eSpecially Ben

Dr. Kilbane was one of the doctors I interviewed for the nutrition article for Charlotte Parent. In order to reach more families at a reasonable price she is offering webinars about nutrition.  Just in an hour phone conversation, I learned so much from her, so I can imagine a series of workshops would provide new and practical information for parents.  If you are interested, you have to act fast - they begin next week.  www.sheilakilbane.com More about Dr. Kilbane:  Charlotte Observer Article

In June, I was asked to write an article about nutrition and its effects on special needs children.  The article is out. This is the link: Charlotte Parents Exceptional Child's Article

The tune "Ding-Dong The Witch is Dead" from The Wizard of Oz rang through my head when I was introduced to Ben's new school speech therapist last week at Open House. It meant the old one was finally gone after three years of doing battle. I had given up on Ben receiving any type of formal speech therapy at school. The final straw came when I compared three years of IEP and progress notes and found that the therapist had copied word-for-word her comments every time. She changed nothing. From the beginning, Ben's response to her was to kick and bite. I never denied he did those things to her, but it let me know that something was not right and I had the IEP reflect that Ben could not be alone with this therapist. Luckily, Ben's teacher and principal supported what we were trying to do with the NOVA Chat and communication in the classroom. They did everything within their power to make sure Ben received services, but in many ways, their hands were tied. Ben was n