡W EH DEOH to relax being so far away from my children! IDYRULWH TXRWH" ,W¡V D UHOLJLRXV RQHÂŤ ´'LVFLSOLQH LV VD\LQJ \HV WR -HVXV when you really want to say no.â€? Perry Noble from the book Overwhelmed Ă€QLVK WKLV VHQWHQFH WKH ZRUOG QHHGV " 7R XQGHUVWDQG KRZ SRZHUIXO D PRWKHU¡V ORYH UHDOO\ LV my job is? Pediatric Speechlanguage pathologist Evana blogs over at www. specialpurposedlife.blogspot.com

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BUILDING Independence through self awareness and regulation

BY MEME HIENEMAN & MONICA GILBERT

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e want our children to be as independent as possible; learning to successfully negotiate life circumstances on their own. Self-awareness (i.e., understanding what they are doing and what is occurring around them) and self-regulation (i.e., managing their own behavior) are critical skills to gaining that independence across people, places, and situations. These skills give our children the power to make their own choices, as well as VHOI FRQÀGHQFH DQG VHFXULW\ The following table summarizes questions you might ask yourself and examples of child behavior that would indicate self-awareness and UHJXODWLRQ 'HSHQGLQJ RQ \RXU FKLOG·V FXUUHQW capabilities, it then provides suggestions for encouraging higher levels of independence in each area. Images Courtesy our Facebook Friends

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PARENTING SPECIAL NEEDS.ORG00 JAN/FEB 2016 PARENTING 25 SPECIAL NEEDS.ORG JAN/FEB 2016

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

gradually increase your child’s self-awareness

INDICATORS OF ABILITY

WAYS TO ENCOURAGE DEVELOPMENT

Does your child pay attention to interactions and the surroundings?

Watches events, shifting his gaze as actions occur 'HVFULEHV RWKHU SHRSOH·V EHKDYLRU (e.g., he is eating spaghetti)

Point out and describe aspects of your surroundings and events. Ask questions such as “What is going on?” “Who is doing?” and “What do you see around you?”

Does your child recognize what he or she is saying or doing?

Hesitates before acting Describes own statements and behavior (e.g., I said “talk to me”)

Describe behavior as it is occurring Ask questions such as “What are you doing right now?” and What did you say or do?”

Does your child see the impact of behavior on other people and the environment?

Looks for a certain results States how other people reacted or what happened as a result of the behavior

Describe results of behavior and reactions of other people. Ask questions such as “When you did ___, what happened?” and “When ___ did ___, what did you do?”

Does your child recognize feelings or intentions?

5HDFWV WR RU LGHQWLÀHV HPRWLRQDO reactions Describes emotions and possible intentions

Demonstrate and describe feelings and purposes of actions. Ask questions such as “How did you feel when ___ happened?” and “___ is crying/frowning; what does that mean?” and “What do you think ___ wanted to achieve?”

Does your child evaluate his or her own behavior?

Appears pleased or sad following behavior Describes behavior as good or bad/right or wrong

Model evaluating actions (e.g., “I yelled – that is not the way to handle problems”) Ask questions such as “Do you feel that was a good choice?”

Does your child initiate behavior to meet his or her needs?

Requests activities, items, assistance independently Resolves own problems (vs. waiting for others)

Model taking initiative to get what you need (while describing actions). Ask questions such as “What do you want or need?” and ´+RZ FDQ \RX À[ WKLV"µ :DLW \RXU FKLOG RXW when she needs something

Does your child stop a behavior in progress?

Starts engaging in an unproductive behavior and then stops

Model stopping yourself when behaving Use a word, gesture, signal to stop a behavior in progress. Suggest calming or coping strategies (e.g., deep breaths, counting, leaving area)

Does your child recognize long-term consequences of behavior?

Makes statements about impact of behavior or decisions based on long-term consequences

Describe long-term effects of behavior Ask questions such as “If you continue to ___, what is likely to happen (e.g., to your friendships, opportunities)?”

Does your child problemsolve, identifying possible choices or solutions to problems?

Starts and stops different actions to solve problems Describes potential choices or resolutions

Model problem-solving, explaining your choices and their possible outcomes Ask questions such as “What could you do in this situation?” and “What would be the EHQHÀWV RI HDFK FKRLFH"µ

Does your child praise or reward him or herself for successes?

Delays participating in enjoyable activities until goals are achieved Makes positive comments about own behavior

Praise your child and yourself for behavior Ask questions such as “Since you (e.g., completed ___, handled this situation so well), what is something you could do for yourself?”

Organizes belongings and environment to guide next steps (e.g., putting tasks to complete in order, setting up activity schedule) Describes goals he or she wants to achieve

Lay out task materials or describe steps you will take to achieve a goal. Provide and encourage use of a calendar to record upcoming events. Ask questions such as “What would you like to be able to do? and “What is your plan for making that happen?”

Does your child plan for the future?

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As you can see from this list, there are a variety of ZD\V ZH FDQ JUDGXDOO\ LQFUHDVH RXU FKLOGUHQ¡V VHOI awareness and regulation, including, in particular, modeling skills and asking the right questions. Note that the strategies may be adapted for children with limited or no verbal language. In this case, we may require nonverbal responses (e.g., “Point to ___â€?) instead of words or supplement our strategies with visual cues (e.g., pictures, videos).

Guidance and support must vary Children may demonstrate different levels and types of self-awareness and regulation skills based on circumstances. For example, they may communicate their needs more assertively with people who are close to them and resolve problems on their own in more familiar environments, but shut down when situations are novel or complex. Because of this, we need to recognize that our guidance and support must vary across situations. We have to assess our FKLOGUHQ¡V DELOLW\ DQG DGDSW RXU DSSURDFK DV QHHGHG $QRWKHU NH\ LVVXH WR FRQVLGHU LV D FKLOG¡V PRWLYDWLRQ to be independent. If children get what they want and need automatically or immediately, they will be less inclined to exert the energy required to request desired items or activities or resolve their own problems. To address this challenge, we need to control access to highly-preferred events until our children are asserting themselves appropriately. It PD\ IHHO EHWWHU WR WDNH FDUH RI RXU FKLOGUHQ¡V QHHGV and problems right away, but this will not teach them the skills they need to manage circumstances on their own.

Fade out support as rapidly as possible

key issue to consider is a child’s motivation to be independent.

With the right kinds of support, children can become more self-determined and directed and less dependent on the adults in their lives. To help them DFKLHYH WKHVH JRDOV ZH QHHG WR Ă€JXUH RXW ZKDW WKH\ are currently capable of doing, provide the right level of assistance, and then fade our support as rapidly as possible. A perfect analogy for this process is teaching a child to ride a bike. We provide them training wheels in the beginning when they are very wobbly. We then guide our children until we are barely touching the handle bars, letting them feel the power and control while preventing major wipe- outs. When ZH Ă€QDOO\ OHW JR LW LV ERWK VFDU\ DQG H[FLWLQJ :H NQRZ WKDW EHLQJ LQGHSHQGHQW LV LQ RXU FKLOGUHQ¡V EHVW interest and therefore take pride in their successes. Meme Hieneman, has a Ph.D. in Special Education and is nationally certified as a behavior analyst. She has published a variety of articles, chapters, and books including “Parenting with Positive Behavior Support: A Practical Guide to Resolving Your Child’s Difficult Behavior.â€? In her professional career, Meme has worked with children with severe behavior problems for more than 20 years. JAN/FEB 2016

PARENTING SPECIAL NEEDS.ORG

27

Mommy’s Timeout : T ake k a time out and use V isualization Meditation to relax. Imagine yourself here rafting atop the Alaskan Mountains Enjoy the beautiful serenity of this pristine glacier water. Take a couple of deep breaths and begin to let go of any stress. ALASKA MOUNTAINS Alaskan mountains as seen packrafting on Matanuska Glacier, 100 miles north of Anchorage, AK. Photos courtesy of Paxson Woelber www.paxsonwoelber.com Music courtesy of Ryan Judd www.TheRhythmTree.com

breathing space your life

Taking Control of Your Family’s Finances Following a

BY HEATH BURCH, CFP® CHSNC®

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STAGE 4:

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Additional Special Needs Considerations , I \RX FUHDWHG OHJDO GRFXPHQWV ZKLOH PDUULHG LQFOXGLQJ D VSHFLDO QHHGV WUXVW IRU WKH EHQHĂ€W RI \RXU FKLOG FRPSOHWH D UHYLHZ ZLWK DQ HVWDWH planning attorney to determine how they might QHHG WR EH DOWHUHG , I RQH SDUHQW LV FXUUHQWO\ OLVWHG DV WKH FRQWDFW IRU YDULRXV UHVRXUFHV RU EHQHĂ€WV VXFK DV UHSUHVHQWDWLYH SD\HH IRU VRFLDO VHFXULW\ EHQHĂ€WV ensure that the other parent has the ability to access these resources when needed under joint FXVWRG\ RU VXSHUYLVLRQ 'HWHUPLQH KRZ JXDUGLDQVKLS ZLOO EH KDQGOHG RU LI your child is under the age of 18 what the plan is WR DGGUHVV JXDUGLDQVKLS DW WKDW WLPH Ensure that special needs planning done by one parent to protect ongoing access to social security and Medicaid is not undermined by the RWKHU SDUHQW IDLOLQJ WR FRPSOHWH VLPLODU SODQQLQJ

Heath Burch, CFPÂŽ, ChSNCÂŽ. Heath is a Certified Financial PlannerÂŽ and Chartered Special Needs ConsultantÂŽ in Kansas City, MO, whose practice serves the unique financial & estate planning needs families with special needs. You can contact him at (816) 741-1100 or hburch@cacu.com.

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A New Year’s Guide a powerful & harmonious you BY PAULA PETRY, PH.D.

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arenting a child with special needs can be overwhelming; one day life is calm and steady and the next is not. The uncertainties can leave us feeling vulnerable and powerless. Small challenges become looming disasters as we are unable to cope with ‘one more thing’. A great deal of my own life had been topsyturvy. My daughter, Alexandra, was born with a severe disability and then her death at age twelve left me in puddles of despair. However, out of my deep sadness in both instances came strength and wisdom. This might be true for you also. Ultimately, I went on an inward journey RI VHOI FDUH UHĂ HFWLRQ DQG VWXG\ ZKHUH , GLVFRYHUHG WUXWKV DERXW OLIH¡V PHDQLQJ DQG SXUSRVH DQG KRZ LW LV WKDW ZH FDQ UHFODLP RXU power. 7KH 6DFUHG 6HYHQ (VVHQWLDOV RI +DUPRQLRXV /LYLQJ UHĂ HFWV P\ OHDUQLQJ , RIIHU WKLV DV D JXLGH IRU \RXU 1(: <HDU , SURPLVH LW ZLOO OHDG \RX WRZDUG D PRUH SRZHUIXO DQG KDUPRQLRXV <28

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Sacred Essential # 7 - gives you the most powerful visualization tool available to you. Use this tool to create a NEW year for yourself and your family.

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4. Access natural sources of vibrant energy to BE balanced, energized and MR\ ÀOOHG <RX DFFHVV WKH QDWXUDO VRXUFHV RI SRVLWLYH HQHUJ\ ORYH DIÀUPLQJ WKRXJKWV DQG EHOLHIV QXWULWLRXV IRRGV DQG SK\VLFDO H[HUFLVH 6FLHQFH LV WHOOLQJ XV WKDW WKHVH QDWXUDO VRXUFHV RI HQHUJ\ ORRS WR JHWKHU LQ D QHYHU HQGLQJ H[FKDQJH /RYH WKRXJKWV DQG EHOLHIV DQG IRRGV DOO KDYH D YLEUDWLRQDO TXDOLW\ WKDW LPSDFW RXU RZQ YLEUDWLRQ DQG ZHOO EHLQJ 3K\VLFDO H[HUFLVH UHOHDVHV FKHPLFDOV FDOOHG HQGRUSKLQV UHVXOWLQJ LQ D SRVLWLYH RXWORRN RQ OLIH 'DLO\ ZHOOQHVV SUDFWLFHV WKDW DFFHVV WKH VH HQHUJLHV SXW \RX LQ FKDUJH RI your own destiny.

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6. Align your decisions and actions with who you are <RXU DFWLRQV DUH DOLJQHG ZLWK \RXU YLVLRQ PLVVLRQ JRDOV DQG \RXU SHUVRQDO WUXWKV :KHQ ZH QHJDWH RXU RZQ WUXWKV ZH FUHDWH REVWDFOHV IRU RXUVHOYHV 7KH QDWXUDO HDVH DQG Ă RZ RI OLIH EH FRPHV EORFNHG DQG FDQ UHVXOW LQ DFFLGHQWV FKURQLF SDLQ GLVHDVH DQG LOOQHVV 7KH LQZDUG MRXUQH\ WR GLVFRYHU DQG OHW JR RI RXU ROG ZRXQGV DQJHU UHJUHWV DQG worries is an essential wellness prac-tice. It allows us to TXLFNO\ VHOI FRUUHFW DQG UHRSHQ WKH GLYLQH Ă RZ RI HQHUJ\

8VH \RXU PLQG¡V FDSDFLW\ WR visualize and manifest the future you wish to have. &UHDWLQJ D 9LVLRQ %RDUG LV SUREDEO\ RQH RI WKH PRVW SRZHUIXO WRROV DYDLODEOH WR \RX $ 9L VLRQ %RDUG LV D FROOHFWLRQ RI YLVXDO LPDJHV GUDZLQJV FXWRXWV IURP D PDJD]LQH ZRUGV WKDW UHSUHVHQW RU V\PEROL]H WKH IHHOLQJV H[SHULHQFHV ZD\V RI EHLQJ DQG SRVVHVVLRQV \RX GHVLUH WR KDYH $V \RXU DWWHQWLRQ IRFXVHV RQ WKHP ZLWK XQZDYHULQJ IDLWK VFLHQFH LV WHOOLQJ XV WKDW WKH\ DUH GHVWLQHG WR RFFXU Y Paula Petry, PhD. Paula has her doctoral degree in special education from the University of Miami. Paula is the founder and honorary advisor of Parent to Parent of Miami. Paula attended Harvard’s Executive Leadership program and developed leadership programs for students and parents. She is a Light Body practitioner through the Four Winds Society and studied arts in medicine at the University of Florida, Shands Hospital.

JAN/FEB 2016

PARENTING SPECIAL NEEDS.ORG

35

ABLE ACCOUNT

OR SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST

BY SCOTT C. SUZUKI, ESQ., SPECIAL L NEEDS ALLIANCE

I

n December 2014, President nt Obama signed the Stephen Beck Jr. Achieving ing a Better Life Experience Act (“ABLE Act”) into law,

authorizing states to create a new ew category of dividuals with savings programs for certain individuals disabilities. Assets held in accounts ounts that comply with the ABLE Act will not affect eligibility for Medicaid or Supplemental Security

(SNTs), (SNTs) s wh which h DOVR DOVR VDIHJXDUG D EHQHÀFLDU\·V OVR VDI DIHJ IHJXD XDUG UG D EHQ HQHÀ HÀFLDU\· HÀ \V

Income (“SSI”), so long as they are used

SXEOLF EHQHÀWV :KHQ VKRXOG WKH\ HVWDEOLVK

IRU ´TXDOLÀHG GLVDELOLW\ UHODWHG SXUSRVHV µ ,Q

one versus the other? The choice depends on

planning for the future security of a child with

personal circumstances, and in some cases, it

special needs, many families wonder how ABLE

may make sense to create both an ABLE account

accounts differ from special needs trusts

and an SNT.

36

PARENTING SPECIAL NEEDS.ORG

JAN/FEB 2016

$%/( OHJLVODWLRQ KDV EHHQ SDVVHG RU LV SHQGLQJ LQ VWDWHV ,PSOHPHQWDWLRQ KRZHYHU ZLOO DZDLW ÀQDO federal and state regulations, including regulations from the Internal Revenue Service. The Social Security Administration recently published new guidelines for ABLE Accounts in the Program Operations Manual 6\VWHP 3206 EXW DV ZLWK DOO GHYHORSLQJ SURJUDPV PRUH VSHFLÀF LPSOLFDWLRQV ZLOO OLNHO\ GHYHORS RYHU WLPH $FFRXQWV LQ VRPH VWDWHV DUH H[SHFWHG WR EHJLQ WR EH DYDLODEOH VRPHWLPH GXULQJ :KLOH VRPH VSHFLÀFV ZLOO YDU\ E\ VWDWH WKH PDMRU GLVWLQFWLRQV EHWZHHQ $%/( DFFRXQWV DQG 617V DUH

ABLE ACCOUNT

SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST

Onset of Disability

Qualifying disability exists prior to age 26

No requirement

Age of )LULÄJPHY`

No requirement

First Party Trust: Trust established prior to age 65. Third Party Trust: No requirement

Who May Establish

)LULÄJPHY` WHYLU[ N\HYKPHU HNLU[

;OPYK 7HY[` ;Y\Z[! (U`VUL L_JLW[ ILULÄJPHY` -PYZ[ 7HY[` ;Y\Z[! 7HYLU[ .YHUKWHYLU[ .\HYKPHU *V\Y[ -PYZ[ 7HY[` 7VVSLK ;Y\Z[! )LULÄJPHY` 7HYLU[ .YHUKWHYLU[ .\HYKPHU *V\Y[

5V VM (JJ[Z WLY ILULÄJPHY`

<USPTP[LK

Fees

([[VYUL` HUK [Y\Z[LL MLLZ

-PUHUJPHS PUZ[P[\[PVU MLLZ

*VU[YPI\[PVU `Y MLKLYHS NPM[ [H_ SPTP[ " Limits ;V[HS JHWWLK H[ Z[H[L SPTP[ MVY JVSSLNL ZH]PUNZ HJJV\U[Z" ::0 WH`TLU[Z Z\ZWLUKLK ^OLU HZZL[Z [V[HS 2

<USPTP[LK

Investment 0U]LZ[TLU[ Z[YH[LNPLZ TH` IL JOHUNLK Options [^PJL HUU\HSS`

5V YLZ[YPJ[PVUZ

Valid )YVHKS` KLÄULK ¸KPZHIPSP[` L_WLUZLZ ¹ +PZ[YPI\[PVUZ PUJS\KPUN IHZPJ SP]PUN L_WLUZLZ

(U` L_WLUZL MVY ZVSL ILULÄ[ VM ILULÄJPHY` ^P[O JLY[HPU PTWSPJH[PVUZ MVY KPZ[YPI\[PVUZ MVY MVVK HUK VY ZOLS[LY

Taxes

,HYULK PUJVTL PZ [H_ MYLL

-PYZ[ 7HY[` ;Y\Z[Z HYL NLULYHSS` [YLH[LK HZ NYHU[VY [Y\Z[Z HUK PUJVTL PZ [H_HISL [V [OL ILULÄJPHY` Z\IQLJ[ [V [OL ILULÄJPHY`»Z V^U KLK\J[PVUZ L_LTW[PVUZ L[J 6M[LU [OL HTV\U[ VM PUJVTL NLULYH[LK I` [Y\Z[ OVSKPUNZ will be below taxable limits. Third Party Trusts JHU \ZL H ]HYPL[` VM WSHUUPUN Z[YH[LNPLZ [V minimize taxes that may be due. Proper KYHM[PUN HUK HK]PJL ^PSS OLSW [V TPUPTPaL [H_ JVUJLYUZ

4LKPJHPK Remaining funds must reimburse First Party:Remaining funds must reimburse 7H`IHJR Z[H[L MVY 4LKPJHPK ILULÄ[Z Z[H[L MVY 4LKPJHPK ILULÄ[Z ;OPYK 7HY[` Upon ;Y\Z[Z! 5V WH`IHJR Death of )LULÄJPHY`

JAN/FEB 2016

PARENTING SPECIAL NEEDS.ORG

37

Sorting It Out Clearly there are real differences between ABLE accounts and SNTs. For someone whose disability appears at the age of 26 or later, ABLE is not an option. Neither is it feasible for handling inheritances RU SHUVRQDO LQMXU\ VHWWOHPHQWV WKDW H[FHHG (for 2015 and 2016). On the other hand, for families ZLVKLQJ WR VDYH QR PRUH WKDQ DQQXDOO\ RU LQ WRWDO $%/( DFFRXQWV PD\ SURYH H[WUHPHO\ useful. Trusts limit the EHQHĂ€FLDU\¡V FRQWURO JLYLQJ DOO GHFLVLRQ making authority with regard to distributions to the trustee. The independence that an ABLE account makes possible for the EHQHĂ€FLDU\ PD\ EH invaluable. The IRS has signaled that valid ABLE account distributions ZLOO EH EURDGO\ GHĂ€QHG including basic living expenses. SNT distributions, however, may be used for virtually anything intended for the EHQHĂ€FLDU\¡V VROH EHQHĂ€W SNT funds can pay for a vacation, a concert or a computer game without affecting eligibility for PHDQV WHVWHG EHQHĂ€WV Families should carefully consider their planning REMHFWLYHV EHIRUH PDNLQJ a choice.

It may be beneficial to have both types of accounts ABLE accounts are less expensive to establish than an SNT, but their Medicaid payback requirement may be an important consideration if parents have other heirs they wish to receive remaining assets upon the EHQHĂ€FLDU\¡V GHDWK ,Q VRPH FDVHV LW PD\ EH EHQHĂ€FLDO WR KDYH ERWK DQ $%/( DFFRXQW DQG D 617 %HQHĂ€FLDULHV ZLVKLQJ WR ´VSHQG GRZQÂľ DVVHWV EHORZ 66,¡V 6XSSOHPHQWDO 6HFXULW\ ,QFRPH OLPLW FRXOG SODFH WKRVH IXQGV

38

PARENTING SPECIAL NEEDS.ORG

JAN/FEB 2016

in an ABLE account for easy access, while larger amounts could be allocated to a SNT. In June of 2015, the IRS issued proposed regulations that many advocacy organizations criticized as too administratively burdensome. In response, the government has announced interim guidelines addressing some of those concerns. In DGGLWLRQ WR VLPSOLĂ€HG UHSRUWLQJ UHTXLUHPHQWV WKH IRS has indicated that if an $%/( EHQHĂ€FLDU\ RYHUFRPHV their disability, beginning RQ WKH Ă€UVW GD\ RI WKH QH[W tax year, no contributions may be accepted to the ABLE account, although it remains otherwise intact. ,I WKH LQGLYLGXDO¡V HOLJLELOLW\ is subsequently reinstated, additional contributions may be accepted.

Questions still remain Final IRS regulations, are pending, and a number of important concerns remain unaddressed. Even with the Social Security $GPLQLVWUDWLRQ¡V UHFHQW SXEOLFDWLRQ RI VSHFLĂ€F 3206 some questions and policy details remain. For instance, when someone is unable to establish an ABLE account on their own, the federal guidelines indicate that the only persons who may do so on their behalf are their agent under a power of attorney, a legal guardian or parent. This may be overly restrictive and could leave some individuals without recourse. If questions such as this are not laid WR UHVW E\ WKH Ă€QDO UHJXODWLRQV LW PD\ IDOO WR WKH FRXUWV to determine answers. ABLE accounts are an exciting new tool ZLWK FRQVLGHUDEOH SRWHQWLDO WR DGG Ă H[LELOLW\ WR D comprehensive special needs plan.Y Scott C. Suzuki, Esq., is president of the Special Needs Alliance, SNA, a national nonprofit comprised of attorneys who assist individuals with disabilities, their families and the professionals who serve them.

Meet Raymear Raymear is looking for a family that will love him forever. This affectionate, friendly young man, who has Down syndrome, is fully mobile, but developmentally delayed. He enjoys his IPAD and computer; for fun he swims and dances. He greets those he knows with a hug and a smile, and calls out their names. Raymear is making rapid strides, but a loving and committed family will make all the difference in the way he grows up. Contact: acoleman@adopt.org

www.adopt.org

�There are no unwanted children... just unfound families�

investing in vitality ÀWQHVV DQG ORQJ WHUP SODQQLQJ BY ERIC CHESSEN

“What do you want to do?â€? This is my favorite question to ask one of my Autism Fitness athletes. “What do you want to doâ€? is indicative of the athlete having preferred exercise activities, the ability to engage in them with a good amount of independent skill, and familiarity enough that they have learned a contingency between the words “squat to the ballâ€? or “push throwsâ€? and the activity they represent. All this niftiness sets a good QSFDFEFOU GPS mUOFTT BT B MJGF TLJMM UIBU XJMM carry on into adulthood. Similar to socialization, robust, creative, active play LV RIWHQ D OLPLWHG RU GHĂ€FLW VNLOO LQ WKH $6' DQG VSHFLDO QHHGV SRSXODWLRQ :KLOH VRPH LQGLYLGXDOV PD\ ERXQG IURP URRP WR URRP RU HQJDJH LQ UHSHWLWLYH EHKDYLRUV WKHVH DUH TXLWH OLPLWHG LQ JHQHUDOL]LQJ WR RWKHU DUHDV RI OLIH 7KHUH LV D VLJQLĂ€FDQW GLIIHUHQFH EHWZHHQ EHLQJ DFWLYH DQG EHLQJ SURJUHVVLYHO\ RU FUHDWLYHO\ DFWLYH 6R LW LV D VNLOO VHW ZH QHHG WR WHDFK :H¡UH JRLQJ WR UHDG PRUH DQG PRUH YDOLG UHVHDUFK DERXW KRZ Ă€WQHVV LPSURYHV DGXOWKRRG DQG FRQWLQXLQJ UHVHDUFK UHJDUGLQJ WKH JHQHUDO LQDFWLYLW\ RI WKH DXWLVP DQG VSHFLDO QHHGV FRPPXQLWLHV 'HYHORSLQJ V\VWHPV IRU LPSURYLQJ WKH TXDOLW\ RI DQG DFFHVV WR DSSURSULDWH H[HUFLVH SURJUDPV VKRXOG EH DQG DV DOZD\V I am biased, a major focus of parents, organizations/ DVVRFLDWLRQV VFKRROV DQG RWKHU HQWLWLHV WKDW VHUYH WKRVH ZLWK DXWLVP $SDUW IURP D JHQHUDO LQLWLDWLYH LW LV D JRRG LGHD WR GLVFXVV KRZ Ă€WQHVV SURJUDPPLQJ ORRNV RYHU WKH FRXUVH RI D OLIHWLPH 6\VWHPLFDOO\ DW D \RXQJ DJH ZH ZDQW WR LQWURGXFH H[SORUDWRU\ SOD\ DQG WKH PDQLSXODWLRQ RI

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fitness KHDOWK & ÀWQHVV

related special needs. Fitness programs can serve DV D JDWKHULQJ IRU LQWHUDFWLRQ DQG WKH GHYHORSPHQW RI LQWHUSHUVRQDO VNLOOV 7KLV GRHV QRW PHDQ WKDW WKH H[HUFLVH DFWLYLWLHV ZLOO DXWRPDWLFDOO\ IDFLOLWDWH PHDQLQJIXO VRFLDOL]DWLRQ WKHVH DUH VHSDUDWH VNLOOV WKDW QHHG WR EH DGGUHVVHG KRZHYHU DQ REVWDFOH FRXUVH RU ÀWQHVV FLUFXLW ZLWK EXLOW LQ SDUWQHU DFWLYLWLHV WDQGHP ÀWQHVV URSH VZLQJV PHGLFLQH EDOO WKURZV GUDJJLQJ D KHDY\ REMHFW DFURVV WKH à RRU WRJHWKHU VHWV XS D VFHQDULR LQ ZKLFK VRFLDO H[FKDQJH can occur.

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7KH DGYDQWDJHV RI JHQHUDO ÀWQHVV activities (strength and movementbased) include: ,QGLYLGXDOL]DWLRQ :KLOH WKH HQWLUH DPEXODWRU\

6R ZKDW JRHV LQWR SODQQLQJ IRU ORQJ WHUP KHDOWK DQG Ă€WQHVV" :H QHHG WR PD[LPL]H DFFHVVLELOLW\ WR SURJUDPV at every age and ability level, so immediately included are WKH KRPH DQG VFKRRO YRFDWLRQDO IDFLOLW\ %H\RQG WKHVH ZH KDYH J\PV DQG Ă€WQHVV SURIHVVLRQDOV ZKR DUH TXDOLĂ€HG WR SURYLGH Ă€WQHVV IRU VSHFLDO QHHGV SRSXODWLRQV DQG DFFHVV WR VHUYLFH FHQWHUV VXFK DV WKH )DPLO\ &HQWHU IRU $XWLVP )DPLO\FHQWHUIRUDXWLVP RUJ LQ *DUGHQ &LW\ 1< WKDW KDYH ongoing programs and resources. )LWQHVV SURJUDPPLQJ LQ DQ\ HQYLURQPHQW VKRXOG DOZD\V EHJLQ ZLWK DVVXULQJ D SRVLWLYH UHLQIRUFLQJ environment, progressing or regressing exercise activities DV QHHGHG DQG VHHNLQJ WR LQFUHDVH DXWRQRP\ RYHU DFWLYLW\ VHOHFWLRQ ZKHUH LW LV DSSURSULDWH ,Q P\ H[SHULHQFH Ă€WQHVV RQ WKH ´6SHFLDO 1HHGV 5DGDUÂľ KDV PRYHG IURP ´1RW HYHQ FRQVLGHUHGÂľ WR ´0LJKW EH LPSRUWDQWÂľ WR ´:H WKLQN LW¡V LPSRUWDQW EXW Âľ , ZRXOG OLNH WR ZHOFRPH VRRQ WKH DJH RI ´7KLQN LW¡V YHU\ LPSRUWDQWÂľ ZLWK QR EXW EHFDXVH HYHU\RQH LV PRYLQJ WKHLUV Y

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Eric Chessen, M.S., is the Founder of Autism Fitness. An exercise physiologist with an extensive ABA background, Eric consults with families, educators, and ďŹ tness professionals around the world. Eric works with his athletes in the NY metro area and is the author of several E-books. Visit AutismFitness.com for more information.

of individualization in programming, socialization is an LPSRUWDQW FRQVWDQW LQ WKH OLYHV RI WKRVH ZLWK $6' DQG JAN/FEB 2016

PARENTING SPECIAL NEEDS.ORG

41

a workout routine

for both you and your baby BY BARBARA SHER

You need to workout and get your body back. Your baby needs to be with you. What do you do? Work out together! These exercises both work your muscles and give baby the lessons they are working on. It’s a win-win! ABDOMINAL STRENGTHENERS: SIT-UPS

INNER THIGH STRETCHES: BUTTERFLY

Lie on your back and have your child straddle your stomach, facing towards you. You sit up; s/he pushes you back to lying. You sit up again, and s/he pushes again and so on and so on. He may be the only one giggling, but your abdominal muscles will be stronger for it, believe me. Your child will get experience in reciprocal play. S/he pushed you down, you pop up, and s/he pushes again and again. /DWHU V KH¡OO XVH WKLV EDFN DQG IRUWK VNLOO LQ FRQYHUVLQJ QRZ V KH¡OO EH OHDUQLQJ WKH IRXQGDWLRQ IRU FRQYHUVDWLRQ WDNLQJ turns.

Sit with the soles of your feet together. Your child sits RQ RQH NQHH %RXQFH \RXU OHJV XS DQG GRZQ OLNH D EXWWHUà \ à XWWHULQJ LWV ZLQJV 7KLV VWUHWFKHV LQQHU WKLJK PXVFOHV DQG LV silly fun for baby. Remember to switch your child to the other knee so both sides continue to match! <RXU FKLOG¡V YHVWLEXODU V\VWHP LV JHWWLQJ VWLPXODWHG E\ WKH XS and down movement and giving him feedback on balancing. If you hold your child by the waist or hips instead of the rib cage, s/he also gets to work on trunk strengthening, important muscles for sitting.

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fitness health & Ă€WQHVV LOWER BACK STRETCHES: FORWARD LEAN Sit with your legs together and stretched out in front of you. Place your helper on your back, holding his arms with your hands. Lean forward, attempting to touch your IRUHKHDG WR \RXU NQHHV 'RQ¡W VWUDLQ EH NLQG WR \RXU ERG\ Instead breathe deeply in for four counts and exhale fully for four counts letting your body go lower with each exhale. Bounce lightly on each count Your child gets a good arm stretch, sweet smooth bouncing and WKH VQXJJOHG FRPIRUWLQJ FORVHQHVV RI EHLQJ RQ PRP¡V EDFN

THIGH STRENGTHENERS: LEG LIFTS Lie on your back, knees bent towards chest. Flex your feet and place them on babies belly. Hold his hands to keep him steady as you straighten your legs and lift him into the DLU <RX¡OO SUREDEO\ KHDU VTXHDOV RI GHOLJKW DV KH RYHUFRPHV IHDU 7KHQ EHQG \RXU NQHHV EDFN WR \RXU FKHVW DQG WKHQ straighten again. Alternate the two movements until the EDE\ RU \RX KDYH KDG HQRXJK 6KH¡OO EH OLNH D FLUFXV DFW DQG \RX¡OO GHYHORS WKLJKV WR GLH IRU All children, especially kids with sensory differences love this exciting vestibular and proprioceptive exercise as it works on balance and body awareness. Modify WKH PRYHPHQWV WR Ă€W your child and you. Maybe, just a little lift to start with and, over time, builds up to H[WHQGHG OHJV <RX¡OO SUREDEO\ Ă€QG WKDW older siblings want a turn, too! However LW JRHV LW¡V D JRRG workout for you!

LOWER BACK STRENGTHENERS: SEESAW 6LW RQ WKH Ă RRU IDFLQJ HDFK RWKHU ZLWK \RXU OHJV VSUHDG RSHQ LQ D 9 7KHQ KROGLQJ KDQGV RQH SHUVRQ OHDQV IRUZDUG while the other leans backward. Keep seesawing back and forth with each person taking a turn bending forward and leaning backwards. ´5RZ 5RZ 5RZ <RXU %RDW¡ LV D JRRG VRQJ WR VLQJ IRU WKLV stretch. Children get more reciprocal play plus an experience with rhythm; a skill that will be very useful for speech. Your child may be tired after and take a nap. You could too! And who knows what else may come from all this EHVLGHV D WRQHG XS Ă H[LEOH ERG\ D ORW RI ODXJKV DQG D FORVH moment with your young. Why, you and your baby could get VR JRRG DW WKHVH H[HUFLVHV \RX¡OO PDNH XS PRUH YDULDWLRQV and prepare a performing act to show at the next play date. %XW EHVW RI DOO \RX ZLOO Ă€QG WKH SHUIHFW GHOLJKWIXO H[HUFLVH SDUWQHU \RXU FKLOG Y GOT GAME? Barbara Sher’s ten books in eleven foreign languages has a gazillion ideas on ways to play with your child whether you’re a parent of one or an inclusive teacher with many. To see which of Barbara’s books and CD fit your needs, check website : www.gameslady.com

JAN/FEB 2016

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apps for 2016 BY AMY BARRY AND CRISTEN REAT

The New Year is a great time to update your child’s mobile device with some engaging, fun and highlyrated educational, pretend play and productivity apps. Nowadays, the sheer number of learning apps on the market is enough to overwhelm anyone, so BridgingApps has done the homework for you.

KRW QHZ DSSV , ,QÀQLWHDFK $XWLVP &RUH Skills S %\ ,QÀQLWHDFK ,QF % D Designed to help children with autism, build skills, learn and grow. Activities b teach both academic and social skills, IURP SUHVFKRRO WKURXJK ÀUVW JUDGH curriculum standards. Academic lessons cover reading and math skills such as colors, shapes, rhyming, spelling, and addition. Two-player social lessons cover the communication skills of expressing preferences, staying on topic, and categories. Games teach students to share, take turns, and follow rules.

Price: FREE Available for: iOS Read Full BridgingApps Review

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Endless Learning Academy E By Originator Inc. B E Endless Learning Academy is a comprehensive educational app for early c llearners. With this delightfully interactive app kids will learn across a broad and growing curriculum all while having fun with the help of the adorable Endless monsters. This app is also great for elementary students with developmental delays, learning disabilities or those who just need some extra practice of early reading, language and math skills.

Price: FREE Available for: iOS Read Full BridgingApps Review

Image Courtesy our Facebook Friends

Sago Mini Babies S

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By Sago Sago B

By Toca Boca AB B

F early learners that promotes empathy, For nurturing and caring through pretend n play. Imaginative play helps children p understand and take control of their own u world. With fun and familiar activities like feeding, playing and bathing, this open-ended app helps children practice empathy and nurturing behaviour. The beautiful colors and animation make the app appealing and engaging to children.

T Toca Life School is a fun and engaging app fo for early learners of all abilities. We love tthe self-paced gameplay design of Toca B Boca apps. If your child is a Toca Boca fan, they will LOVE Toca Life School. Users can teach a class, pick a locker and even KDYH D IRRG ÀJKW LQ WKH FDIHWHULD :LWK ÀYH locations and 32 characters, children love creating their very own school adventures.

Price: $2.99 Available for: iOS, Android Read Full BridgingApps Review

Price: $2.99 Available for: iOS Read Full BridgingApps Review

XSGDWHG DSSV %LUGKRXVH IRU 6SHFLDO 1HHGV % %\ %LUGKRXVH //& % O Offers caregivers the ability to keep ttrack of behaviors, health and daily lliving tasks. With the app, the caregiver can access the activity timeline, which contains categories such as sleep, moods, food, therapy, meltdowns, and bathroom activities. :KDW¡V 1HZ Ability to create activity types and categories, Ă€OWHUV DFWLYLW\ WLPHOLQH XSGDWHG PRRG list and added snacks, stim, symptoms options and more.

Price: FREE Available for: iOS, Android Read Full BridgingApps Review

6RXQG 7RXFK 6 %\ 6RXQG7RXFK % C Contains 360 sounds, images, written and spoken words for animals, vehicles, a birds, musical instruments and household b items. The app can be wonderful for it developing joint attention, listening skills, sound imitation and receptive and expressive language. :KDW¡V 1HZ The app is now accessible for the blind community using the built in accessibility feature VoiceOver in iOS devices.

Price: $4.99 Available for: iOS, Android Read Full BridgingApps Review

9LUWXRVR 3LDQR )UHH 9 %\ 3HWHU 1DJ\ % G Gives the user the ability to play the piano and a variety of other instruments with a a realistic sound quality. Appropriate for users ages 2 and up, Virtuoso Piano 3 can u be used to learn how to play the piano or just for fun. :KDW¡V 1HZ Previously paid instruments are now included free.

Price: FREE Available for: iOS, Android Read Full BridgingApps Review

([SODLQ (YHU\WKLQJ ,QWHUDFWLYH :KLWHERDUG %\ ([SODLQ (YHU\WKLQJ VS ] R R A Allows users to create explanations or mini lessons for their children to watch as many times as they need. :KDW¡V 1HZ Added portrait mode, a highlighter tool and multi-tasking options.

Price: $3.99 Available for: iOS, Android Read Full BridgingApps Review If you are interested in searching for more apps, creating your own list of apps and sharing them, please go to BridgingApps.org. BridgingApps, a program of Easter Seals Greater Houston, is a community of parents, therapists, doctors and teachers who share information about using mobile devices with people who have special needs.Y Cristen Reat is co-founder of BridgingApps and a mother who found success when using a mobile device with her children who have special needs. Amy Barry is the Content Manager and Editor at BridgingApps and mother of ďŹ ve children. JAN/FEB 2016

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BY KRISTIN PAPATHANASIS

I

f you are looking for a fun project to do with your child, here is an easy, fun and functional craft you can do. I decided I wanted some cute little hearts for the fridge. Not for any reason and not necessarily as Valentine’s day decoration, just some cute as heck hearts to go around cutesy messages on the fridge (naturally). I used Crayola’s air dry clay and I molded the hearts so they would be three dimensional instead of nBU

{step one} Start by forming it into a fat rounded triangle shape.

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{step two} Continue pressing, squeezing and rounding until you start to get something resembling a heart. The heart is a tricky shape and it took me a while to get the best shape I could. I found it helped to draw a heart on a piece of scrap paper (about the VL]H WKDW \RX¡UH ZRUNLQJ ZLWK DQG WKHQ SXVK DQG PROG WKH VKDSH RQ WKH GUDZQ KHDUW XVLQJ LW DV D JXLGHOLQH $OVR PDNH VXUH WKH EDFN LV QLFH DQG à DW VR \RX KDYH D solid surface to glue your magnet to.

craft fun & functional

{step three} 2QFH \RX KDYH \RXU KHDUWV VKDSHG LQ YDULRXV VL]HV LI \RX OLNH DOORZ WR GU\ 6LQFH WKHVH DUH D ORW WKLFNHU WKDQ D Ă DW VKDSH ZRXOG EH , OHW PLQH GU\ IRU two days before attempting to do anything more with them.

{step four} $IWHU WKH\¡YH KDUGHQHG JUDE VRPH OLWWOH magnets (I used magnet tape that I could cut down to VL]H DQG D JOXH JXQ DQG VLPSO\ JOXH D PDJQHW WR WKH back of each heart.

^VWHS ÀYH` Once the glue is dry, you can go ahead and paint them any colour you like. I used watercolor paints that I mixed to produce different shades of pink and red. I also found it was a whole lot easier painting them when they were attached to a metal surface. The hearts were a little too small to hold and paint.

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{good to know} I immediately dropped one after SXWWLQJ LW RQ WKH IULGJH WKDW¡V IUHH]HU KHLJKW WR ZRRGHQ à RRU DQG LW GLGQ¡W EUHDN RU FKLS 7KHVH JX\V VHHP SUHWW\ VROLG

^PRGLĂ€FDWLRQV` ,I WKH FOD\ SURYHV WRR FKDOOHQJLQJ WR use, crafter can use pre-cut foam heart-shaped stickers glued together, then add a piece of magnetic tape on the EDFN VHH DERYH Y

{step six} Allow to dry again and apply a coat of Mod Podge to seal them up.

Images and craft courtesy of Kristin Papathanasis who blogs over at idlewife.blogspot.ca

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3Oag 1VSSag 5`WZZSR EOT Sa Encouraging Speech & Creating Yum!

Ingredients 2 frozen waffles (or fresh) If you are using fresh, skip the defrosting step. 2 slices of cheese Spray oil and/or butter (optional)

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W

ho doesn’t like waffles? More importantly, who doesn’t like the comfort of a warm, grilled cheese sandwich? Add the two together and you have a warm, comforting, mouth watering YUM! This recipe gives a modern twist to the American favorite grilled cheese sandwich. Using only frozen waffles, cheese and the ever popular panini press, you can make this simply sandwich. But, don’t worry if you don’t own a panini press, we “got you covered” (read directions to find out).

JAN/FEB 2016

Language Time Tips: 1. Build vocabulary: Use nouns and actions.

Cooking Directions

Nouns: waffles, cheese, microwave, butter, oil. Actions: put on, defrost, press, take out, pile, eat, heat, melt

Adult/Child: Defrost the waffles in the

2. Colors and Size: There are only two colors

microwave for 15 seconds or leave to dethaw for about half an hour.

Child: Add the cheese to waffles thereby making a sandwich.

Adult/Child:

Spray waffle with oil and/or spread some butter on the outside of the waffle sandwich.

Parent:

Put the waffles and cheese (sandwich) on the pannini press. If you do not have a panini press, make this waffle sandwich in a buttered or well oiled pan by pressing down on it with a small plate.

Child: Press the sandwich until desired

amount of “grilling” takes place (some like it more “well done” than others).

Parent: Remove from press and serve.

Eat! Talk! Enjoy!

with this recipe but be creative. If you want to, try different colors of cheese (white or yellow for American) and try a different types of waffles like blueberry, for example. This allows you to work on different colors. For size, you can get different shaped waffles such as mini waffles or square vs. circle. Make a mini waffle sandwich and a regular waffle sandwich. Ask your child, “Which one is bigger”?

3. Comment and Describe: Encourage words like cold, hot, melt, sweet, soft, crunchy. Help facilitate comments like “The grilled cheese is crunchy on the outside and soft and gooey in the middle” or “The cheese is melted”. Encourage more specific vocabulary that describes the food in detail. 4.Sequencing and recalling information: Follow the sequence of the recipe and emphasize the steps of defrosting the waffle (if applicable), adding the cheese and then pressing the sandwich. If you do not have a panini press, make this waffle sandwich in a buttered or well oiled pan by pressing down on it with a small plate.

5. Answering and asking “wh” questions: Sample “wh” questions include: “What is inside our sandwich?”; “What will we heat up our sandwich with?”; “Where did we make this sandwich?”. Encourage your child to ask questions. If your child has difficulty with this, have a list of questions either written down, or in picture form, to help facilitate asking questions.

Literacy: Focus on phonemic awareness by emphasizing the sounds in target words listed above. Write the target words down and have your child identify all of the vowels in each word. Books recommended: The Giant Jam Sandwich by John Vernon Lord, Who Ate My Sandwich? By Sigal Adler PARENTING SPECIAL NEEDS.ORG

49

proud momentsÂŽ celebrating triump hs

sharing

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Share a Proud Moment with us Next Issue! Proud Moments can be any time that you have been extremely proud of your child with special needs. It can be when they are giving it their all or reaching a milestone. We share Triumphs every Tuesday on Facebook or send via email to submit@parentingspecialneeds.org

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