Lia Tremblay, Author

By Lia Tremblay, Guest Writer

Back-to-school time is hectic for any family, but for a parent of children with special needs it can be especially daunting. Here are some tips to help ensure smooth sailing throughout the school year.

Get Organized

You may already have a big binder or file box to keep track of school paperwork such as IEPs, evaluations and progress reports. If you don’t have one yet, now’s the time to start—you will be glad to have a system underway before things really pile up.

Communicate

As they say, it takes a village—and for children with special needs, the village is often bigger than most. In addition to teachers, you may have occupational therapists, student aides, speech pathologists and psychologists on your list of people to stay in touch with. This is a great time to reach out and wish them a great year, encouraging them to contact you whenever questions or concerns arise.

And don’t leave your child out of the loop! The I’m Determined (http://www.imdetermined.org/) program has great ideas for including students of all abilities in their own educational plans. Even preschoolers can come to school with a list of favorites, likes and dislikes that help teachers get to know the great kid they’ll be working with.

Be Prepared

Even if your child has a great school team and a solid plan for the year, you may hit some bumps in the road. Do you know what to do if a change in course is necessary? Or  if the staff begins pushing for a change you’re not comfortable with? Browse the articles at Wrightslaw (http://www.wrightslaw.com/) for help in solving disputes that arise—or avoiding them altogether.

Build Your Network

Things get a lot easier when you can look around and see you’re not alone. You may find practical help (not to mention emotional comfort) in joining a group that relates to your child’s diagnosis. Here are just a few of the groups that can give you the comfort of having a whole team behind you:

The Arc of Virginia (http://www.thearcofva.org/) advocates for the rights of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It has dozens of local chapters, including Hanover (www.hanoverarc.org) and South of the James (https://sites.google.com/site/thearcsoj/home), which host helpful workshops for families.

The Autism Society of Central Virginia (http://www.asacv.org) is a leading source of information for families with loved ones on the autism spectrum. They host regular conferences to provide practical information on everything from IEPs to family dynamics, plus fun events like Lego clubs for kids.

The Down Syndrome Society of Central Virginia (http://www.dsagr.com/) works to improve the quality of life for people with Down syndrome and their families, by offering up-to-date information and advocacy on the medical, educational, legal and societal issues surrounding the condition. Regular meetings, resource fairs and family events are also offered.

Mark Your Calendar

Be sure to update your family calendar with all the need-to-know dates, like school holidays and when to expect report cards. Here are some additional days to keep in mind:

Mid-April: Connections Resource Fair

This event is held at the Children’s Museum of Richmond and includes exhibits on everything from service dogs to music therapy to summer camps. Admission is free, and you’ll walk out with a big bag of helpful information. “Like” them on Facebook so you don’t miss the updates when their plans for 2014 are underway!

Throughout the Year: Special Hours for Special Needs

Children’s Museum of Richmond, Monkey Joe’s and Jumpology are just a few of the spots around town that host events especially for kids with special needs. These are a great way for kids who are overwhelmed by noise and people to try these places at a time when they’re a little less crowded. (They’re also a nice time for parents in the same boat to bond and network.)

Go For Extra Credit

You’re already learning to be an advocate for your own child, which is great. But if the challenges you’ve experienced have made you think, “There’s got to be a better way to do this,” then you might be interested in advocating on a higher level.

The Virginia Board for People with Disabilities hosts a program called Partners in Policymaking that teaches participants how to create meaningful change in their schools, at all levels of government and in the community as a whole. The program runs from September through May and is free of charge to the people chosen to participate. Applications for the class of 2015 will be available in January.

A similar program, Youth Leadership Forum, is held each summer for high school students with special needs.

Don’t Forget to Have Fun

It’s easy to get so swept up in all the evaluations, therapy appointments and IEP meetings that you have no room left for joy and spontaneity. Make sure you are balancing your obligations with a good dose of goofing off here and there, and aim for at least one good belly laugh per day. Celebrate the great kid you have, and be ready to cheer for the accomplishments to come!

Lia Tremblay

One of the great joys of parenthood is watching your baby reach her first milestones. But when the typical age for a particular skill has come and gone, and your child doesn’t seem to have it, worry sets in. Here’s a step-by-step guide to figuring out when a delay might need to be addressed, and how.

First, is she really falling behind? All babies develop at different rates, so having a child who is the last in her playgroup to crawl isn’t necessarily a cause for alarm. The American Academy of Pediatrics has a comprehensive listing of the expected milestones and the range of ages in which they generally occur. Give your baby some time. She may be on the late end of the range for crawling, for example, but then surprise you with early words or walking.

If that list doesn’t put your mind at ease, talk to your child’s pediatrician. She has seen a lot of babies reach a lot of milestones, and can help you decide when to be patient and when to take action.

If the delays are still worrisome, schedule an evaluation with your local Infant & Toddler Connection. This is Virginia’s version of Early Intervention, a service provided in each state to identify and treat developmental issues in children up to age 3. This directory can help you find the appropriate contact for your city or county.

At that appointment, providers will evaluate your child according to a thorough checklist of milestones, and you’ll be asked about everything from mealtime habits to playtime preferences. If your child is determined to be sufficiently “behind” in any one area, a course of therapy (physical, occupational, and/or speech-language) will be recommended to help close the gap.

Keep in mind, this is a government-funded service and therefore subject to all the usual differences from one locality to the next. Your friend in Anytown might be getting swift, attentive service for her child, but you might find it frustratingly slow and uncooperative in Whoville. Organizations like The Arc of Virginia are always advocating for improvements to the system — and their meetings are a great place to meet other parents who have “been there, done that.” Check this listing to find the chapter closest to you.

In the meantime, if you choose to bypass Early Intervention and enroll your child in private therapies, you may find the cost quickly adding up. (Even if the therapy is covered by insurance, a $35 copay twice a week for a year adds up to more than $3,500. Yikes!) Depending on the details of your situation, relief may be available—read more about the EDCD Medicaid waiver and how it might help.

Don’t miss our mega-listing of Richmond Summer Camp 2013 options for kids of all ages.

ALWAYS check dates, times and locations of events as they may change after posting here.

Don’t forget to check your Richmondmom.com Savvy Saver card for great savings at many local events and activities for kids and adults. Don’t have a card? No worries – download a copy here!

ONGOING

Now Through March 1

March 1 – 7, 2013

Celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday at many local Henrico Library events throughout the week.

March 1-30, 2013

March is Reading Month at CMoR. Different stories throughout the month at all locations.

Chesterfield Nights at CMoR March 1-28, 2013. Join us weeknights in March at CMoR Chesterfield for extended hours! Children enrolled in Chesterfield County Elementary Schools receive free admission beginning at 5:00pm with voucher, good for any weeknight during the month of March. Adults are only $4 from 5:00pm-7:00pm CMoR Members are ALWAYS FREE!

Friday March 15 – Sunday May 12, 2013

Architecture in Virginia: The Old Dominion - Examine photographs and descriptions of 24 significant examples of Virginia architecture built primarily between 1780 and 1861. The collection is on loan from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Included with exhibit admission.

Now Through April 28, 2013

Raise the Roof at the Science Museum of Virginia. Check out our Real Richmond Review here. If walls could talk, what would they say? Explore buildings and structures in a new light as you discover the stories behind the structures through a variety of interactive experiences. Included with exhibit admission.

Now Through April 30

Courtesy Science Museum of Virginia

Born to be Wild at IMAX Dome. Born to be Wild is an inspiring story of love, dedication and the remarkable bond between humans and animals. This film documents orphaned orangutans and elephants and the extraordinary people who rescue and raise them — saving endangered species one life at a time.$9 general admission, $5 for members. Showing through April 30.

Through Monday June 3

They Call it Stormy Weather: How Artists See the Weather and the Seasons. Explore artists’ depictions of weather from thunderstorms on powerful, wild seas to sunny skies above spring fields. The photographic reproductions are on loan from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Included with exhibit admission.

April 1-5, 2013

Spring Break Teen Money Camp. Different locations and times throughout the week. In partnership with Virginia Credit Union.

April 1 – 30, 2013

4th Annual LEGO Contest and Display. Calling all LEGO enthusiasts! It is time for the 4th annual Twin Hickory LEGO Contest.

April is E-Cycle month at the Museum, April 1-30, benefitting VirginiaFIRST. Drop off unwanted electronic devices including computers, mp3s, smart phones, cell phones, televisions and other electronics for recycling. We accept broken and working equipment, batteries, cables and chargers, etc. Anything with data will be wiped to DOD standards. Free.

Events This Week

Located on 15812 WC Main Street, Midlothian, VA 23113 in Westchester Commons, Breathe Easy Salt Spa offers an alternative for relief from asthma, chronic sinus infection, cystic fibrosis, eczema, psoriasis and many other conditions. The new state-of-the-art, computer-controlled treatment rooms provide customers a relaxing, one-of-a-kind salt spa experience.

• Salt therapy, also known as Halotherapy, is a drug-free, non-invasive treatment that alleviates health problems or other symptoms related to respiratory issues.
• Each room is covered in Himalayan salt and rooms are available for both adults and children.
• During your salt therapy session, dry aerosol micron-sized particles of salt carrying a negative electrical charge are circulated throughout the room.
• Moving salt particles emit negative ions, which have been proven to help lower blood pressure and relieve stress.
• The ceiling, walls and floor are also covered with 100% Himalayan rock salt.
• Salt is anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory which helps reduce inflammation of the respiratory system and strengthens the immune system.

The Owners

Breathe Easy Salt Spa is locally owned by Rob and Stacy Gebhardt and actually began as a dream when their son, Myles was diagnosed at three weeks old with Cystic Fibrosis. The disease changed their lives and the life of their son forever. On that day in April 2009, the Gebhardt’s vowed they would do whatever it takes to give their son the best quality of life.

Although they currently work with an amazing team of physicians, they have researched additional therapies that might enhance Myles’ treatment. Their research pointed them in the direction of salt spas, which are a relatively new phenomenon in the States but widely used throughout Europe.  Now, three years later, their dream to provide salt treatment to those with respiratory issues, chronic sinus infections, or anyone with a desire to live a healthy lifestyle are a reality.

For more information and pictures of the spa, please visit the website or check them on Facebook.

Reprinted from Brain Balance website

Brain Balance Achievement Centers help kids with ADHD improve their focus and attention leading to a more successful academic and personal life. At Brain Balance, we contend that neuro-behavioral disorders like ADHD and Asperger Syndrome, as well as learning disorders like Dyslexia, have in common an imbalance in the connections and function between and within the hemispheres of your child’s brain. In other words, the brain of a child with ADHD is out-of sync, which  contributes to the symptoms of ADHD and other disorders. At Brain Balance, we call this imbalance a Functional Disconnection. The good news is the brain can improve and change throughout a person’s lifetime. This phenomenon, called neuroplasticity, is at the heart of the Brain Balance Program®.

After completing a comprehensive assessment of your child’s brain and body function, your Brain Balance team creates a customized physical, sensory-motor, and cognitive program for your child aimed at correcting the imbalance and improving motor function, which leads to a reduction or elimination of negative behaviors and symptoms associated with ADHD. Read what Chris and Angela have to say about their son’s progress in our program:

We chose the Brain Balance Center for our son with ADHD because we wanted to see if he would benefit from a non-pharmaceutical approach… It worked! Our son’s impulsiveness was greatly reduced and he was able to improve his focus as he went through… He made great strides in his conversational speech and his coordination improved. He was also able to gain some weight as his appetite increased.

We were very satisfied with the results… While he still exhibits symptoms of ADHD, he has learned some good tools to help him manage his symptoms. The stress ADHD has placed on our family is a little more manageable now! Thanks to everyone who worked so hard with us.

-Chris and Angela

If your child with ADHD could benefit from increased attention and focus, better social skills, and academic improvement, consider the Brain Balance Program®. Our non-medical, proprietary learning program has helped thousands of children with ADHD reach their social, physical, behavioral, and academic potential.

Contact us today to learn more!

Name: Brain Balance Center of Richmond

Phone: 804-977-2747

Fax: 804-977-2717

Address:15833 City View Drive
Midlothian, VA 23113

Brain Balance is an advertiser on Richmondmom.com

From the bestselling author of Disconnected Kids, a clear and compassionate explanation of the causes of the autism epidemic—and a scientifically based approach for prevention and treatment.

As he travels the country helping parents and children cope with neurological disorders, Dr. Robert Melillo is always asked one question: Why? Why are autism rates exploding? But an equally important question always follows: What can we do about it as a society—and what can I do to help my child?

In this candid, research-based, practical book, Dr. Melillo presents the latest scientific explanation for how we got here and proven, drug-free strategies that parents can employ to help prevent, detect, and address the autism epidemic for themselves and their families.

With honesty and compassion, Dr. Melillo explains what the latest scientific research tells us about the role of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, dispelling myths and replacing them with the facts. In addition, he presents early warning signs, a prevention plan for parents-to-be, and an intervention program for babies and young children.

Click here to order your copy of this book.

Be sure and visit Brain Balance to learn more about their programs. You can also use our Savvy Saver card to get $50 off an evaluation.

More About The Author

Dr. Melillo

Dr. Robert Melillo is an internationally known author, educator, researcher, and clinician in the areas of neurology, rehabilitation, neuropsychology and neurobehavioral disorders in children. He is also a nutritional expert with more than 20 years of clinical experience. In 2004, Dr. Melillo published his first textbook, Neuro-behavioral Disorders of Childhood: An Evolutionary Perspective.Disconnected Kids, his first book for parents, details an at-home version of his groundbreaking Brain Balance Program. Reconnected Kids, his second book for parents, details strategies and practices to help parents resolve their child’s behavioral problems without medication, strife, or drama. This empowering method shows parents how to first identify their role in their child’s behavior, and then how to guide the child to focus on goals, practice lifelong good habits, and stay motivated.

(Originally published by Brain Balance on Nov 14, 2012 07:58 am | Brain Balance Centers).

While the words “stress-free” and “the holidays” don’t often go together, all of us at Brain Balance Achievement Centers want kids to enjoy this special time of year without meltdowns. The following tips and strategies can help everyone enjoy this busy and often overwhelming season… especially those with neuro-behavioral disorders like ADHD and Asperger Syndrome. Try these strategies and help every member of your family enjoy this wonderful time of year!

1. Give your child a schedule of events for special activities, particularly on days with lots of transitions. Whether it’s a written schedule or one with pictures for younger kids, your child will feel calmer and safer knowing what is coming up. Discuss the schedule regularly and provide info for each event. For example, let your child know which events will take place outside and which will be loud or crowded. Sometimes just knowing what’s next can help children with behavioral and sensory issues feel less anxiety.

2. Have a code word your child can use if he or she feels overwhelmed and needs a break. Assure your child if he or she uses the code word, you will respond right away. Again, giving children some control during activities that may be overstimulating for them will reduce anxiety, and help them stay calm and organized.

3. Before you leave for holiday parties, parades, or other fun events, have a quick family meeting so your whole family knows how long you plan to stay and how you expect them to behave. This will benefit neuro-typical children as well, since any child can get overwhelmed with the excitement of the holidays. Continue to make your child’s sleep schedule a priority, even in the midst of so many special events.

4. Children with significant sensory sensitives may require a little extra planning to enjoy holiday festivities. For example, you may need to bring along ear plugs if you will be in a noisy environment or sensory fidgets if the child is expected to sit still. For sensitive kids who need to wear dress clothes for events, bring along some soft clothes for them to change into as soon as possible. Be prepared by knowing your child’s specific limitations and how you will handle them if the need arises. Don’t wait for the meltdown to begin.

5. If your children have food sensitives or allergies that prevent them from eating holiday treats, plan ahead to offer alternatives like all-natural candy or a gluten-free treat from home. Children with neuro-behavioral disorders often already feel different, so be sure to include them in as many holiday festivities as possible.

6. If your child is easily over-stimulated, limit holiday decorations in your home. Too many twinkling lights combined with smells from the kitchen and other holidays distractions, while enjoyable to most, can be too much for children with Asperger Syndrome, ADHD, or sensory disorders. Allow children to help you decorate for the holidays so they are involved in the changes that take place in their comforting environment.

The holiday season doesn’t have to be a stressful time of year for your child with a learning or behavioral disorder! We hope these tips help your whole family enjoy this fun time of year.

Want to know more about how Brain Balance helps children with neuro-behavioral disorders reach their physical, social, and emotional potential? Contact [Brain Balance]  today!

Brain Balance is an advertiser on Richmondmom.com

Shoppes at Westchester Commons

Brain Balance Richmond has some great deals to make it easier to access their services and expertise for your child. Take a look at these fantastic deals and take advantage of the savings: