"Special Needs" or "Disabled"T
Whatever we name it (reaching for respect) we need to know how to handle ourselves, or the people and kids in our lives who require accommodations to live active, full lives.
A quote: "Special needs refers to a range of difficulties that require additional assistance or accommodations for an individual to participate in everyday activities. These difficulties can be physical, emotional, behavioral, or learning-related."
From Wiki: "Special needs can range from people with autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, dyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia, dysgraphia, blindness, deafness, ADHD, and cystic fibrosis. They can also include cleft lips and missing limbs."
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I know that these days, accommodations to look after a generation of young people identifying as ADHD-compromised are all over our social media., showing a recognition of how a disability can impact daily lives. Physically, emotionally, and mentally.
There is more acceptance now. to expressing special needs and asking for help.
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I hope to bring some good resources to this page...
Inspiring "Special Needs" Resources
Autism...
Read "Life Animated".
This is an inspiring story of a child with autism, and his families journey to connect with him through favorite Disney movies.
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This book, by Owen's father, tells the story of Owen, how his autism first manifested when he was a toddler, the family's journey with him as he grew up, and what Owen is up to now as a young adult....
Anxiety...
Read "Transforming Anxiety".
All kids have some anxiety. And some kids have a lot of anxiety. It is now the Special Needs #1 disorder in children.
This book, from the HeartMath Institute, gives a good undersatnding of anxiety AND excellent strategies to calm anxieties.
Often, if a child is anxious, parents and caregivers need to learn the techniques and join the child in their experience and provide reassurance and comfort as well as ways of handling the anxieties independently.
Transforming Anxiety is not specifically a children's book but the exercises and techniques can be taught to children as well as being of benefit to the child's caregivers...
