Dear Future Daughter-In-Law

BY KIMBERLEE MCCAFFERTY “You may also be worried about your kids being autistic, and I think we should talk about this too. They’re still figuring out the causes (I’m hoping if I make it to one hundred they’ll have it figured out, it’s a goal,) but genetics definitely plays a part.” Dear Future Daughter-in-law, For the record, I’m planning on still being around when my son marries you, but I was pretty damn old when […]

Bringing the Family’s Voice to Research: Parents as Members of the Research Team (Part One)

by Lisa Diller, Seattle, Washington; Paula Drew, Edmond, Oklahoma; Marquitha Gilbert, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Nancy Ford, Atlanta, Georgia; tina hjorngaard, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Kim Rayfield, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Barbara Taylor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania   “Nothing About Us Without Us!” is a slogan used to communicate the idea that no policy should be decided by any representative without the full and direct participation of members of the group(s) affected by that policy.” It has been embraced by the disability community for […]

Transition for Young Adults with Complex Care Needs

GENETIC ALLIANCE BY CAROLINE SPARTIN In addition to the myriad of new experiences associated with living independently, those with complex care needs have the added burden of taking over the responsibility of their own care. Transitioning from a dependent adolescent to an independent adult can be a significant change for most young adults. This journey challenges individuals as they struggle to gain autonomy over their lives. Many move away from home, learning the challenges of […]

Recognizing The Signs Of Stress In Children After A Disaster

Even the most well-adjusted children may experience stress following a disaster or traumatic event. It’s important to understand how to recognize and address signs of stress so you can help your children cope with their feelings. YOUNG CHILDREN Young children don’t always have the words, or willingness, to express how they feel when something makes them feel insecure, scared or upset. After a traumatic event, you may notice the following signs of stress in your […]

Developmental Coordination Disorder

The “hidden” facet of autism spectrum disorder BY DR. SHELLEY MARGOW, OTD, OTR/L Clumsiness is an inevitable part of growing up, and all children bump into objects, drop things and sometimes fall in their journey to adolescence and adulthood. But there are some kids whose  struggle to fully participate and learn new skills in daily activities at home, in the playground, and in the classroom is ceaseless. The cause is Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), a […]