Every child’s journey is unique, and supporting children with special needs takes strength and community. Share your advice or explore tips from families who truly understand.
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Annalise
When you need your child to do something, offer them a choice between two options that both lead to the desired outcome. For example, instead of saying, "Put on your shoes," you can say, "Do you want to put on your sneakers or your boots?" This gives them a feeling of control, making them more likely to cooperate.
Shavonne
For a child who responds to rewards, a token board can be a powerful tool. Create a board with spaces for a certain number of tokens (e.g., five). Each time your child completes a task or exhibits a desired behavior, they earn a token. Once the board is full, they get to choose a reward.
Carter
A weighted lap pad can be incredibly calming for a child who struggles to sit still. You can make one by sewing a small blanket and filling it with dried beans, rice, or weighted pellets. It's a great tool to use during homework, car rides, or mealtime to provide grounding pressure.
Sarah G.
If your child is going to a new place (like the dentist or a birthday party), create a simple photo book or a slide show with pictures of what they can expect. Show photos of the building, the people they might see, and what the routine will be. This prepares them for the new environment and reduces the fear of the unknown.
Natasha
For children who struggle with hunger cues or tend to hoard food, create a visible, easily accessible snack zone in your home. You can leave bowls of pretzels, a basket of granola bars, or pre-washed fruit on a low shelf where your child can get a snack whenever they need one without having to ask.
Danny H.
When you find a clothing item—like a specific type of sock, shirt, or a favorite pair of pajamas—that your child loves and is comfortable with, buy multiples of it. This prevents meltdowns over what to wear and saves you from the constant search for that one special item.
When you need your child to do something, offer them a choice between two options that both lead to the desired outcome. For example, instead of saying, "Put on your shoes," you can say, "Do you want to put on your sneakers or your boots?" This gives them a feeling of control, making them more likely to cooperate.
For a child who responds to rewards, a token board can be a powerful tool. Create a board with spaces for a certain number of tokens (e.g., five). Each time your child completes a task or exhibits a desired behavior, they earn a token. Once the board is full, they get to choose a reward.
A weighted lap pad can be incredibly calming for a child who struggles to sit still. You can make one by sewing a small blanket and filling it with dried beans, rice, or weighted pellets. It's a great tool to use during homework, car rides, or mealtime to provide grounding pressure.
If your child is going to a new place (like the dentist or a birthday party), create a simple photo book or a slide show with pictures of what they can expect. Show photos of the building, the people they might see, and what the routine will be. This prepares them for the new environment and reduces the fear of the unknown.
For children who struggle with hunger cues or tend to hoard food, create a visible, easily accessible snack zone in your home. You can leave bowls of pretzels, a basket of granola bars, or pre-washed fruit on a low shelf where your child can get a snack whenever they need one without having to ask.
When you find a clothing item—like a specific type of sock, shirt, or a favorite pair of pajamas—that your child loves and is comfortable with, buy multiples of it. This prevents meltdowns over what to wear and saves you from the constant search for that one special item.