Special Needs

So you have a diagnosis for your child. Now what? Maybe your world has turned upside down, or you are finally getting the answers you have been seeking. If you are still pursuing a diagnosis, or you are concerned your child may have a delay or disability, you are not alone – support is available. Here are eight steps to early intervention and support. ...

American Sign Language, or ASL, is a visual language that is expressed by movements and motions of the hands. Maria O’Neil Ruddock and Sandra Hatibovic of the Community Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at the Cleveland Hearing and Speech Center explain the significance of ASL and how to formulate a discussion around ASL with your children. ...

Find activities for children who have special needs and their parents and families. Many events provide sensory-friendly and inclusive activities for all abilities. Check out the following happenings in the region. ...

Connecting for Kids provides education and support to families with concerns about their children. It serves all families, including children both with and without formal diagnoses. Each month, it is offering in-person or virtual educational programs, support groups, a Parent Match Program and other resources. ...

Northeast Ohio Parent is proud to partner with National Council of Jewish Women/Cleveland in the creation of an annual publication highlighting LiveSpecial.com, plus area organizations who serve individuals with special needs. In the 2021-22 edition, you’ll find features on progress in the community, support, technology, relationships, people in the region who go above and beyond to support the special needs community, and much more. ...

If you’re familiar with special education, you’re well-acquainted with the term IEP — Individualized Education Program, but you may not know exactly how a properly-implemented IEP can benefit your child. Matt Christensen, a seventh-grade intervention specialist at Julie Billiart School in Lyndhurst shares with us what an enjoyable, effective IEP experience can look like. ...

To help heighten public understanding, Em Ellis, LSW, a behavior specialist for Summit Academy School – Dayton, who works with and advocates for children with autism, describes six common misconceptions and realities about autism. ...

The free Cuyahoga County Resource Box is packed with information about local adapted summer camps, social skills programs, tutors, therapists and other services in Cuyahoga and surrounding counties for families of children ages birth to 12 who are concerned about their child.  ...

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Ohio law requires that all hospitals and birthing centers offer the Universal Newborn Hearing Screening before discharge. The methods used are safe, quick and effective. If your child has not passed the screening, it is very important that you take your baby for a diagnostic hearing test by a licensed pediatric audiologist. ...