The Exceptional Parent back issues from July 2007:
A Military Child Education Coalition[TM] Initiative: growing, learning, and understanding (GLU[TM]): Making Meaning through Early Literacy[TM].(United States Military Section)
Jul 01, 2007; ... The Military Child Education Coalition[TM] (MCEC[TM]) has created a series of programs to encourage and support parents serving as their child's first teacher and best advocate. One such program is the initiative Growing, Learning, and Understanding (GLU[TM]): Making Meaning through Early ...
United States Military section.(Letter to the editor)
Jul 01, 2007; ... Dear Military Families, On Thursday, June 14, 2007 as I was preparing dinner, I happened to have on The Oprah Winfrey Show. The last segment of the show caught my ears, eyes, and heart. What I witnessed was one of the most inspirational stories I have seen and heard in my life ....
ECHO--The Extended Care Health Option: more healthcare options for military families.(United States Military Section)
Jul 01, 2007; ... Are you struggling with caring for a family member with physical or mental disabilities and wondering how to tap into more resources and pay for additional quality care? If so, ECHO is just a call away. The Extended Care Health Option (ECHO) is a supplemental portion of the ...
An interview with Dr. Rebecca Posante.(United States Military Section)(Interview)
Jul 01, 2007; ... Exceptional Parent (EP): What do you see as the biggest challenge for military families who have a child with special needs? Dr. Rebecca Posante: In my opinion, the biggest challenge, besides the obvious of coping with the challenges of taking care of a family member with ...
It's all in the way you present the thing.(ANCORA IMPARO)
Jul 01, 2007; ... I was flying off to Somewhere to present on Something to Somepeople and found myself at an airport with more time than I could humanely kill. It was on that same day that I invented the word, "chronoanasia," or time-killing. While foraging for something to fill both my gut and intellect, I ...
Starting a social program for teens with autism.(ASK THE THERAPIST)
Jul 01, 2007; ... Dear Susan, I am worn out from looking for social skills situations for my teenage child with autism. There seems to be a lot of programs for younger children and some for young adults, but there is nothing for teens. My teenager is very big for her age. She is 5'9" ...
The Epilepsy Foundation fights discrimination against children with seizures.(ORGANIZATIONAL SPOTLIGHT)
Jul 01, 2007; ... Despite recent advances in treating epilepsy-a common neurological disorder causing recurrent seizures-the condition continues to evoke negative stereotypes, fear, and misunderstanding. Sadly, many of the three million adults and children with the disorder in the United States are likely ...
Of mice & men: advancements in the understanding of Down syndrome.(Research Frontiers: Understanding Science, Unlocking Potential)(Column)
Jul 01, 2007; ... Research Frontiers: Understanding Science, Unlocking Potential--an interesting and enlightening column about current research in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities. Down syndrome has been attracting a great deal of recent news coverage. The American College ...
Choice of guardian and trustee crucial to success of special needs trusts: information of interest to people will, disabilities and other special needs and their families.(SpecialCare[SM])
Jul 01, 2007 ... The success or failure of the Special Needs Trust, as well as the well-being and future care of the trust beneficiary with special needs, often depends on who is chosen to serve as the beneficiary's guardian and selected as trustee for the trust. These choices are crucial to the ...
Promoting Self-Determination in Students with Developmental Disabilities.(New Books for Teachers)(Brief article)(Book review)
Jul 01, 2007 ... Promoting Self-Determination in Students with Developmental Disabilities By Michael L. Wehmeyer, PhD, with Martin Agran, PhD, Carolyn Hughes, PhD, James E. Martin, PhD, Dennis E. Mithaug, PhD, and Susan B. Palmer, PhD New in April, 2007! Growing evidence suggests that ...
Everyday Education: Visual Support for Children with Autism.(New Books for Teachers)(Brief article)(Book review)
Jul 01, 2007 ... Everyday Education Visual Support for Children with Autism By Pernille Dyrbierg and Maria Vedel; Foreword by Lennart Pedersen NEW in June, 2007! Visual support aids can be highly effective tools for increasing levels of communication and independence in children with autism, who ...
Why Is Math So Hard for Some Children? The Nature and Origins of Mathematical Learning Difficulties and Disabilities.(New Books for Teachers)(Brief article)(Book review)
Jul 01, 2007 ... Why Is Math So Hard for Some Children? The Nature and Origins of Mathematical Learning Difficulties and Disabilities Edited by Daniel B. Berch, Ph.D., & Michele M.M. Mazzocco, Ph.D. NEW in April, 2007! In order for schools to help students with learning difficulties improve ...
Ten Things Your Student with Autism Wishes You Knew.(New Books for Teachers)(Brief article)(Book review)
Jul 01, 2007 ... Ten Things Your Student with Autism Wishes You Knew By Ellen Notbohm 2007 iParenting Media Award Winner! Ellen Notbohm's first book, Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew, was a shot heard throughout the worldwide autism community, branded by readers as "required ...
Optimizing Care for Young Children with Special Health Care Needs: Knowledge and Strategies for Navigating the System.(New Releases)(Brief article)(Book review)
Jul 01, 2007 ... Optimizing Care for Young Children with Special Health Care Needs Knowledge and Strategies for Navigating the System Edited by Elisa J. Sobo, Ph.D., & Paul S. Kurtin, M.D. New for 2007! How can primary care physicians and other health care providers help families get the best ...
Brotherly Feelings: Me, My Emotions, and My Brother with Asperger's Syndrome.(New Releases)(Brief article)(Book review)
Jul 01, 2007 ... Brotherly Feelings Me, My Emotions, and My Brother with Asperger's Syndrome By Sam Frender and Robin Schiffmiller; Illustrated by Dennis Dittrich New for 2007! It isn't easy being eight years old and having an older brother whom other children often misunderstand. They don't ...
Life Planning for Adults with Developmental Disabilities: A Guide for Parents and Family Members.(New Releases)(Brief article)(Book review)
Jul 01, 2007 ... Life Planning for Adults with Developmental Disabilities A Guide for Parents and Family Members By Judith Greenbaum, PhD New for 2007! As any parent or caregiver of an individual with developmental disabilities can tell you, planning for the future of an adult with intellectual ...
Epilepsy: A Guide to Balancing Your Life.(New Releases)(Brief article)(Book review)
Jul 01, 2007 ... Epilepsy A Guide to Balancing Your Life By Ilo E. Leppik, MD An American Academy of Neurology Press Quality of Life Guide New for 2007! Epilepsy is the most common neurologic disorder in children, adults, and the elderly. The Epilepsy Foundation estimates that over 2.7 million ...
Talking Teenagers: Information and Inspiration for Parents of Teenagers with Autism or Asperger's Syndrome.(New Releases)(Brief article)(Book review)
Jul 01, 2007 ... Talking Teenagers Information and Inspiration for Parents of Teenagers with Autism or Asperger's Syndrome By Ann Boushey New for 2007! Ann Boushey's teenage son Jon was diagnosed with high-functioning autism in kindergarten. Having mastered the day-to-day challenges that ...
Starting Sensory Integration Therapy Fun Activities That Won't Destroy Your Home!(New Releases)(Brief article)(Book review)
Jul 01, 2007 ... Starting Sensory Integration Therapy Fun Activities that Won't Destroy Your Home! By Bonnie Arnwine Winner: 2006 iParenting Media Award! This new book is a great resource for busy parents whose children are starting sensory integration therapy and need to assimilate in the home ...
Ramps, clamps, grab bars and low commodes.(LIVING WITH A DISABILITY)(Column)
Jul 01, 2007; ... Because this issue of EP focuses on renovations and modifications to the homes of those of us who must cope with disabilities affecting their mobility and other bodily functions, I thought I'd use this column to tell you about the renovations we've made to our home to make it "wheelchair ...
SEARCH RESPOND & SEARCH AND RESPOND HAS CHANGED! We've expanded this beneficial tool, a favorite among readers and website visitors for years, to better serve you!
Jul 01, 2007 ... Last month EP launched a new and expanded Web site allowing us to bring even more valuable information and news to our audience. Among the many changes that have been made to this new site are a larger and more highly functional Search and Respond section. Unlike the previous Search and ...
New food product provides better choices, better quality of life to people with dysphagia.(WHAT'S HAPPENING)
Jul 01, 2007 ... Precision Foods recently announced its new line of Thick-It[R] pureed meals for people with dysphagia. Thick-It Purees represent an important step in improving the quality of home life for those with dysphagia and their caregivers. In the past, dietary options were very limited for these ...
New research study.(WHAT'S HAPPENING)(Ring Chromosome 20 Foundation donates)(Brief article)
Jul 01, 2007 ... The Ring Chromosome 20 Foundation recently announced that it will be funding a new research study on ring chromosome 20 syndrome at the Spinner Laboratory of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Ring chromosome 20 syndrome is a chromosome disorder that causes refractory ...
Enhanced handheld device now available at Walt Disney World Resort.(WHAT'S HAPPENING)
Jul 01, 2007 ... Whether exploring the world's most famous rivers on the Jungle Cruise or chasing down poachers while aboard Kilimanjaro Safaris, a next generation handheld assistive device at Walt Disney World Resort is further enhancing the experience for guests with disabilities. Designed by ...
New Web site allows family and friends to pay tribute to heart disease victims.(WHAT'S HAPPENING)(Worldwide Memorials Inc.)(Brief article)
Jul 01, 2007 ... Every year across the globe, more than 17 million men, women, and children lose their lives to some form of cardiovascular disease--the two most common forms being heart disease and stroke. Now a new worldwide online memorial is being launched to pay tribute to those lost to this ...
Danmar Products, Inc 40th anniversary!(WHAT'S HAPPENING)(Brief article)
Jul 01, 2007 ... Danmar Products, Inc. of Ann Arbor, MI is celebrating its 40th year of business. Since 1968 Danmar has manufactured Seating & Positioning Equipment, ...
New associate director of Genetic Resources & services for the Genetic Alliance.(WHAT'S HAPPENING)(Heather Ferguson appointed)(Brief article)
Jul 01, 2007 ... Heather Ferguson, MS, CGC, recently joined the Genetic Alliance with over ten years of experience as a genetic counselor. At Genetic Alliance, Heather will coordinate the Access to Credible Genetics Resources Network project (funded by CDC), the goal of which is to provide access to ...
The Gordon family builds an accessible home.(HOME IMPROVEMENT)(Julie and Andrew Gordon )
Jul 01, 2007 ... Julie Gordon remembers the dozens of gouges in her hallway walls, the struggle to get her son from one room to the next, and the crowded feeling of not being able to breathe in her own home. It was a difficult time, and one that made her and husband, Andrew, realize that they were going to ...
Nationwide Home Access Program.(HOME IMPROVEMENT)(Handi-Ramp)
Jul 01, 2007 ... After recognizing a need for a resource to help people modify their homes, Handi-Ramp, manufacturer of ramps and lifts since 1958, developed the Home Access Program in 2006. "The program was designed to help individuals and families increase their options when selecting a home," ...
Rebuilding Together[TM].(HOME IMPROVEMENT)
Jul 01, 2007 ... Twenty four million! That's how many low-income homeowners currently reside in the United States. As the cost of living soars, many of these residents, lacking the funds for the ongoing maintenance and inevitable upkeep that is inherent in home ownership, watch helplessly as ...
Creating accessible homes: a checklist for accessibility.(HOME IMPROVEMENT)
Jul 01, 2007; ... This article is the first in a three-part series of home improvement articles that will run in upcoming issues of EP. This and the subsequent two articles will guide EP readers through the process of making home accessibility a reality. In an analysis of living space, we are ...
Making decisions for children with special needs as they enter adulthood.
Jul 01, 2007 ... Parents of children with special needs must be concerned with ensuring that medical and financial decisions will continue to be made in the child's best interest once the child reaches age 18--the age of legal capacity. In most states, once a child reaches age 18, he is presumed to have ...
An incredible tool for tracking seizure activity.(Eric Schumacher develops NeoMed Software for monitoring seizure patients)
Jul 01, 2007; ... Eric Schumacher knows all too well the trials and tribulations of tracking seizures and daily activities in the ongoing attempt to gain seizure control. Diagnosed with epilepsy in his teens, he is now bringing a new and innovative tool to the market that could help countless people with ...
Laura Pittman: the nation's first credentialed direct support professional.(National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals )(Biography)
Jul 01, 2007; ... Once you get to know Laura Pittman, it is easy to understand and appreciate why she holds the very first credential ever awarded by the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP). It was meant to be. Laura is a Direct Support Professional (DSP) at the ...
Riding to school in a wheelchair.(WHEELCHAIR TRANSPORTATION SAFETY SERIES)(Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard)
Jul 01, 2007; ... Riding on a school bus is one of the safest forms of transportation in the U.S. Every year 450,000 public school buses travel more than 4.3 billion miles to transport 23.5 million children to and from school and school related activities. Students are reportedly eight times safer on the ...
An Interview with Don Meyer on siblings of individuals with disabilities.(Interview)
Jul 01, 2007; ... EDITOR'S NOTE: Across the United States and, literally, the world, there are children with various exceptionalities or disabilities. The siblings of these individuals are often asked to supervise, care, and, ultimately, to accept full-time responsibility for a sibling with disabilities ....
Seizures and teens: stress, sleep, & seizures.(Epilepsy Care)
Jul 01, 2007; ... Most parents are used to erratic sleep patterns and mood swings in their teenagers. When these occur in an adolescent with seizures, however, the parent may wonder if sleep and mood problems are related to seizures. Sorting out the cause and effects of sleep in an adolescent with seizures ...
Take the wheel again ... the right way: NMEDA's guide to choosing the best vehicle for you.(National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association)
Jul 01, 2007 ... We live in a world where mobility is more necessary than ever before. Do you find yourself requiring an adaptive vehicle or equipment before you can take the wheel? This month the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) provides some valuable tips that will help you back to ...
Correction.(Correction notice)
Jul 01, 2007 ... EP would like to correct a statement made in the May 2007 issue in the article entitled, "Accessibility is the Mother of Invention," which was found on page 25. In paragraph three, the sentence should have read: Just recently, Sure Grip hand control's unique and acclaimed "push/rock" style ...
My Busy Book.(Book review)
Jul 01, 2007 ... My Busy Book My Busy Book includes 10 engaging activities that help children: * develop fine motor skills, * enhance hand to eye coordination and dexterity, * learn discrimination in colors and objects, * develop visual sense through ...
My Brother Has Autism.(Brief article)(Children's review)(Book review)
Jul 01, 2007 ... My Brother Has Autism By Melody Igafo-Teo When people think "children's books," we usually think about books written for children. My Brother Has Autism, by Melody Igafo-Teo, is a wonderful children's book written by a child. How refreshing! Melody's older brother, Michael, 10, has autism ....
Poetry Speaks to Children.(Brief article)(Children's review)(Audiobook review)
Jul 01, 2007 ... Poetry Speaks to Children Edited by Elise Paschen Among our fondest memories as children--a memory we both share--is our parents reading poems to us as we sat snuggled in their laps. We heard Frost and Nash, Dickinson, Shakespeare, and more. Poetry Speaks to Children takes our ...
Lucky Horseshoes: A Tale from the Iris the Dragon Series.(Brief article)(Book review)
Jul 01, 2007 ... Lucky Horseshoes A Tale from the Iris the Dragon Series By Gayle Grass Lucky Horseshoes, by Gayle Grass, is one of a series of books being written to teach children and adults about kids and mental illness. In the case of Lucky Horseshoes, Skippy, an elementary school girl, ...
I Am Utterly Unique.(Brief article)(Book review)
Jul 01, 2007 ... I Am Utterly Unique By Elaine Marie Larson Our title for this book would be, The ABCs of Asperger Syndrome and Autism. Using the alphabet, the author finds 26 unique traits shared by many children who have Asperger syndrome or high functioning autism. We could see parents using ...
People Are So Different!(Brief article)(Book review)
Jul 01, 2007 ... People Are So Different! By Ann Clarke People Are So Different is a short but priceless book inviting children and parents to see and celebrate the differences and similarities all people have. The book celebrates our diversity rather than dividing us by our differences. It does ...
Don't let uncertainty lead to inaction for your child with special needs.(Special needs Alliance)
Jul 01, 2007; ... Raising children is a wonderful experience, but it is also, at times, a daunting challenge. As all parents of children with special needs know (this author included), the challenge of raising a child with special needs raises the bar considerably. The expectations and excitement ...
Accenda Voice Activated Alarm Clock.(NEW PRODUCTS)
Jul 01, 2007 ... The Accenda Voice Activated Alarm Clock responds to voice commands and provides voice responses. The words "Alarm Clock" trigger the voice-activated clock to listen to and respond to the following phrases: "What time is it?" "Play memo," "Snooze," "Night Light," and many more. Ask "What ...
Spoke Guards.(NEW PRODUCTS)
Jul 01, 2007 ... Spoke Guards are decorative spoke protectors for wheelchairs. These guards cover the spokes on rear wheelchair wheels and are offered in a variety of designs in eight categories: animals, children's designs, groovin' designs, flower power, black-and-white, space, sports, and miscellaneous ....
AmTryke ProSeries Tricycle, Model 1402.(NEW PRODUCTS)
Jul 01, 2007 ... The AmTryke ProSeries Tricycle, model 1402, provides full support to children with low tone or who need trunk support. It can be adapted to different-sized riders as it has three foot crank positions and four seat post positions. Standard features include a padded seat back, lap ...
Slicker Clicker[R].(NEW PRODUCTS)
Jul 01, 2007 ... The Slicker Clicker is a simplified television remote control with one button to turn the television on or off and knobs which are turned left or right, rather than buttons, to adjust the volume and select the desired channel. The button and knobs glow in the dark. This remote is designed ...
Finding housing takes perseverance, creativity.
Jul 01, 2007 ... For many people, moving to a place of their own is an important part of becoming independent. Although young adults with disabilities who strive toward this goal may face extra challenges, they can succeed in their search for housing that is affordable, accessible, and available by ...
Family finances: $taying afloat in rough $ea$.
Jul 01, 2007; ... Keeping your family financially afloat when caring for a family member with a disability can be analogous to captaining a slow-leaking cruise ship. Even though you know your financial world is slowly sinking, you will do everything possible to keep the ship upright. There is, after all, a ...
Developmental medicine and dentistry reviews & reports.(American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry)
Jul 01, 2007; ... Message from the Editor: In this issue of the AADMD Reviews & Reports, Dr Zelenski addresses the complex problem of destructive/maladaptive impulsive behaviors, which often occur in persons with severe cognitive dysfunction. Those of us who work with this patient population are intimately ...
Gastrointestinal disorder or psychosis--a case discussion.(American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry)(Case study)
Jul 01, 2007; ... THE CASE: David is a 38-year-old gentleman with profound mental retardation. He is fully ambulatory but walks with a somewhat side-to-side, rolling gait. He is 6'1" tall, weighs 185 pounds, and has been accused in the past of "stalking" female staff, making threatening gestures toward ...