If you would ask parents what their greatest challenges are, many of them will mention managing the family’s time, energy, and resources.   This becomes an even greater challenge in a family with a child with a special need. In a special needs family, there are numerous doctors, therapies and insurance 
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As a mother of a child with a rare genetic condition, there are lessons I’ve learned over the years that have helped me become a better parent and effectively advocate for my son. Dealing with the diagnosis of a special need is difficult, but there are steps that every parent 
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For children with special needs it is possible to have a variety of conditions that vary in severity and prognosis. A highly functioning child with autism, for example, may have one set of unique nutritional problems while a child with severe cerebral palsy will have a very different set of 
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Reviewed by Melissa Hendrickson, RN and Director of Health Services at Penfield Children’s Center. What is a feeding tube? A temporary or removable feeding tube is a small, soft, hollow, plastic tube placed through the nose (NG/NJ) or mouth (OG) into the stomach or intestine. These tubes are used to 
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Parents, caretakers, physicians, and early childhood educators are expected to monitor child development and identify children with suspected disabilities so they can access and benefit from services.  To understand atypical development, caretakers first must understand typical development.  Developmental milestones are guidelines that enable parents and professionals to monitor a child’s 
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Everyone has sources of stress in their lives.  Parents of children with special needs have a completely different list of stressors that can impact them.  Are they making the “right” decisions for their children?  Are their children going to be accepted?  For parents who struggle with the health and development 
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The first and arguably most important step to take when you discover that your child is diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy is to educate yourself.  What exactly is Cerebral Palsy? According to Mayo Clinic, Cerebral Palsy is defined as a disorder of movement, muscle tone or posture that is caused by 
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When a child receives a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, parents often feel many emotions including sadness, anger, hopelessness and guilt.  Other parents are simply relieved that they finally have a name for what has been affecting their child.  Both these reactions are normal and parents are allowed to feel 
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A baby is considered premature if it is less than 37 weeks old at birth.  A premature baby, or preemie, is not fully developed, meaning some vital organs may not be functioning to their full potential or not yet ready to operate at all. While a full-term newborn weighs about 
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When deciding what toys to purchase for a child with special needs or what activities to attempt in the home, it is common to wonder if it is appropriate for the child.  Many common child toys and activities can be adapted to meet the needs of all children in easy, 
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