Family

Special needs

Are you raising a child with special needs? We're here to help with personal stories, expert advice, the latest research, and tips on how to support your child.

13 parenting tips for a better home life when your kid has ADHD

13 parenting tips for a better home life when your kid has ADHD

Creating a safe, structured and supportive environment at home helps kids with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder thrive.

Keith McArthur

5 golden rules for parenting the siblings of a kid with autism

5 golden rules for parenting the siblings of a kid with autism

You can’t split your time and attention equally when you have a child on the spectrum, but you can still make sure all your kids thrive.

Joel Yanofsky

How to choose the best school for your child with autism

How to choose the best school for your child with autism

There's more to think about when it comes to good educations for kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Here’s how to find a school where they'll thrive.

Joel Yanofsky

Does my child have autism?: 10 red flags to watch out for

Does my child have autism?: 10 red flags to watch out for

These are red flags for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in a baby, toddler or pre-schooler—if you spot them, ask your paediatrician about early interventions

Joel Yanofsky

What to do when your family doesn’t accept your kid’s special needs

What to do when your family doesn’t accept your kid’s special needs

When loved ones don’t understand your kid’s symptoms and behaviours, it can be devastating. Here’s how to handle relatives who judge, shame or exclude.

Sarah Bradley

How meditation can benefit kids with autism

How meditation can benefit kids with autism

Daily oms can help with anxiety, insomnia and self-regulation—here’s how to teach a kid on the spectrum to meditate.

Arlene Karidis

Should kids come off ADHD meds for the summer?

Should kids come off ADHD meds for the summer?

Some kids with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder take a break from stimulant medications during school holidays. Should yours?

Valerie Howes

aTypical Town: The most autism-friendly place in Canada

aTypical Town: The most autism-friendly place in Canada

This tiny town in Newfoundland has become the best place in Canada to raise kids with autism. This is how they did it.

Today's Parent

Is the most common therapy for autism harmful or helpful?

Is the most common therapy for autism harmful or helpful?

Applied Behaviour Analysis is widely used and funded across Canada, but some people with autism spectrum disorder say it causes lasting trauma.

Raina Delisle

This woman did the most wonderful thing for a kid she'll never meet

This woman did the most wonderful thing for a kid she'll never meet

Even if you're squeamish like Heather, you might be so inspired by her story that you'll want to do what she did to save a child's life.

Valerie Howes

Today’s Parent Launches ADHD Book for Canadian parents

Today’s Parent Launches ADHD Book for Canadian parents

Find strategies, Canadian resources and tips from parents and experts on parenting your child who has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Valerie Howes

An accurate test for predicting autism in babies could be on the horizon

An accurate test for predicting autism in babies could be on the horizon

A promising new diagnostic tool could make it possible to screen babies for ASD, so they can receive offer earlier interventions.

Arlene Karidis

Why we should not blame autism in the Toronto van attack

Why we should not blame autism in the Toronto van attack

Alek Minassian possibly had ASD—but that would not explain the violent crimes he was charged with. Such speculation leaves autism families vulnerable.

Valerie Howes

Autism rates see a staggering hike in past two years

Autism rates see a staggering hike in past two years

A new US report shows a 15 percent increase in the prevalence of ASD in kids. Early intervention and accessing resources are key to improving outcomes.

Valerie Howes

A new way to help kids with autism manage their emotions

A new way to help kids with autism manage their emotions

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) has long been used to treat anxiety, but a new study suggests it could help kids on the spectrum with anger, sadness and depression too.

Valerie Howes

How the Mark Zuckerberg backlash is for people who’re #ActuallyAutistic

How the Mark Zuckerberg backlash is for people who’re #ActuallyAutistic

As a Facebook user I’m furious at Mark Zuckerberg. As an autism mom, I’m furious at the people mocking him.

Alexandra Samuel

New study shows FASD rates in Canada higher than we thought

New study shows FASD rates in Canada higher than we thought

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder often goes undetected and untreated, but new research shows it’s surprisingly prevalent in Canada.

Valerie Howes

How Disney is giving kids who've lost limbs superpowers

How Disney is giving kids who've lost limbs superpowers

OpenBionics teamed up with Disney, Marvel and Star Wars to make bionic arms that make kids with limb loss feel like superheroes

Adriana Parente

Kids with autism will love all the exciting changes at Sesame Place

Kids with autism will love all the exciting changes at Sesame Place

This Pennsylvania theme park is the only Certified Autism Centre in the world and is ready to open its doors on April 28 for children of all abilities.

Adriana Parente

I'm a writer, but my autistic child can barely speak

I'm a writer, but my autistic child can barely speak

One mom had simple expectations for her son: He would learn to walk, talk, socialize and inherit her affinity for reading. But then he didn't.

Emily Schultz