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.

Relationship savers for parents with special-needs kids

Relationship savers for parents with special-needs kids

“All relationships have their tense moments. But throw a child with special needs into the family dynamic and it creates a special kind of stress.”

Lisa Kadane

Every kid needs to experience Wonder, then have this talk

Every kid needs to experience Wonder, then have this talk

As the mother of a child with disabilities, I’ve got shocking news from the schoolyard about how kids really talk to someone who looks different.

Kara Melissa Sharp

Before your kid is diagnosed with ADHD, consider this

Before your kid is diagnosed with ADHD, consider this

A new study from Finland reveals the surprising reason why ADHD is sometimes misdiagnosed among schoolkids.

Valerie Howes

14 Signs Your Daughter May Have ADHD

14 Signs Your Daughter May Have ADHD

Does your daughter misplace things all the time? Assessment scales for ADHD tend to use data from boys so the signs in girls may not be what you expect.

Meadow Schroeder

This Down syndrome campaign is fan-f*cking-tastic

This Down syndrome campaign is fan-f*cking-tastic

A potty-mouthed new Canadian Down Syndrome Society PSA reveals the one bad word you should never say to the parents of a baby with Down syndrome.

Valerie Howes

Your kid needs to improve her fine motor skills? Set up an arts and crafts station!

Your kid needs to improve her fine motor skills? Set up an arts and crafts station!

If your kid has fine-motor skill challenges, try these fun activities to help them develop hand and wrist co-ordination and strength.

Tawanna Hyman

7 ways to make Halloween more fun for kids with special needs

7 ways to make Halloween more fun for kids with special needs

Making a few simple changes for kids with special needs is an easy way for everyone to join in the fun trick or treating this Halloween.

Valerie Howes

Blood tests just got less scary for kids with autism

Blood tests just got less scary for kids with autism

The Lifelabs Autism Program launches with tools and techniques to take the stress out of blood tests for kids with autism

Valerie Howes

Scientists may have found a cause—and a cure—for dyslexia

Scientists may have found a cause—and a cure—for dyslexia

New research has found that a slight difference in the eyes of those with dyslexia may affect the images their brains receive.

Valerie Howes

Target launches clothing line for kids with disabilities

Target launches clothing line for kids with disabilities

Target expands its Cat & Jack brand with adaptive apparel, designed with special features for kids and toddlers with physical disabilities

Valerie Howes

A eulogy for the boy I never had

A eulogy for the boy I never had

My son just received yet another diagnosis. He may never talk, may never walk alone to school. It’s time for me to mourn what I thought he could be.

Charlotte Dobo

Visiting the dentist when your kid has special needs

Visiting the dentist when your kid has special needs

Kids with conditions such as autism, Down syndrome and sensory processing disorder may need extra care to make dental trips a success.

Arlene Karidis

Please invite my kid with special needs to your kid’s party

Please invite my kid with special needs to your kid’s party

It only takes small tweaks to make a party inclusive, so kids with neurological differences can have the kind of childhood experiences all kids deserve.

Christen Shepherd

Micah Fowler of Speechless talks disability representation on TV

Micah Fowler of Speechless talks disability representation on TV

Lillie Lainoff

6 ways to get kids with ADHD organized for school

6 ways to get kids with ADHD organized for school

The beginning of the school year can be hectic, especially for a child with special needs. Here are six useful tips to help get kids with ADHD organized!

Kendra Boychuk

Could your kid's ADHD be linked to a sleep problem?

Could your kid's ADHD be linked to a sleep problem?

Researchers found that people with ADHD are likely to also suffer from sleep problems. Learn how getting their circadian rhythm back on track can help.

Jill Buchner

When your kid has ADHD and you do too

When your kid has ADHD and you do too

It's a challenge to parent a kid with ADHD when you have adult ADHD, but it's not uncommon. Here's how many parents learn to cope.

Arlene Karidis

How to create a calming sensory bedroom

How to create a calming sensory bedroom

Here's how to create a cozy sensory room where your child with autism can go to feel secure and get a good night’s sleep.

Lynda Felton

Why we love Target's new sensory-friendly kids' clothing

Why we love Target's new sensory-friendly kids' clothing

Target has added sensory-friendly clothing to their Cat & Jack collection just in time for back-to-school.

Christine Shepherd

TV: Why I love Speechless, but I won't be watching Atypical

TV: Why I love Speechless, but I won't be watching Atypical

Disabled kids and their families crave TV representation, but while ABC's Speechless has been warmly received, Netflix show Atypical is generating ire.

Lillie Lainoff