eSpecially Ben

iPads are all the rage now for kids with special needs, especially children with autism. These sites were sent to me by various sources. I have not checked them all out and cannot speak to the quality and accuracy of the information provided. I do think there are many resources out there and if you think your child is ready for and would benefit from a communication device, there is a grant or funding source available to your family. It may just take some extra work to find it. Here are some of the sites sent to me: ACT Today Danny’s Wish The Adam Scott Foundation Autism Grants Program Apps for Children With Special Needs (A4cwsn) Hollyrod Foundation iHelp for Special Needs The iTaalk Autism Foundation The Puzzling Piece Small Steps in Speech The Conover Company Apple iPad web site Accessibility features The Top Five Tips to Get a Grant to Buy a iPad (article): Friendship Circle Blog Parent to Parent message board Facebook- Special Needs Classroom Special

When your child has seizures, it opens up a new can of worms. Finding the best medicine with the least amount of side effects and then getting the dosage just right is only the first part of this adventure. Bodies and brains constantly change making it possible that medicine and dosage may not remain the same for any significant amount of time. Staying current on seizure management involves charting seizure activity, doctor visits and vigilant observation. Two months ago I  noticed Ben's head dropping. This is his outward way of showing seizure activity. The head drop is worse if there is a table or bathtub in the way - bruises and bumps on Ben's eye and chin are common. I would see it once and then not again for a day or two. I was disappointed because I knew that Ben was at his maximum capacity for the dosage of this particular medicine. And this medicine had virtually no side effects for Ben. I watched Ben's behavior and noted what I saw, ready to talk about it with hi

Logan and Sean were part of Ben's cheering section. Today, Ben participated for the first time as an athlete in our county's Special Olympics. For 29 years, these games have been held at a local private school. They shut the school down for three days and the high school students serve as the hosts and buddies for this event. Probably the best thing I saw this year was the athletes running toward the finish line, but slowing down to take in all the cheering from the crowd. These athletes will remember the clapping, yelling and support - reminding us all that the gold, silver and bronze medals hold little next to a roaring crowd that is there just for you. For Ben, the Special Olympics is like Old Home Week . He saw past classmates, teachers, assistants and physical therapists. Every time I turned around he was in the midst of a huge hug. Ben enjoyed the excitement and energy of the event. Emotions run high for me at an event like this. Mostly my tears come from pride

This little guy went from Logan's back to Sean's head to Ben's wheelchair. I panicked when it was on Ben's chair, especially when it kept moving closer to Ben's body. This freeloader would quickly become snack in the hands of Ben. Mysteriously, another one of these lizards on our front porch scurries around without a tail. Logan saved the day with stealth maneuvers. Lizard went on his way to live another day.

I truly think Ben would love to live in water.

Finally they designed a cool looking orthotic shoe. These are made by Keeping Pace - they look great and are super easy to put on over Ben's braces.