Special Needs Resources

Recognizing autism: early behavioral signs?

Posted Sun, 03/07/2010 - 09:21 by Staff

It’s the fastest growing developmental disability in the United States—and in the majority of cases, no one knows what causes it. According to the CDC, the prevalence is now one in 110 kids—an astounding 57 percent increase since 2002.

Despite the lack of concrete answers about autism, which is now seen as a spectrum of neurological disorders, characterized by deficits in social interaction, impaired language, and/or repetitive or restricted behavior, there is a consensus among clinicians that treatment should begin as early in life as possible. (Many experts suggest that there’s a crucial window of plasticity in the child’s developing brain when interventions are most effective.) That’s why getting a diagnosis as early as possible is important.

Resources If You Suspect Your Child Has a Learning Disability

Posted Sat, 02/20/2010 - 12:04 by Staff

Perhaps you've noticed that your child is struggling with learning to read or not able to concentrate. Your otherwise normal child is getting frustrated trying to learn different things that might come easy to other children. Maybe your child's teacher has noticed them struggling in the classroom. What should you do? The best answer is to get your child tested.

Under federal law your local school district is obligated to assess your child free of charge, even if your child attends a private school. If you took it upon yourself to get testing done, it can be extremely expensive. The federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act was enacted in 1975 to ensure that all children receive an “appropriate” education. The law states that local schools are obliged to help identify children who may have learning disabilities and then have them assessed, with the parents’ consent, of course.

Tics and Children: Unvoluntary: Catch What You Can

Posted Thu, 04/23/2009 - 10:12 by Staff

“You can’t hold in a sneeze or a cough forever, that’s how hard it is to stop. It’s not because I want to, it’s because I have to.”
--Boy in HBO Special: I have Tourette’s, but Tourette’s Doesn’t Have Me.

A Cause for Concern: Heavy Metals, Our Kids & Developmental Delays

Posted Mon, 01/12/2009 - 13:58 by kristin

In 2004, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Institute of Health and Human Services stated that1 in 150 children have an autistic disorder and 1 in 6 children have a developmental or behavioral disorder. These are staggering statistics that should concern every parent, grandparent, doctor, clinician, and public or government official. This equates to a fourfold increase in just a decade.

Help Get Treatments and Services for Autism Covered by Insurance

Posted Sat, 01/10/2009 - 15:19 by kristin

Whether you have a child with Autism or not, we ask you to go vote at the website below and tell our State Legislators that Autism Services and Treatments should be covered by Insurance. We feel it is important for parents to be heard and make your voice count.

There is a bill that the House of Delegates will be voting on in the upcoming January Session - House Bill 1588. This bill would mandate Insurance Coverage for children with autism in Virginia. Most of you may not know that health insurance (with very few exceptions) does not cover treatment for Autism, even though treatment is available and effective!

Please visit www.autismvotes.org and on the right hand side in the red box click on "take action in Virginia."

Please send this link to friends and family to let them know they can make a difference for all of those affected by Autism.

Does My Child Have a Speech Delay

Posted Sun, 01/04/2009 - 09:37 by kristin

I am getting ready to have my youngest son, who is now 2 years and 3 months old, tested to see if he is on track or if his speech or language is delayed.

A common question among parents is, "Is my child developing as he/she should?". Of course, the range for normal development is broad and kids do develop at different times. However, we know there is a benchmark and, of course, most of us want to know if our child is developing within the range so we can get him or her help if needed.

Join Us for the Model Me Kids Autism Awareness BlogTour April 2

Posted Tue, 02/10/2009 - 12:33 by kristin

Mommie911.com and ZiggityZoom.com are participating in the Model Me Kids Autism Awareness Blog Tour being held April 1-12 during Autism Awareness Month.

We want to help children with Autism and their families by providing resources, articles and products that can help, teach, or make life easier for kids with Autism and/or their families.

On April 2 we will be posting Questions about Autism and Model Me Kids and the Answers given by Model Me Kids President, Sue Klein.

I will also be reviewing one of the Model Me Kids DVDs and we will be doing a Model Me Kids Giveaway to 1 reader that leaves a comment.

Please check back for more updates, articles and visit us on April 2nd to support Autism Awareness.

How to test for Heavy Metal Toxicity Using Urine Porphyrin Profile Analysis

Posted Mon, 01/12/2009 - 17:05 by kristin

Information about Urine Porphyrin Profile Analysis Testing

Recently the UPPA tested has been shown to be the most effective test in looking at heavy metal levels in children with Autism. Several reports have explained why blood and urine tests do not show if a child's body has high levels of heavy metals. For one, it has been shown that children with Autism have difficulty excreting heavy metals from their bodies, which would mean they would not be excreting the metals in urine, feces, hair and blood in levels that are found in their body tissues.

The average cost for the porphyrin test is between $100-150.00 for the test, you will also have to pay for shipping charges and any additional health care/doctor charges.

Your health care provider and/or the lab you are requesting the test from, should give you very specific directions. However there are 2 important things you should know that you do not want to over look, or else the results will be altered.

Proper Nutrition and Adding Omega 3's May Help Children with ADHD

Posted Tue, 11/11/2008 - 08:01 by kristin

Does you child have a learning or behavioral difficulties, such as, ADHD or a similar disorder? Or do you know someone that is dealing with children with ADHD or other behavioral or learning difficulties?

A study published in the Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics backed up earlier studies that noted many children with ADHD have improvements in behavior after taking Omega3 supplements for 15 or more weeks.

The results of this study are significant to children with ADHD related difficulties, and their parents, teachers and doctors.

If you are a parent with a child with ADHD or learning or behavioral difficulties, adding Omega 3 supplements and other multivitamins could be beneficial. Consult your child's doctor to discuss adding Omega 3's and multivitamins into your child's diet.

Resources for Sensory Processing Disorder- Help for Parents with Children that have Sensory Integration or Processing Disorder or Sensitivity

Posted Thu, 10/23/2008 - 10:01 by Staff

If you are a parent with a child who displays make signs of a Sensory Processing or Integration Disorder, or if your child has been diagnosed with a Sensory Processing Disorder you are probably trying to find out more information about the disorder. We have provided a list of resources that can help you find out more about the disorder, ways to help your children, and games and techniques that can help you and your child with Sensory Areas.


Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation provides money for research,helps with advocacy, and provides education and increases awareness. If you are a parent whose child has a Sensory Disorder or you are concerned your child does have a Sensory Sensitivity, you will find tons of resources on this website.


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