March 20, 2023
May 8, 2022
Enjoy an Accessible San Diego – local attractions offer helpful accommodations to kids and caregivers
Many of San Diego’s favorite parks, museums and theme parks offer accommodations for kids with special needs—but they’re thinking of parents and caregivers, too. Here are local spots that have amenities designed to make life...
April 4, 2022
Choosing Camps for Children with Special Needs
As summer camp season is upon us, we are looking for camps that serve both of our boys, one with a genetic anomaly. We’ve learned a lot by trial and error. Here are key factors...
March 2, 2021
Adaptive Programs Offer Exciting Adventures for Kids with Disabilities
Adaptive sports have been a huge thrill for homeschool senior Ben Lou of Poway. Lou was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) at age one. This rare genetic disease affects motor neurons in the spine,...
July 2, 2020
Superhero Sensory Sidewalk Course
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_OCa2qqaZo Create a Superhero-Themed Obstacle Course Who doesn’t love an old-fashioned obstacle course? San Diego artist Emily Dolton created an amazing superhero-themed course with sidewalk chalk and toys to inspire families to make their own....
March 6, 2019
Special Needs Camps Give Kids a Chance to Shine
Kim Kelly attended a special needs overnight camp for the first time at age 6. Before then her mom wanted to keep her close because Kim has hearing loss and orthopedic limitations. "My daughter needed...
January 16, 2019
Inclusion Camps: Questions to Ask
One of the benefits of a special needs camp is that kids can share experiences with others who have similar challenges. While camps designed for specific needs offer very specialized care, some families would prefer...
October 5, 2018
Halloween Help for Kids with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)
Halloween, with its costumes, parties, and spooky decorations, is a joyous occasion for most children. However, for those with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), the festivities can become overwhelming. Children with SPD interpret sensory inputs in...
September 11, 2018
Hailey’s Hand: 8-year-old brings awareness of Poland Syndrome through baseball
[caption id="attachment_3173" align="alignright" width="273"] Both photos courtesy of Twitter @haileys_hand[/caption] Eight-year-old Hailey Dawson set a goal to throw the first pitch at every Major League Baseball stadium—and she’s doing just that without a fully developed...
February 28, 2018
Adaptive Canoeing Builds Confidence in Kids with Visual Impairment
Imagine the courage it takes for children to try outrigger canoeing. That’s the situation for some visually impaired kids who have participated in an adaptive program run by the Nā Koa Kai Canoe Club, a...
February 2, 2018
5 Yoga Benefits for Kids with Special Needs
As a certified yoga instructor, I have long been aware of yoga's ability to benefit a person's mind and body. However, it was not until my daughter, who has special needs, trained to receive her...
January 23, 2018
Accessible Vacations
Do you travel with a loved one who has special needs? Planning a wonderful family vacation should be fun, not stressful. Here are some destinations that go above and beyond to accommodate every member of...
September 12, 2017
Teens on Board: Gaming Group Builds Social Savvy for Kids on the Spectrum
On the second and fourth Thursdays of each month, a conference room in Washington is transformed into a board gamers’ haven. At promptly 5 p.m., a group of teens ranging in age from 14 to...
September 19, 2016
Tips and Tricks for a Fun Fall
Fall is a time of transitions. Days get shorter and routines have to be adjusted accordingly; and pumpkins and Halloween costumes appear in stores. It’s my favorite season, but it can easily overwhelm my children...
July 12, 2016
7 Tips for Visiting Theme Parks with Children with Special Needs
Theme parks are places of wonder, delight and magical memories. But they’re also places of bright lights, new smells, loud noises, long lines and many other elements that can trigger anxiety, stress and meltdowns in...
May 24, 2016
How to Throw a Sensory Friendly Birthday Party
Birthdays. They come once a year and are usually met with much anticipation and excitement—balloons, cake, ice cream, friends and presents. These are all wonderful traditions, but what happens when you have a child who...
May 13, 2016
Summer Camps and Programs Certified to Care for Children with Special Needs
Summer camps allow kids to participate in activities they love or try something new. Listed below are 7 camps that are companies certified to care for children with special needs. Please make sure to verify certifications are...
September 29, 2015
10 Halloween Tips for Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Halloween is an exciting holiday for kids, but it may offer certain challenges for children with Autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Preparation and planning can help you stay stress-free. Whether this is your child’s first Halloween...
July 17, 2015
6 Tips for Your Family Photo Shoot
When you have a child with special needs, a family photo session can present unique challenges. Cara Koscinski, occupational therapist and book author, shares tips for success at your next family photo shoot. 1. Plan...
May 28, 2015
Capability Ranch: An Activities Center for Families with Special Needs
Capability Ranch – An activities center for families with special needs Capability Ranch offers a perfect combination of nature, comfort and serenity. Located in rural Ramona, this newly opened activities and events center welcomes youth and...
April 8, 2015
5 Ways Nature Benefits Children with Special Needs
1. Nature is restorative. Horticulture therapists may be the first to tell you that the natural world provides a reduction in stress and an overall healing environment. Vertical and table gardens are great for those...
December 19, 2014
Happy Holiday Hints for Children with Special Needs
Holidays bring joy that warms the hearts of many. For those of us who have children with special needs, the holidays take on an entirely new dimension. Like everyone, we have shopping, cooking, decorating and...
July 14, 2014
Kids’ Self Esteem Increases with Physical Activities
Strutting Their Stuff We all know that involving our kids in team sports helps keep them physically fit—but what about the mental health benefits? Team sports and dance classes are just as much about...
July 7, 2014