Learn how to introduce your child to new teachers in this episode of The Parenting Cipher podcast. Get valuable tips on writing a letter of introduction and empowering your child to introduce themselves. Don't miss the provided template for creating your own letter. Tune in now! Shownotes In today's episode, Genie Dawkins delves into the importance of introducing your child to their new teacher. With the school year in full swing, Genie shares her own routine for creating a strong foundation between parents, teachers, and students. She emphasizes the need for a parent's letter of introduction ..read more

Summer is here, and that means it's time for families to enjoy some thrilling adventures at amusement parks across the country. However, for families with disabilities, the thought of navigating crowded park queues and attractions might be a cause of concern. But fear not! In this blog, we will explore the world of accessibility options available at amusement parks, with a particular focus on Disney and Universal parks.      Amusement parks, such as Disney and Universal, have made great strides in ensuring that every guest, regardless of their abilities, gets to experience the ..read more

Summer is a time for fun and relaxation, but it's also an opportunity to support your child's speech and language development. Whether your child has communication challenges or is developing typically, there are plenty of activities and strategies that you can use to help them grow in their speech and language skills. Here are some ideas to get started: 1. Read every day Reading is one of the best ways to build your child's language skills, and summer provides ample opportunities to read for pleasure and learning. You can head to your local library and check out books on topics that interest ..read more

Traveling with children can be an exciting and enriching experience. However, when it comes to children with special needs, a little extra preparation is required to ensure their comfort and enjoyment. One effective way to engage and prepare them for the journey is through the creation of visual stories. In this blog, we will explore how to create engaging visual stories specifically designed for children with special needs to enhance their travel experiences. Tailoring the Visual Story to Individual Needs  When creating a visual story for traveling, it's important to consider the unique ..read more

Traveling can be an exhilarating and enriching experience, allowing families to create cherished memories and explore new horizons together. For parents with special needs children, it's essential to be well-prepared and equipped with products that can make the journey smoother and more enjoyable. In this blog, we'll explore some favorite travel products that parents with special needs children swear by, helping them navigate the world with ease and confidence. 1. Travel Comfort Kit Neck pillow: Provides neck support and promotes comfort during long journeys. Blanket or wrap: Offers warmth ..read more

On this episode of The Parenting Cipher, join our host Genie Dawkins as she delves into the exciting topic of summer adventures. In this episode, Genie shares her love for connecting with people and imparting valuable information. Get ready to pack your bags, because Genie is taking her family on a thrilling trip to Disney this summer! But this episode isn't just about the fun and excitement; it's about ensuring that all families, including those with disabilities, can have an unforgettable experience at amusement parks. Genie takes a deep dive into the accessibility options available for fam ..read more

It's Autism awareness month and Tiffany Hamilton from Victor Wear joined us for this special episode to talk about how to prepare your differently abled child for the work place. As a mother of a son with Autism Tiffany shares her challenges with raising a son with Autism and preparing him for the job force. Key Highlights: How to prepare your child for the workforce Agencies and resources that provide employment training Ways to know if your child's employer has training to support your child How to manage your stress to support your child About out guest: Tiffany Hamilton has ne ..read more

In the latest episode of The Parenting Cipher, listeners are given valuable tools and knowledge to improve their parenting skills and experiences. Here are three key takeaways for you: - The podcast discusses resources that parents can use to help their children thrive, including The Whole-Brain Child book, Parenting in the Digital Age course, The Connected Parent book, and Mindsight book. - The season three finale covers navigating discipline, advocating for children with learning disabilities, managing stress, and more. - The podcast emphasizes the importance of education and its impact on ..read more

In this episode of The Parenting Cipher, Genie delved into navigating the holiday season with a child who has different diagnoses that may cause social, auditory or sensory challenges. Genie talks about her own experience of dealing with relatives who don't understand her children's challenges and how she handles expectations of well-behaved children. Genie emphasizes the importance of having conversations with immediate family members and explains how they can help. Genie also shares a personal story of her child's struggle with pivoting plans and social interactions during a visit to his gr ..read more

In this episode of The Parenting Cipher, Genie and Dr. Lauren McClenney-Rosenstein from Think Dyslexia dig into the world of Dyslexia and Dysgraphia while touching on ways that you can ensure your child makes progress in reading and writing in school. This episode is for you if your child has been diagnosed with Specific Learning Disorder, Reading or writing. Insights from this episode: What is Dyslexia? Why public school systems use the term Specific Learning Disorder, Reading instead of Dyslexia What is the Orton-Gillingham approach and how can it help your child make progress in rea ..read more