Special Needs

What is ‘Parent Training’ for Families of Children With ADHD?

Strategies from a psychology professor for supporting neurodivergent kids

A Gift of Life, Health and Hope for Hailee After Life-Altering Diagnosis

Seattle Children’s Hospital provided hope for Hailee’s family in the face of a crisis

10 Graphic Novels for Neurodiverse Kids (and the People Who Love Them)

These graphic novels deliver a positive and realistic representation of neurodiversity

ADHD Can Get In the Way of Building Social Capital

Expert advice for building strong relationships

Inclusive Playgrounds in the Seattle Area

Accessible playgrounds where kids of all abilities can play

Books for Deaf History Month

Stories for readers of all ages featuring deaf characters

Suspect ADHD? How and When to Screen Your Child

Expert advice about when — and when not — to screen your child

“Parenting at the Intersections” is a Much Needed Addition to Your Parenting Book Collection

A thoughtful guide to parenting diverse children all parents should read

Free Course Helps Parents Address Kids' Challenging Behaviors

Get on-demand support for some of your toughest parenting challenges

10 Sensory-Friendly Outings for Seattle-Area Families

Play sessions, parks and more for kids with sensory needs

ADHD: Current Treatments and Latest Research

Up-to-date answers on important questions

Articulation Disorders: A Helpful Guide for Parents

A speech-language pathologist discusses characteristics and at-home tips for speech-sound disorders

Supporting My Neurodivergent Child With Schoolwork at Home

Gather the tools you need to help your child succeed

Unique New Mika’s Playground Welcomes All

Sweet new play stop honors a local boy’s life

Accessible New Playground Is Fun for All

Inclusive and fun features welcome all abilities

Inclusive Home Run: New Playground at Meadowdale Playfields

Swing, spin and climb at this playground for all

5 Things That Help My Child With Autism Sleep Better

A mom reveals the sleep strategies that work for her autistic son

13 Tips for Talking to Your Child About Their Autism

An expert shares the dos and don’ts of talking to your child about autism

Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery at Seattle Children’s Can Be Transformational for Kids

One family's journey and hope for the future

Best New Book Titles to Honor World Autism Awareness Month

Representation matters

7 Birthday Party Tips for Kids With Autism or Sensory Processing Disorder

How to host an awesome birthday party for a child with autism or sensory challenges

The 5 Most Common ADHD Questions Asked by Parents

Answers you need to help support your child

Sensitive Santas Around Seattle and Beyond

Santa encounters for kids with sensory needs

Decoding Dyslexia

What are signs that a child should be referred for a dyslexia assessment?

Developmental Stuttering in Children

A local expert on what parents can do to help

Exploring the Diversity of Neurodiversity

Expert strategies for sidestepping the stigma and stereotypes of a diagnosis

Supporting Your Neurodivergent Kid in Sports

ND kids can benefit immensely from, and even enjoy and excel at, sports

Financial Planning Strategies for Families Raising Children With Special Needs

How to plan, save and protect assets for what matters most

11 Indoor and Outdoor Activities for Sensory-Seeking Kids

Fun diversions to help your kid get the stimulation they seek

A Teacher’s Picks for Free Online Learning Sites

And how to choose a program that works for your student’s needs

Why the Term ‘Special Needs’ Is Not Helpful and What to Say Instead

Local parents and educators are setting new expectations and pulverizing old-fashioned misconceptions

Why Kids With ADHD Need Different Parenting Strategies

‘Super parenting’ styles to help motivate kids with ADHD

Help Your Neurodiverse Child Have a Happier Halloween

Expert-approved tips for making Halloween celebrations a little easier

Play Life-Sized Chutes and Ladders at Phenomenal New Playground

Climb up and slide down at this colorful new play stop

New Forest Park Playground Delivers Inclusive Fun for All

So many amazing, accessible features

Must-Watch TV Shows and Movies That Address Disability and Difference

Want to teach kids about empathy without preaching? Add these gems to your watch list

Why You Should Try Gameschooling With Your Kids

How to make learning and family time more fun

Remote Learning Strategies for Kids With ADHD

Helpful routines, brain breaks and more

Cultivating Resilience in Children With Special Needs

Resources to support families during ‘the most complicated school year in American history’

Tons of Fitness Activities for Kids With ASD

Yoga, fitness videos, old-school games and more

When Navigating Speech Delays, Don't Assume You Have All the Answers

Common assumptions about speech delays

Sleeping Tips for Kids With Special Needs

How to get sleep on track for children with disabilities

Watch Your Words: How to Support People With Mental Health Conditions

Reduce the stigma with your words

Cool Apps for Kids on the Autism Spectrum

These innovative apps can open doors to kids' learning

Child With ASD? Tips for Navigating Quarantine

Sample schedule and other ideas for kids with ASD

Emotional Needs Should Come First for Families During the COVID-19 School Closures

Families need support, not added pressure

“Too Sticky!” A Book About Sensory Issues That Kids Can Relate To

A new book about autism that kids will love

How to Create Sensory-Friendly Spaces in Your Home

How to create a “cozy corner” and more

For Kids With Special Needs, Going to the Dentist Doesn’t Have to Be Scary

Top tips to help you prepare your child with special needs for a trip to the dentist

8 Super-Easy Hacks to Keep Kids Learning Without Losing Your Mind

Cheap and sneaky ideas for parents

Stop Trying to Make Me Feel Better About My Daughter's Diagnosis

"Special needs" parents don't need your pity

The Perfect Travel Destination for Your Family With Sensory Needs

This destination is full of culture, history and quiet spaces

What Parents Need to Know About the New Sunflower Lanyards at Sea-Tac Airport

A simple idea that eases the the stress of airport travel for people with hidden disabilities

Halloween for Sensory-Sensitive Kids

How to make Halloween less overwhelming for a child with a sensory processing disorder

How to Safeguard Children With Special Needs From Bullying

Protecting students with disabilities from physical and emotional bullying

What to Do When Your Child Has Been Diagnosed With Special Needs

A teacher offers her advice

6 Steps for a Better IEP Meeting

A special education teacher and the mother of a child with special needs offers this advice

Expanding Access to Behavioral Health Care for Washington Families

Behavioral telehealth program offers modern-day house calls to families in rural and underserved communities

Kids Rejoice! Visit Edmonds’ New Inclusive Playground

Seaview Park features awesome, accessible play for all kids

Teacher Appreciation Is Nice, But Job Security Is Better

A teacher on what you can do if you really appreciate educators

Target's Got a New Line of Sensory Sensitive Kids' Furniture and We're Here for It

A rocking activity chair, a hideaway cocoon, a waterproof weighted blanket and more!

It's Time to Rethink Seattle-Area Snow Day School Closures

There has to be a better way

Camps for Kids With Special Needs

Tips and camp options to ensure a great experience

This Dad Is Cofounding a Gaming and Media Convention for the Neurodiverse Community

Meet Ben Wahl

Why Parents Shouldn’t Rely on School Rankings

A single number doesn't tell the whole story

Have You Heard of This Affordable Testing Option?

Looking for more help for your student? What this mom recommends

Meet the Experts from Our Every Child Summit

A sneak peek of our upcoming event covering autism advocacy, pediatric anxiety and ADHD

8 Useful Tips for Caregivers of Kids With Special Needs

Advice from a mom raising a child with special needs

The Special Needs of Your 'Normal' Kid

Advice on parenting siblings of children with special needs

How a Local Educator Is Transforming Special Education

Ariane Gauvreau is helping teachers understand what kids with special needs really need

Camera-Shy Child With Autism Has Best Family Photo Shoot Ever

Rawr

Phenomenal Seattle Children’s PlayGarden Has Reopened

Inclusive play area, fruit and flowers, chickens, garden truck and more

This New Play Gym Is Awesome and Inclusive

Climb, swing and pretend at indoor play spot suited to all kinds of kids

2018 Golden Teddy Awards — Family Resources

This year's winners and finalists

2018 Golden Teddy Awards — Camps + Classes

This year's winners and finalists

New 'Zoo for All' Program Focuses on Inclusion

Woodland Park Zoo unveils welcoming features for families with special needs

Meet Local Special Olympics Athletes This Weekend

Free play date for kids to support the Games

5 Events for Families at Seattle's Special Olympics USA Games

Be a super-fan, support athletes and watch competitions for free

6 People Changing the World of Learning Differences and Special Needs

What you need to know about their work

When Kids Stop Talking

What you need to know about selective mutism

Stop Saying That Autistic Kids Aren't Empathetic

One mom explains why this misconception is way off-base

'Peter Rabbit' Movie Delivers Potentially Harmful Joke

What to know before you go

Women and Girls Are Often Overlooked for This Diagnosis

Should you (or your daughter) be tested?

Sign Up Now to Volunteer for the Special Olympics USA Games

Here's how to volunteer with the games in Seattle this summer

How to Talk to Your Nondisabled Kids About Disability

Reconsider how and when you have this important conversation

10 Things Every Autism Parent Should Know

Tips from a mom who's been there

School Nurse Shortage Puts Sick Kids at Risk

Our kids deserve more

How This Seattle Organization Helps Adults With Special Needs

Families turn to the Alyssa Burnett Adult Life Center

There Are No Other People’s Children

7 essays written for parents, by parents

10 Tips for Parenting Children With Special Needs

Life-saving tips from a mom who's been there

4 Ways to Navigate Your Child’s Special Education

What this mom learned fighting for her daughter with autism

Children With Special Needs Soar in Circus

Kids of all abilities benefit from these local programs

My Daughter’s Superpower

A mother’s diagnosis helps inform her daughter’s

‘But She Looks So Normal!’

Reflections from a mom of an Asian American child who has Down syndrome

It’s Not a Catastrophe

Learning to cope, one year at a time

Undercover Expertise

A mom on trusting her gut

Parenting in the Present

Why special needs aren’t so special

Dangling Without a Diagnosis

Moving forward on an unclear path

The Secret Language of Chickens

How a family pet helped a boy communicate

The Woman Behind Sesame Street's Newest Star

Here's someone you should know: Wendy Stone, Ph.D.

Why This Is One of My Favorite Issues of ParentMap

A word from our publisher in October 2017

5 Things Every NICU Parent Should Know

It's not easy but these tips will help

This Dad Has a Heart-Breaking Message for Parents

Talk to your kids about bullying before they become bullies

This Mom Has a "Warning" for Her Child's Teacher

"Bring cake. Cake works wonders."

This Preschool Graduation Will Make You Smile

Nearly 800 3-year-olds with special needs graduated this week

Can an App Help Kids Focus?

A kid test-drives a non-app app

Parents, Here’s Your Summer Reading List

These 7 reads will keep you captivated all season

Letting My Daughter With Special Needs Teach Me

A mother reflects on what she's learned as a parent

How Genetic Technologies Are Changing the Way We Have Kids

A Q&A with author Bonnie Rochman on her new book

Meet Sesame Street's New Character

Sesame Workshop talks about the classic show's new puppet

Your Special Needs Young Adult: How I Built My Village

A mother shares how she supports her son as he ages

Meet ParentMap 2017 Superhero Arzu Forough

A Q&A with the president and CEO of Washington Autism Alliance and Advocacy

Meet Milo: The Robot Who Helps Kids Learn

Robotics and other tech tools are teaching kids with special needs in new ways

6 Books for Adults About Special Needs and Learning Differences

New must-read books for your family

Horses Heal: The Benefits of Equine-Assisted Therapy

How horseback riding can improve focus and self-confidence for kids with special needs

Local Author’s New Series Features Protagonist With Autism

Seattle's Margaret Chiavetta on why we need more fictional characters with special needs

20 Summer Camps Around Seattle for Kids With Special Needs

Where kids with special needs, from physical or medical challenges to autism, can have an unforgettable camp experience

Bipartisan Dyslexia Bill Will Be Signed Into Law

The READ Act aims to help an estimated 8.5 million American children who have dyslexia

The Story of Autism: A Conversation With Author Caren Zucker

In light of a recent appearance by the authors at Town Hall, we sat down with Caren Zucker, co-author of 'In a Different Key: The Story of Autism'

Cognitive Bias and Ethnic Disparity in Autism Diagnosis

Early autism diagnosis leads to better outcomes, yet children of color are less likely to be diagnosed and are more at risk of misdiagnosis. Here's what parents need to know.

'It's Only ADHD' and Other Stupid Things People Say

One mom reflects on the many things people say when it comes to her son's ADHD — and asks that others think before they offer parenting advice

Finding Clarity: Spotting Vision Problems in Kids With Special Needs

How vision therapy can reduce confusion and anxiety in children with special needs

What About Your Special Needs? Self-Care for Parents of Children With Special Needs

5 methods of self-care to help parents of special needs children recharge, reset and rally for the next set of challenges

7 New Books About Special Needs and Learning Differences to Help Parents

Maybe you've yet to get a formal diagnosis, or you're interested in in-depth information, or even want guidance for issues with siblings, these books are a great place to start

A Kingdom of His Own Creation

What the father of a son with autism learned about himself

How Mind-Boggling Brain Research Is Changing the Way We Parent

New discoveries about the brain — from language to autism to stress — have widened the window into understanding and influencing a child's development

To Test or Not To Test?

What parents-to-be need to know about genetic testing

The True Definition of Smart

Navigating report cards with my dyslexic daughter and why A's don't mean a thing

New Learning Disability Resource Helps Parents Feel Understood

New website offers community support, research and insight into learning disabilities and special needs

From the Sidelines: Why Children With Special Needs Need Sports

How to build friendships, strengthen family bonds and improve health through athletics accessible to all kids

The Right Touch: Craniosacral Therapy for Kids with Special Needs

How this whole-spine therapy can improve socialization and health of kids with ADD, ADHD and autism

Dyslexia 101: Decoding the Disorder and Making a Plan for a Dyslexic Child

Taking Flight: Traveling with a Child Who Has Special Needs

Aging Up With Autism: Navigate the Transition From Childhood to Beyond

Paying Attention: With Diagnoses on the Rise, Teens and Families Find New Ways to Manage ADHD

Sense and Sensibility: An Introduction to Sensory Processing Disorder

Emerging knowlege and treatments are paving new paths for children with SPD

Living (and Thriving) With Cleft Lip and Palate

Treatments for children with cleft lip and palate are evolving. Here's what to expect.

How to Create Autism-Friendly Schools

These changes will help create schools and communities that support students with autism and benefit everyone

Adjusting to Your Child’s Developmental Disability Diagnosis

What I Didn't Know: A Special Needs Parent Shares Her List

Decoding Dyslexia

My journey to understand reading and learning difficulties in my own family

Mom Stories: My Invisible Son

The Silent Treatment: Helping Kids Overcome Selective Mutism

Could That Twitch Be Tourette’s? Making Sense of Motor Tics in Kids

Smartness Is Not 50

Looking beyond the challenges of learning disabilities to find the gifts

Special Kids: Surviving and Thriving While Raising a Child with Special Needs

The Kid’s Speech: When Pronunciation Problems Persist

Asperger's Redefined: What's in a Name?

Special Needs Event

Preemies: Loving and Nurturing the Tiniest Tots

Struggling With Handwriting: Does it Matter?

Handwriting, literacy and kids in the 2st century

Kindering Celebrates 50 Years of Providing Essential Early Intervention Services

Someone You Should Know: Jesse Gillman

Therapeutic Recreation: Getting Kids with Disabilities into the Outdoors

The Benefits of Creative Arts Therapy for Kids

Childhood Depression: Warning Signs and How Parents Can Help

Hearing Loss in Children: Screening, New Innovations Transform Young Lives

The Mystery of Autism

Why autism is mystifying and maddening to the medical community

Does your child have a learning disability?