What kinds of thoughts does this holiday season bring to mind for you?

For families of children with special needs, the holidays can bring a very different list to mind.

November is a month we recognize caregivers of many types. It is hospice or palliative care month, when we focus on showing our appreciation for those who care for others.

Make monster feet for a fun way to practice color recognition and get moving!

The Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapists states that “Pediatric physical therapists (PTs) work with children and their families to assist each child in reaching their maximum potential to function independently and to promote active participation in home, school, and community environments.”

An effective tool for educators, parents, caregivers, and therapy providers, a calm down toolbox can help your child process emotions and reactions.

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month - when we take a closer look at some of the details about Down Syndrome (Down instead of Down’s).

October is Learning Disabilities Awareness Month as well as specifically Dyslexia Awareness Month.

On October 6, we observe World Cerebral Palsy Day. Across the world, over 17 million individuals feel the impact of this disorder. Primarily affecting children, cerebral palsy can occur all throughout a child’s lifespan and there is currently no cure for this disorder.

During the month of October, kids who celebrate Halloween are usually anticipating the close of the month — particularly what their candy haul might look like come November 1. With the expected sugar on the horizon, we’re highlighting an important focus for the month of October: National Dental Hygiene Month.

October is Healthy Lung Month, when we focus on the ways we can keep our lungs and respiratory system in optimal health. Many of us do not address our lungs unless we experience a problem breathing. As with so many diseases and disorders, prevention is key.

Sports can be great for a child’s health but high risk for eye injury without proper eyewear. Eye injuries are one of the leading causes of blindness among children in the United States. To prevent any eye injuries for your child, make sure they have the correct eyewear for each sport.

World Cancer Day is February 4th. Most causes of childhood cancer (or pediatric cancer) are unknown. As little as 5% of cancer cases are attributed to genetically inherited reasons. All are typically due to some kind of increasing cell growth which results in the evidence of cancer.

Children, and really anyone, experiences disturbances in their ability to process when experiencing heightened emotion.

A common and treatable condition called Dysphagia, happens when a person has difficulty swallowing.

Newborn screening tests can change lives and save lives. Throughout September, we aim to promote the conversation about newborn screening awareness. Every year, millions of infants in this country receive a health screening that helps parents learn about any potentially life-altering conditions or chronic ailments they can plan to manage.

Childhood obesity is an issue that is growing more and more common in the United States. According to the CDC, approximately 1 in 5 children (which is around 19%) have obesity in our country.

Kids can get stressed out. Even before the days of online learning and worry about COVID-19, kids can struggle with balancing their commitments and expectations while they may not have the skills to cope with that stress.

Getting quality sleep is important for everyone, but particularly for children and infants, it is crucial. Without quality sleep, cognitive development may suffer in the areas of language, memory, and learning. Poor sleep can affect us all, but children with Down Syndrome are likely to experience a persistence in sleep difficulties.

Global Immune Thrombocytopenia Awareness week falls on September 20-24th each year. Organizations and supporters around the world aim to raise awareness of this disorder. On the last Friday of September, join in and “Sport Purple for Platelets Day.”

The first Monday in October is National Child Health Day. Parents and families work hard to keep their children healthy, and there are many ways to promote a better understanding of how to address children’s health.