Special Needs


Nurturing Our Sons’ Sibling Relationship Through ASD, the Holidays and Future

When my older son Aaron with Asperger’s was young, I immersed myself in ever-evolving goals for him, including school, social skills, comprehension, extracurricular activities and his emotional development. The holiday season always presented such fun and excitement while planning for how to make our Hanukkah celebration meaningful. Our joy expanded when we had our second […]

two-brothers-on-playground

Boy outside with scenery at diagnosis with serious disease

Getting a Diagnosis When You’re Worried Your Child Has a Chronic Illness

The journey to finding out if your child has a serious disease or condition can be long and overwhelming. When my younger son confided he was having scary symptoms at 13 years old, our hearts froze with fear while keeping reassuring smiles on our faces for him. Trying to stay calm and positive that it […]


Young boy with autism holding toy train

Does My Child Have Autism? Mom Advice on How to Find Out

I will always remember sitting at the small table with my son’s kindergarten teacher in his classroom, knees knocking, heart beating, as she gently discussed the concerns she had about my son. She handled the moment so sensitively when she suggested I have him evaluated, but it is never easy to hear something could be […]


Back to School Tips for Children with Chronic Illness

Preparing a child or teen with chronic illness or medical complexities for back to school poses a unique level of anxiety and challenges. Worrying about how the school year will go for their health, whether the teachers and school will accommodate their needs, and if they will enjoy a satisfying social outlet like other children. I […]

School and Medical Supplies

Boy in hospital

Coping and Self Care When Your Child Is in the Hospital 2

When your child is sick in the hospital, it feels like you’ve entered an alternative universe. That heart ache hit me like a tidal wave while caring for my desperately ill son in two children’s hospitals for eight months straight in 2015. Scared witless as Crohn’s Disease spread inflammation throughout my son’s digestive track, all I […]


How to Support a Mom or Dad Caring for a Child with Serious Illness 1

May 2015 was the worst Mother’s Day and birthday of my life. Watching over my desperately ill younger son lying in a hospital bed with a maze of tubes coming out of his nose and arm. There is nothing more painful for a Mom than watching your child suffer and worrying about how to make him well. Crohn’s […]

Hospitalized sick boy and younger healthy boy

Helping Your Shy or Special Needs Child Enjoy Holiday Family Time

Spending precious time with extended family during the holidays is filled with joy and traditions but by its nature can bring anxiety to children who are shy or have special needs. Starting with the customary hugs and kisses and obligatory, “look how much you’ve grown!!”, can bring unintended discomfort at the intensity of attention and sensory […]


Facing Holidays with Your Child in the Hospital

Any time your child is sick in the hospital is beyond hard. But during holidays usually so full of happiness and family traditions, it is a true test of the heart. Add to the mix worrying about giving your other children and family members some semblance of a holiday leaves you feeling literally split in […]


Strategies for Your Child’s Hospital Stay 1

If parenting isn’t a snap on an average day, it can truly be a marathon when your child needs to be in the hospital. Whether a short one-time stay or a more serious, lengthy situation, here are pragmatic and coping tips to prepare for and help your child through a hospital stay based on my experiences. […]