Getting Approval… Medical Grant for Autism Services

  I wanted to come back to this post about our Medical Grant from United Healthcare Children’s Foundation.  I started the grant search process almost a year ago.  We applied and were approved in September of 2016 and had a year to spend the $2,000. We didn’t need long to spend the money but it…

Sensory Friendly Movies

Saturday, I took the kids to see their first movie! We went to a sensory friendly movie at a Cobb Luxury Theater.  It was full of experience for sure.  I called to confirm about the sensory friendly environment after finding out from my ABA therapist.  It was advertised to have lower volume, more light and…

Hug, Kiss and High-Five

Affection and Autism Social/Emotional deficits are one of the three common domains that children on the spectrum or diagnosed with autism often struggle to understand.  Emotions can be difficult to read or display.  Some criticize people on the spectrum for their lack of personal and physical relationships.  Other family and friends worry about relationships, emotions…

Summer Problems for Special Needs Children

SUMMER IS HERE! School ends this week, Thursday for those of us in Florida (Pinellas County).  Thursday is an early release day.  Why does the school district do this to us?!  Why are you even taking them?  8:30-11:30 that is not helping us working parents, now you have added more scheduling, after school transportation and…

Why do you get help…

…and my more medically complicated child gets none?! Over the last week or so, the questions and concerns have been made regarding assistance for children with autism that have complex medical needs.  Why are some families qualifying and others not?  What is the missing piece? The information that started the discussion was about Medicaid.  Our…

Collaboration with private therapy and public education

Children with autism in my school district are often placed in ASD units within a self contained classroom or on the other end they have their services taken from them sometimes their entire IEP and parents have to fight for a 504 plan.  There seems to be very little in between in the public school….

Having High Expectations for your Special Needs Child

Over the last few weeks, our family has continued to try the “reality check” for our growth and our child’s growth.  Personally, over the spring break week, I put in some time with my husband making plans, create ideas and making a list of goals to accomplish by September. Our family is making a commitment…

How to mentally prepare for an IEP meeting.

Having a child with special needs is a very emotional experience.  Having a child that is delayed or under performing at their age group is common and parents have to develop a plan for their child’s success in life.  That brings in the school.  Schools are legally responsible for providing a free appropriate public education…