Big Kid
ADHD in the Dorm: What To Buy
Those generic “what to buy for your college freshman” lists are missing some key items for our kids coping with ADHD. I’ve got some additions for that list.
Big Kid
Life’s Not Fair, Whether I Help My Teens or Not
The knife-edge between encouraging my teens to self-advocate and stepping in while I still can is a precarious one, especially in a world that’s unfair.
Education
Meeting the Special Needs of Your Gifted Child
A regular reader returns needing advice on how to help with her “easygoing” and “gifted” child who has suddenly been exhibiting disruptive and negative-attention seeking behaviors.
Big Kid
To Label Or Not To Label, That Is The Question
A reader wants to know the value of putting a label on a struggling older child, or does it even matter? I have strong opinions on this one.
Big Kid
Autism and Illness: Our Last Frontier?
As my autistic son grows and matures, his awareness and coping skills grow, too. But I’m still grappling with his awareness (or lack thereof) when he’s sick.
Big Kid
Insomnia & Special Needs Kids
A school boy with ADHD is having an extra hard time falling asleep recently and its causing lots of stress on the family. This is not an uncommon problem amongst special need school-aged kids. Amalah has some advice.
Big Kid
The Glass Is Exactly As Full As It Should Be
While trying to balance helping my autistic son’s potential and limitations, I don’t always get it right. The good news is, he does, in spite of me.
Big Kid
The Poor Sensory Sport
A mom needs advice on how to help her sensory-seeking child handle disappointment on the sports field as it’s now starting to affect his relationships.
Big Kid
ADHD and College Prep: The Last Frontier?
My high school senior is more ready for college than I’d imagined, except for this one little issue that could turn into a giant issue. I have to trust her.
Products & Services
Everybody Gets Scared
Have a little one who gets a little scared during Halloween? Or has other fears and anxieties. Amalah has written a beautifully illustrated and customizable book that explains that fear is a normal emotion and helps children understand it’s OK if they don’t feel brave all the time.
Big Kid
Teens: Learning To Let Go
Micromanagement is my middle name, but as my kids approach adulthood I’m actively scaling back so they can shine in spite of me.
Big Kid
Dear Teacher: My Disabled Child Is Not Lazy
Having an invisible disability is hard; having an invisible disability as a high school student and being scoffed at by a teacher is worse. Don’t be that teacher.
Big Kid
The Opposite of FOMO
Figuring out how to balance my teens’ natural aversion to leaving their comfort zones and honoring their awareness of themselves is tricky business.
Health & Safety
Why Are Girls With Autism Different?
It’s often said that girls on the autism spectrum “present differently,” but what exactly does that mean? Today we’re looking at both generalities and a few hallmark specifics of how autistic girls are unlike their male counterparts.
Big Kid
Taking The Power Struggle Out Of Homework Struggles
Power struggles with your teen may feel inevitable, but when you add homework issues to the mix, is there any hope for peace and productivity? I say yes.
Big Kid
Transitioning To Middle School With ADHD
Transitioning to middle school is a scary time for any kid, but when it’s an ADHD child, how should you best proceed? I’ve been there. Don’t panic!
Big Kid
The Family That Clays Together…
It can be sometimes be hard for our family to do “fun” things the way other families do. We threw caution (and cleanliness) to the wind and had a blast.
Big Kid
Blind Spots
Teaching my teen to drive continues to be challenging, but perhaps less because of the driving itself and more because I’m still learning how to help her.
Big Kid
Helping Your Student Manage Year-End School Stress
As we near the end of my autistic son’s first full-time year back in public school, the stress is wearing him down, but really, he’s doing great.
Big Kid
The Dance Of Disclosure
To disclose or not to disclose: that’s the question when you’re dealing with special needs and increasing independence. My teens are figuring it out.