By Karen Kaplan, MS  I decided to try puzzles for the New Year, bought a 500-piece and a 1,000-piece set, finished the smaller one, and am now working on the larger puzzle. It made me realize that putting together puzzles can build so many key developmental skills. Puzzle work can be fun and beneficial for those with neurodiversity, special needs or learn differently. First it is the process of selecting a puzzle and then it is about purchasing a puzzle. Making a choice is a

By Karen Kaplan I've recently visited several K-6 schools as administrators work to support all students, including those with different learning needs. After my observations, the directors asked me to summarize my thoughts and perhaps offer some suggestions on how to help the teachers support ALL students. Key observations: Several students experienced difficulty remaining seated on the rugs for extended periods and required frequent reminders to maintain appropriate posture

By Karen Kaplan, MS As I was finishing up my special breakfast at a nearby café, a couple walked in, thinking it might be too late for breakfast, and asked the owner if they could order their special, huevos rancheros. The owner, quickly confirmed, “It is never too late for huevos rancheros.”  There was a huge smile on the customers face, and I giggled. I have always felt that it is never too late for many things, especially helping children and adults develop skills of daily

By Karen Kaplan, MS Parents of individuals with learning differences consistently seek effective strategies to address behaviors that may pose challenges for teachers, siblings, and family dynamics in daily life. People are frequently advised to consult behavior intervention specialists, but these experts may have limited experience or knowledge regarding specific differences. So , let’s look at new approaches to address your child's specific issue. Consider looking at your

By Karen Kaplan, MS Dear Parent & Teachers, I am writing this letter to you to alert you to a very simple concept that needs to be embraced when creating a life-plan for an individual with autism or other neurodiverse challenges. We all come into this world needing to acquire sharing skills, reading skills, listening skills and learning skills. None of us arrives knowing how to do all things. We all stumble and fumble. What we must be encouraged to do is to try. We must be as

By Karen Kaplan, MS In our current times, fewer opportunities are becoming available for individuals with neurodiversity, learning differences, or uniqueness. So, why not help people explore the possibility of becoming an entrepreneur? I remember when I was nine years old and I told my father that I wanted to open a school of my own to support those who were considered different. He did not look at me as someone with a crazy idea. He, instead, drove me through the streets of

By Karen Kaplan, MS The Boston Higashi School , founded by Dr. Kiyo Kitahara of Tokyo, Japan, was started in 1987. It was a school that opened my eyes to a more multi-dimensional approach to those on the autism spectrum and other neurodiversity. Dr. Kitahara’s goal was to help these children reach their highest level of independence and dignity, and to contribute to the world they lived in. Dr. Kitahara passed away in 1989, just before my visit. But her legacy was being carri

By Meshell Baylor, MHS, MSW “Every sunset is an opportunity to reset.” — Richie Norton   As we close the chapter of 2025 and prepare to welcome a new season of growth, many of us look back and reflect on everything we've overcome and accomplished as caregivers of exceptional children. Throughout the year, you navigated the storms of diagnoses, clinical assessments, evaluations, and Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings. You stood tall through frustration, uncertaint

By Karen Kaplan, MS As we grow up, we learn so much through observation, paying attention, listening, and watching our parents, teachers, and friends, who help us manage our daily lives. Today, I wondered how those with exceptional needs, who have attention differences, cognitive differences, or different social awareness, learn what many of us learn so easily. I urge you, parents, to ensure your child acquires these skills. You will need to help them develop observation, att

By Karen Kaplan, MS Dear Parents of Special Needs Learners, In this time of much upheaval and uncertainty regarding the education of your child, perhaps some of these tips will uplift and help you have hope and see possibilities of what you can do to continue their education: Connect with others on a similar journey for understanding, connection, and help. Learn everything you can about your individual’s rights and be their positive voice. Remember, you can also become the te

By Nithish Sugumar The Hidden Barriers in “Printable PDFs” “Just print it out and hand it to the students.” That simple instruction has been part of classroom life for years. Teachers often rely on PDF worksheets because they are easy to share, preserve formatting, and work across different devices. Yet beneath that convenience lies a challenge many do not see. Most printable PDFs are not accessible to every learner. In many classrooms, these worksheets include images withou

By Chisom Pascaline Becoming a first-time Mom, I often look back and wish I had understood so much more about autism before the...

By Karen Kaplan, MS Our lives are often described as books with many chapters. Each chapter is believed to explore a different phase or...

"Inclusion isn’t just a policy—it’s a promise of belonging." As families prepare for the new school year—checking supply lists,...

By Karen Kaplan, BS Today, I observed a young boy, perhaps 10 years old, holding a vehicle license plate in one hand as he entered the...

By Karen Kaplan, MS It is summertime, and school is out for some children with special needs, so parents might worry that skills could be...

By Karen Kaplan, MS Some parents wonder why their child with additional needs has not qualified for extended school year (ESY). They fear...

By Karen Kaplan, MS, The Oxford dictionary defines goodbye as expressing good wishes when leaving a place after having a conversation...

By Priya Pasumarthy   A student profile is an outline that summarizes the student’s overall progress, academic growth, strengths,...

By Karen Kaplan On my usual walk today, I saw an ice cream truck with the quote “Different Makes Every Difference” on its side panel. The...