The pandemic has laid bare the fact that children’s mental health is a significant concern. After almost two years of an unpredictable global health crisis, many children are acting out in school and home. Some may be dealing with everyday stress, but some children may be struggling to manage a serious mental illness such as […]
Continue readingBuilding and maintaining social skills is an important part of everyday life. Being human means interacting with and developing understanding between other people. Socializing is often difficult for neurotypical people, but for those on the autism spectrum or with behavioral challenges, the social skills needed to get along with others may seem downright elusive and […]
Continue readingA panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear. During a panic attack, the brain misinterprets danger, and the “fight or flight” instinct takes over. A panic attack may be caused by a specific phobia or general anxiety. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV), identifies the following symptoms for panic attacks: Palpitations, pounding heart, […]
Continue readingOn November 19th, 2021, Diane Gray, Supervisor of Instruction at Alpha School, and Amy Brandon, Supervisor of Instruction at Harbor School, presented at this year’s 43rd annual ASAH Conference. Ms. Gray and Ms. Brandon presented a workshop on incorporating STEM into the special needs classroom.What is STEM? (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)STEM is so much […]
Continue readingRepresentation of neurodiverse characters on screen matters because it shows all kids that they are an integral part of our culture and not separate from it. Everyone deserves to see affirming visions of themselves in the culture around them. Atypical (2017-2021) is one example of a show streaming on Netflix right now that attempts to […]
Continue readingPRIOR TO COVID-19On February 12, 2020 the Alpha School of Jackson, NJ was presented with a Lunch and Learn Workshop presented by both Blanche Stetler from PrimeTime Center and Melissa Wong from Skylands Family Support of New Jersey.Below are key highlights that are important for new and current parents and caregivers understanding their child’s Personal […]
Continue readingPlanning for your kids’ future can be daunting, but parents of children with special needs must take a few extra steps to make sure their children will be taken care of in adulthood. If your child is or will be receiving government benefits, be sure that any money you bequeath in your will or any […]
Continue readingSpecial needs children may remain in school through age 21 or 22, but planning for the transition out of the school system should start well before then. As a member of the school community, your family enjoys a wealth of expertise and resources, as well as a predictable routine, but soon you will be on […]
Continue readingAs the step-parent of an autistic boy, I often worry that neurotypical people will not recognize his kind heart and amazing mind. These picture books show autism from many different perspectives, and hopefully will show children on the autism spectrum that their unique gifts and contributions are just as important as those of neurotypical kids. […]
Continue readingChildren with autism and other special needs frequently engage in challenging behaviors that negatively affect the whole family. For families seeking solutions, it’s important to remember that challenging behavior serves a purpose for the child. According to Behavior Analyst, Meme Hieneman, if we pay attention, the behavior can communicate important information. She says, “The purpose […]
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