Warm temperatures and bright sunshine remind us that summer has arrived. With summer comes fun and relaxation and, often, more unstructured time. It’s important for parents to remind children about how to keep their bodies safe and ways of avoiding unhealthy interactions. Having these kinds of conversations help foster strong, open relationships with children that can last a lifetime.

With close to 15% of U.S. children ages 6–19 experiencing hearing loss, Integrated Pediatric Interventions notes that May Is Better Hearing & Speech Month is the ideal time for parents to learn more about the sometimes-subtle signs of hearing loss, ways it can affect school-aged children, and where to find help.

“Parenting is a Journey, Don’t Take it Alone” is the theme that runs through the programming  Jewish Child & Family Services offers for parents.  Travelers always take certain things with them – smart phones, identification, fuel, food, directions - so that their trips can be smooth.  What crucial items do parents need to have on their journeys?  The concepts in this article can be helpful for all parents regardless of the age of their children or the issue at hand.

By Mindi Zissman

Guest author Mindi Zissman, shares her insights as a Safety Mom who presents the “Safety Kid” program to students from early childhood through 5th grade in Jewish day schools.

Statistically speaking, 1 in 5 girls and 1 in 20 boys will be a victim of childhood sexual abuse⁽¹⁾. Experts agree, though, that the real numbers are far greater, since most childhood sexual abuse still goes unreported.

But, the Jewish People have never been beholden to predictive numbers. Throughout generations, regardless of the challenge, we have always defied the odds.

by Carri Hill PhD, Pia Todras PsyD and Barbara Danis PhD

The holiday season is upon us, and for many families that means time to hit the road to grandma's house! Regardless of the mode of transportation --car, train or plane-- traveling with young children can be challenging for the entire family. Even the most well-behaved child may have difficulty managing his behaviors and emotions during this time of year. Planning ahead increases the likelihood that the trip will go smoothly.

According to a 2014 report from the U.S. Census Bureau, between 2012 and 2050, the United States will experi­ence considerable growth in its older population (the report defined older population as age 65 and older). The baby boomers are largely responsible for this increase as they began turning 65 in 2011. By 2050, the surviving baby boomers will be over the age of 85.

By Integrated Pediatric Therapies

A Social Story, developed by special needs teacher Carol Gray, is a social learning tool that support the safe and meaningful exchange of information between parents, professionals and people with autism of all ages.

Planning a Vacation? We Can Help!

While traveling with a child with special needs may require a little more planning and adjustment, it's just a different category of family vacationing! - Lissa Poirot

Travel Tips For Families with Children with Special Needs
Check out these tips from our Integrated Pediatric Therapies therapists for ways to make the trip easier and fun for the entire family!