Prenatal Testing: Understanding What’s New And How To Get Support And Information Prenatal Testing

BY STEVEN M. EIDELMAN, STEPHANIE MEREDITH AND ROBERT A. SAUL, MD Over the past few years, new non-invasive prenatal screening tests (NIPS) for genetic conditions have been introduced and heavily marketed with the promise of being safer and more accurate — meaning that more families are learning during pregnancy that their child might have a health issue or disability. But, what’s the real impact on families? Are pregnant women getting counseling beforehand so they understand […]

Bullying: Prevalence & Resources – Part 2 of 3

ANNUAL EDUCATION ISSUE BY LAUREN AGORATUS In each state there is a Parent Training and Information (PTI) Center which provides technical assistance to families as well as professionals. PTIs provide information about the rights of the students and the responsibilities of the districts. Research shows that children with disabilities are even more likely to be the victims of bullying than their peers without special needs. Special initiatives have been created to address this issue. Families […]

Taking A Small Step Back To Take A Giant Leap Forward – Part 1 of 3

BY WALTER MAYER, L.M.S.W. Proactively emphasizing and teaching positive expectations and values such as respect, acceptance, empathy, positivity, cooperation and peaceful coexistence can serve to establish a new climate. Lately it seems that, for better or worse, we have all become more aware of ‘bullying’ and its negative impact on children and school culture. Unfortunately, some have gone so far as deeming it an ‘epidemic’. Also unfortunate is the vagueness of the term ‘bullying’ and, […]

Parents Have The Power

BOOK REVIEW This book is intended to provide parents of children with disabilities with the information they need to “make special education work.” Overall, I was very impressed with the theme and presentation. Chapter 1 was extremely helpful in describing the special education process. There is an explanation of referral, evaluation, IEP (Individualized Education Program), triennial evaluation etc. However, missing from “related services” were sensory integration and social skills, which are becoming increasingly common. There […]