Sports are a great way for kids to stay active, develop their social circle and gain confidence. That can be especially important for kids and teens in minority groups who might not always meet peers who share their identities during school. Programs such as the Special Olympics provide a safe …
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Autism: Sensory Issues and Therapy Solutions
Children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can often exhibit sensory issues such as hyper- or hypo-sensitivity to various stimuli. As many as 70% to 96% of those diagnosed with autism can display signs of sensory dysfunction. In 2013, the American Psychiatric Association added sensory sensitivity to a list …
Read More »Benefits of Early Diagnosis for Children on the Autism Spectrum How can early diagnosis of ASD and access to care help kids on the spectrum achieve their potential?
During Maya’s* first birthday celebration, her mother knew something was different. “We were singing ‘Happy Birthday,’ and she had such a blank stare. In that moment, I knew something was off,” recalls Elizabeth Chaillou, who perhaps had special insight into typical childhood milestones given that Maya is the youngest …
Read More »How to Create a Sensory-friendly Haircut Experience
Going to get a haircut for the first time can be a scary experience for kids, but the fear tends to subside with more visits. The same cannot be said, however, for neurodivergent kids, who have unique sensitivities that make any visit to the salon or barber a challenge. Being …
Read More »‘Raising a Little Hell’ at Camp Paul Newman Local camps encourage kids with serious illnesses or disabilities to experience life to the fullest through inclusive camps
Camper Victoria Saunders loves swimming at The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp in the summer. It’s not an activity she usually gets to do. Living with sickle cell disease, 12-year-old Victoria can’t jump into a cold pool or lake, lest the sudden temperature change triggers a pain crisis. At …
Read More »Wow, You’re Really Flexible: What Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Is (And Isn’t)
Flexibility is usually described as a positive trait in children. They might be able to do party tricks like bend their pinky backwards or always hit a split in gymnastics. But if those skills come with chronic pain, your child could be living with a disability without even knowing it. …
Read More »B’More Inclusive: What is Rare? D.C. and Baltimore families share their journey with rare diseases
When you hear hoof beats, think horses—not zebras. This is what doctors are taught during their training, meaning that the first and more likely diagnosis is the one they should be thinking about. But what about when it really is a zebra? This was the case for Inez Vazquez. Her …
Read More »Coding: A Good Career Path for Autistic Children?
For parents of autistic children, “learn to code” is not a snarky rejoinder to the absence of computer skills. It’s a legitimate suggestion for a career path. Many children who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD) struggle to find employment once they come of age, according to experts, who estimate most …
Read More »Baltimore’s Child Wins 4 Parenting Media Association Awards
Mid-Atlantic Media publication Baltimore’s Child won a total of four awards in the Parenting Media Association Design and Editorial Awards Program—two of them gold. The awards recognize excellence in family publications across the U.S. in 2022. Publications are awarded gold, silver and bronze awards in two categories: small or large …
Read More »The Value of Learning ASL Fostering connection and communication
Being deaf is more common than many people think, and deaf children are usually born to hearing parents. In fact, more than 90% of deaf children are born to hearing parents. Hearing loss is so common that one in every eight people in the United States have hearing loss in …
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