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Meaningful Steps for Teachers When Preparing for a New School Year
By Karen Kaplan, MS Having developed the first elementary school program for those on the autism spectrum in the 1970s, I understand the...
amykdtobik2
Aug 6, 20245 min read


The Value of 'Letting Go' When You Have Special Needs
By Karen Kaplan, MS We all may become frustrated at some time. Each of us may become angry at something or someone. We may all experience...
amykdtobik2
Jul 31, 20245 min read


The summer-to-school switch: Helping families with disabilities ease into the school year
By Amy Kelly, MBA, MNM – Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health National Director of Family Engagement For many families, the transition...
amykdtobik2
Jul 31, 20243 min read


Making Church Inclusive for the Exceptional Family
By Meshell Baylor, MHS "Inclusion is the celebration of diversity put into action" As parents, we do our best to provide morals and...
amykdtobik2
Jul 3, 20244 min read


Don’t Forget to Include College Preparation Goals in the Individual Transition Plan
By Karen Kaplan, MS Students with individual education plans (IEPs) are generally required to have an individual transition plan when...
amykdtobik2
Jul 3, 20244 min read


Creating Meaningful Goals Toward Student Independence When Writing an IEP
By Karen Kaplan, MS I frequently hear special education teachers consider which goals to make for their elementary classrooms of moderate...
amykdtobik2
Jun 13, 20243 min read


Helping a Child With a Disability Who Has Been Sexually Abused
By Dr. Ronald I. Malcolm, EdD Children and youth with disabilities, many of whom cannot interpret or articulate their abusive...
amykdtobik2
May 31, 20246 min read


Innovative Summer Activities for Integrating Special Needs Learning Goals
By Meshell Baylor, MHS “Go as far as you can see; when you get there, you'll be able to see farther.”—J. P. Morgan As we enter a new...
amykdtobik2
May 25, 20245 min read


Autism and Sleep: Strategies for a Better Night’s Sleep
By Taylour Arami Sleep impacts the well-being and health of every individual, particularly for children with autism spectrum disorder...
amykdtobik2
May 20, 20244 min read


How to Navigate Cicada Season with Sensory Sensitivities: Tips and Tricks
Chicago Non-Profit Anticipates Bothersome Sights and Sounds of Cicadas PRESS RELEASE | Northbrook, IL, April 30, 2024 By mid-May,...
amykdtobik2
Apr 30, 20242 min read


Aging Together: Embracing Our Support Systems When There Are Exceptional Needs
By Karen Kaplan, MS As each of us ages, me included, we realize our needs change, our physical body requires adjustments, and our social...
amykdtobik2
Apr 17, 20243 min read


Nonprofit CEO Helps Dreams Come True in the Autism Community
By Haiku Haughton EXCEPTIONAL SPOTLIGHT For our first exceptional spotlight, we introduce Jeanetta Bryant, the CEO of Bright Feats...
amykdtobik2
Mar 29, 20244 min read


Producer Scott Steindorff’s Movie "Understanding Autism" Shines an Valuable Light on Neurodiversity
By Ron Sandison, M Div Understanding Autism premieres April 4th, 2024 "There is a lot of misunderstanding around autism, and through a...
amykdtobik2
Mar 23, 20249 min read


Is Your Exceptional Child Receiving the IEP Benefits They Deserve?
By Karen Kaplan, MS Is your child or loved one with an Individual Education Program (IEP) not receiving their education benefits? It...
amykdtobik2
Mar 2, 20245 min read


Helping Special Needs Teachers and Parents Find the Answers They Seek
By Karen Kaplan, MS Do you know the old phrase, “As one door closes, another one opens?” Yes, when one solution does not resolve the...
amykdtobik2
Feb 8, 20248 min read


Empowering Awareness: Teaching People with Differently-Abilities to Recognize and Confront Bullying
By Karen Kaplan, MS “I am not perfect, but I will always be real,” said Tupac Shakur. "All I can do is be me, whoever that is,” said Bob...
amykdtobik2
Feb 8, 20244 min read


Exceptional Advice on Parent Mental Health
By Meshell Baylor, MHS "Your mental health matters more than any external validation." Life can be a rollercoaster ride when being a...
amykdtobik2
Feb 8, 20244 min read


Caring for the Aging Caregiver: Advocate for Autism and Special Needs
According to the Institute of Aging, 65% of older people with long-term care needs rely exclusively on family and friends to assist.
amykdtobik2
Jan 19, 20244 min read


Powering Up Your Day and Supporting Learning Differences
By Karen Kaplan, MS Many people believe we need to find a way to recharge each day to empower us in our lives. I assume it would be the...
amykdtobik2
Jan 18, 20244 min read


From Waffle Makers to Batman Toasters: Fun Eating Motivators When There is a Sensory Sensitivity
By Karen Kaplan, MS If you are a parent, teacher, speech therapist, an individual on the autism spectrum, or a person with sensory...
amykdtobik2
Jan 17, 20246 min read
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