Summer heat can be oppressive for everyone. One of the best ways to beat it is with water activities! You don’t need a pool for your child with special needs to enjoy the benefits water play can offer this summer. Water is singular in its ability to energize and simultaneously soothe, making it the perfect therapeutic asset for those with starved or overactive sensory systems. Plan games and motor skills activities in the water this summer to help your child enjoy the season while learning and improving motor functions! The Benefits of Water Therapy and Water-Based Activities Since play is th ..read more

Reactive attachment disorder (RAD) affects many children in the foster care system or who were adopted as older children. RAD is usually found in children who were severely neglected, preventing them from forming healthy, loving bonds with a caregiver before age five. Since their emotional needs are not being met, they do not understand how to appropriately respond to a variety of social interactions or situations — including the love and affection of their new caregivers or other trusted adults. Bringing home foster children often means being prepared to do more than just provide a household ..read more

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in every fifty-four children has autism spectrum disorder (ASD), usually diagnosed around the ages of two to four years old. Autism has some common characteristics—discomfort and difficulty with new environments, social communication, awareness of danger, and emotional stability—but because it is a spectrum disorder, every child is unique in the degree to which they are affected, how they express themselves, and the things with which they need assistance. There is no cure for autism, but there are a number of tools, therap ..read more

Spring is in the air! Warmer weather, blooming flowers, gentle rain, baby birds — it’s enough to inspire anyone. You can share the magic and beauty of the season with your child by making these delightful spring-themed crafts together. As an added bonus, all of these crafts are perfect motor skills activities for children with intellectual or developmental disabilities. In fact, all of these crafts can be used as occupational therapy opportunities whether they take place at home, school, or daycare. If you are seeking occupational therapy for children with disabilities in Little Rock, you can ..read more

While it is not an official medical diagnosis, “high-functioning autism” is often used to refer to people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who can speak, read, write, and manage their day-to-day lives without much assistance Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder traditionally characterized by trouble with communication and social interactions. Symptoms can range from mild to severe. Because there is such a wide range, what used to be defined as “autism” is now referred to as autism spectrum disorder. People with high-functioning autism refers to those on the mild end of the spectrum. Wh ..read more

If you are parenting a child with disabilities in Little Rock, learning more about PASSE can go a long way in ensuring that your child receives maximum support. The Arkansas State Legislature recently established PASSE, which came into full effect in 2019. Since it is a relatively new program, you may not have complete information about how the program works and the home and community-based services in Little Rock that make up PASSE. To help you learn more about the program, we have prepared a list of frequently asked questions about PASSEs and how it can help you wit ..read more

If you are planning a holiday with a child who has autism, there are a few things you need to get right in order to minimize sensory difficulties. Planning ahead allows you to manage your child’s sensory processing disorder that is often intensified by a change of environment. Having sensory kits for autism within reach will not only help your child cope with environmental changes, but will also provide them with sensory activities that enhance sensory development. With proper management, sensory integration issues needn’t be a problem. What is Autism spectrum? An Autism s ..read more

Fall is the season of gratitude and cooler temperatures, making it perfect for staying indoors and enjoying fun arts and crafts with the whole family. If you have a child with special needs, arts and crafts can be a fun way to work on motor skills activities while letting their creativity shine. Here are ten easy and creative fall arts and crafts activities to enjoy this season! 1. Leaf by leaf cooperative project In this project inspired by Coach Art, children can work together to piece a large tree together using different leaf cutouts. You can encourage children to choose their favorite fa ..read more

As autism awareness increases across the country, more parents are gaining an understanding that their kids are not just socially awkward or late bloomers but that they are living with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder. There are different levels of disability on the Spectrum. Asperger Syndrome (AS) (also referred to as  Level 1 Autism Spectrum Disorder) and High Functioning Autism (HFA) are the mildest. HFA, though no longer an accepted medical term, refers to a wide range of neurodevelopmental disorders and is quite similar to AS. However, the two can be differentiated by specific cha ..read more

The great outdoors offers endless activities the entire family can enjoy. No matter the age or ability of your children, we’re positive you can all find something to do together. In particular, if you are looking for recreational activities for disabled children, then you are in the right place. There’s a wide range of unique outdoor pursuits the whole family can participate in, from problem-solving tasks to exhilarating adventures. Why you should try outdoor activities for disabled children The disability status of a loved-one, whether they’re an adult or a child, should never interfere ..read more