Summer has finally come, and many of us are thinking about how to make the summer days both fun and productive. Here are three principles that will guide our family’s summertime choices: 1. Build on Their Interests When our kids are interested in something, they’re often really interested. This can either be a problem or an opportunity. Paula Kluth’s book […]
Read moreHow can we help our children flourish? And what is required for them to reach their full potential as human beings? On May 29 in Winnipeg, Gordon Neufeld spoke about how we can help all children grow to be the best people they can be. Much of what he had to say speaks to addressing the needs of children with […]
Read moreBackground October is Autism Acceptance Month in Canada. Many people have pointed out that the word “awareness” (used in World Autism Awareness Day) suggests concern and toleration. This is a less than positive way of looking at a diverse community of people with many interests, skills, and abilities. “Acceptance” is a word that conveys belonging and understanding. Many people are […]
Read moreUpdate: school funding is undergoing a significant change. Applications for funding is no longer on a child by child basis, unless you are in an independent school. It remains important to collaborate and to share information to help the school staff fully support your child’s growth. I have to go to a school meeting for my son re: support as […]
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Homeschooling is popular in Canada. In recent years, the number of families choosing to homeschool has grown. Families choose to homeschool for many reasons, including: There are also many misconceptions about homeschooling. This page can be be a starting point for parents thinking about home schooling their children. Provincial Requirements Homeschooling is legal in all Canadian provinces and territories. However, […]
Read moreWhat is Floortime all about anyway? This post (the first in a series) is about explaining what DIR/Floortime is, in ordinary parent language. How does this approach to autism intervention help us understand our kids better, and what strategies does it offer? I write this as a parent who has gone through training in our local program, taken one online […]
Read moreFor parents, having a school experience that works for our kids is the equivalent of “winning.” That’s especially true for parents of children with disabilities – we are aware of their vulnerability, and we often feel pressure to help them grow as quickly as possible. There’s been lots of great advice about preparing our children (and our schools) for a […]
Read moreUpdate: The Family Resource Centre library is now located on the main floor of the SSCY Building at 1155 Notre Dame Avenue. If you go into the Rehabilitation Centre for Children and head down the hallway, you’ll find yourself in a large, welcoming room. At one end there is a well-equipped play area with lots of toys, and to one side […]
Read moreUpdate: Making Waves is now known as Swimmingly. Information can be found at www.swimminglymb.org. Our kids love water play. Especially at the lake. In fact, our daughter won’t come out – she so enjoys the feel of the water as she bounces and splashes. Two summers ago, we noticed she really had no fear. If we weren’t nearby, she would […]
Read moreOur family belongs to a church. And in all honesty, without the support of our church community, I don’t know how we would have survived the last five years. Having a community to stand alongside you is important for any family, and all the more so for a family of children with autism or other special needs. Last weekend I […]
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