Just Kids 2013

just kids 2013

Atlanta’s Family Guide to Special Needs

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2013 RESOLUTION

Atlanta Parent and Dr. Michael P. Healey, D.D.S., P.C., who specializes in pediatric dentistry and orthodontic care for children and young adults, want to help readers live healthier throughout the year.

HERE’S ONE IMPORTANT STEP: Resolve to find a dentist and staff who will take the time to give your special needs child top-notch, personalized dental care in an efficient and pleasant environment.

SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN DESERVE TLC DENTISTRY

DR. MICHAEL P. HEALEY

Children with special needs such as Autism, Sensory Integration, Down syndrome, ADD/ADHD, and children who are simply shy, anxious and uncomfortable, can present challenging issues while in the dental setting.

These children require specialized knowledge and consideration, and a dental atmosphere that is conducive to the safety of their emotional and physical well-being.

Welcome to Dr. Michael P. Healey’s pediatric dental practice.

Our team approach is very compassionate and gentle as we set aside one morning each week that allows Dr. Healey and his staff much more time to interact and treat our special friends.

Our practice techniques may include separating a dental cleaning over two visits so as to not overwhelm the child. They may even receive a “goody bag” filled with tools to role play at home and then return for a much less stressful visit! Restorative dentistry may require safe, in-office conscious sedation without the use of a papoose board, and parents are with their child through the entire visit. Dr. Healey is board certified and on staff at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta for a child who may need to be sleeping through extensive or difficult dental procedures.

(State funded plans/Medicaid not accepted)

Michael P. Healey, D.D.S, P.C. 1145 Hightower Trail, near GA 400 and Northridge, and close to Roswell, Alpharetta and East Cobb.

Call today to make an appointment and see what a difference a caring environment can make!

770-993-9395 Visit our website

www.dochealey.com

Inside justkids Information and Resource Guide

2013

An Atlanta Parent Magazine Publication

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The Tools of Technology

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Laptops, iPads and smartphones have opened up a new path of communication for special needs kids and their teachers, classmates, friends and families.

(Businesses share their stories in this special advertising section.)

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Atlanta’s

Cover Kid Winners Troy Forrester and Peter Joyce. Photo

by Studio 7 Photography.

Metro Atlanta parents of special needs children have many resources for support and information. Our panel answers questions parents of newly diagnosed children might have.

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Meet this year’s Cover Kid winners and finalists, who wowed us with their sweet personalities and their joyful, can-do spirit.

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Our Amazing Cover Kids

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Autistic, but Still a Kid

50 ways your child with autism is more like a typical kid than he is different.

Atlanta’s attractions work hard to make sure children and adults with restricted mobility enjoy their visit, but families still face challenges.

20 Ask the Experts

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Access for All

and Thriving

For children with celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder, giving up foods containing gluten is essential, not trendy.

32 Reduce Moving

Day Stress

Follow these tips for a smoother transition, whether you’re moving across town or across the country.

35 Resource Guide

If you’re seeking medical services, day camps, support groups and everything in between, our directory contains the most comprehensive listings of local resources for your special needs child.

justkids STAFF PUBLISHER Liz White lwhite@atlantaparent.com ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Laura Powell lpowell@atlantaparent.com EDITOR Julie Bookman jbookman@atlantaparent.com STAFF WRITER Kate Wallace ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR Liz White lwhite@atlantaparent.com BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Amy Smith asmith@atlantaparent.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Julia Sparks Jennifer Fogel Ashley Sult EDITORIAL ART DIRECTOR Sheri Taylor-Emery PRODUCTION MANAGER Natalie Thavenot COPY EDITOR Glenn Emery OFFICE COORDINATOR Caroline Ward ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Kirsten Gromatzky

You can find a copy of justkids at Whole Foods, School Box and selected locations throughout the Atlanta area. To receive a copy by mail, send $3 (for postage and handling) with your name and address to justkids, c/o Atlanta Parent Magazine, 2346 Perimeter Park Drive, Atlanta, GA 30341.

If your business or organization needs copies or would like to distribute justkids, please call Caroline Ward at 678-222-1907 or email her at cward@atlantaparent.com.

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Publisher’s Letter Ten Very Special Years

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t’s hard to believe, but this issue marks the 10th anniversary of Just Kids. We started this special publication to provide resources and support for you, the parents of special needs children.

Whether your child was born with a disability or developed special needs because of an injury or illness, your family has special concerns that most parents cannot comprehend.

The poem, Welcome to Holland© by Emily Perl Kingsley, is a poignant glimpse of the challenges special needs parents face every day of every year. Here is an excerpt: I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a disability – to try to help people who have not shared that unique experience to understand it, to imagine how it would feel. It’s like this......

When you’re going to have a baby, it’s like planning a fabulous vacation trip – to Italy. You buy a bunch of guide books and make your wonderful plans. The Coliseum. The Michelangelo David. The gondolas in Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It’s all very exciting.

After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, “Welcome to Holland.”

“Holland?!?” you say. “What do you mean Holland?? I signed up for Italy! I’m supposed to be in Italy. All my life I’ve dreamed of going to Italy.”

But there’s been a change in the flight plan.

They’ve landed in Holland and there you must stay.

The important thing is that they haven’t taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It’s just a different place.

So you must go out and buy new guide books. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met.

We are inspired by special needs families, who’ve come to appreciate Holland, even though they’d hoped to go to Italy. These kids and families are thriving because of their parents’ dedication and advocacy. We hear from special needs parents and caregivers frequently about how Just Kids has helped them as they follow a different path. We’re grateful for the advice and support of teachers and therapists. And we’re honored to play a small role in the success of special needs kids.

Our Mission Parenting and educating a child with special needs can be a challenging and sometimes overwhelming responsibility. Just identifying a child’s special needs and finding the right services and supports to meet those needs can be difficult and time consuming. Just Kids is the annual resource guide for parents and caregivers of children with special needs in the metro Atlanta area. We define special needs broadly to include physical, mental and emotional disabilities, sensory impairments,

Contact us

Tel: 770-454-7599 Fax: 770-454-7699

learning differences, developmental delay and life-threatening illnesses.

Our mission is to provide you with useful articles and information on local and national disability organizations, schools and summer camps, medical facilities, agencies and businesses that best meet your special needs.

Just Kids is not only about children, it’s about families. It is also our hope that this magazine supplies the information and inspiration you need for your very special family.

E-mail: atlantaparent@atlantaparent.com Mail: 2346 Perimeter Park Drive, Atlanta, GA 30341

justkids is published annually by Atlanta Parent, Inc. All rights reserved. Any reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited without written permission. ©2012

justkids magazine

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Technically,

More Paths to Success

by Amanda Allen

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echnology has opened a world of connectivity for families, giving parents and children the ability to stay in touch while on the go, a convenience everyone has come to expect. But who knew those iPhones, Androids, iPods and iPads would make it much easier to connect with special needs kids?

Therapists and teachers have used computer technology for decades to help kids and adults overcome or mitigate learning disabilities, but the equipment and specialized software were expensive and by no means portable. Now, with laptops, iPads and other portable devices – and their inexpensive and easy-to-download applications – special needs children can communicate with their schoolmates and teachers, use education programs to improve in math and reading, and give their motor skills a boost through game playing.

“We see a great advantage with the iPad and other devices for kids with disabilities,” says Peggy McWilliams, director of technologies for Lekotek of Georgia, a nonprofit that supports special needs families. “The access is ideal, they’re lightweight and portable. Many apps on the iPad allow you to talk and communicate without using a voice.”

Nathan Sorensen could tell you that, with a little help from his iPod. The 6-year-old kindergartener at First Presbyterian Preschool struggles with childhood apraxia, a speech disorder that affects his ability to communicate and be understood.

“With apraxia you have to think about everything when you’re trying to talk, where to put your tongue, how to place your cheeks to make a sound,” says Michelle Sorensen, his mom. “I liken it to learning to drive a stick shift in a car. When you’re learning, you have to think about everything, when to push in the clutch, when you need to shift.

Someone who’s driven a stick shift for years does all that automatically.”

Nathan started using the iPod at age 4, when traditional speech therapy didn’t seem to be making his speech more intelligible. A communications app was the only program his parents Jan and Michelle installed on his iPod, but because of his age, Nathan tended to use the device more as a toy than a learning tool. Still, it sparked his interest in numbers and letters and improved his math and reading comprehension.

The family and Nathan’s speech therapist gave the iPod a rest and worked with non-digital communication aids for awhile, then began reintegrating the iPod over the summer.

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Portable devices such as iPads give special needs students tools for learning.

Nathan Sorenson and his iPod

“Ten years ago,” Leverette says, “only special needs kids had laptops in the classroom. Now everyone has one. You don’t look different.”

– Ann Leverette, founder of ATL3

Nathan is more academically, socially and physically prepared to use the device now, his mom says. “His approximation for words is getting better, he loves to talk, he loves to spell, and he wants the kids in his class to know what he’s saying. He is very, very motivated now, and his teacher is helping enforce him using the iPod purposefully.”

The couple has seen their son make great progress. “The difference for Nathan has been huge,” Michelle says. “We’re very hopeful it will open up a whole lot of opportunities for him next year as he enters first grade.”

The couple has every reason to be hopeful.

“Computer technology has been a fabulous tool for kids with reading and writing disabilities,” says Ann Leverette, founder of ATL3, an Atlanta company that uses technology to help special needs children and adults develop academically and become more independent. “Now computer programs have sound, and you can roll over a word [with a mouse] and the computer will say it to you and put it in a sentence to show you how it’s used.”

Leverette is something of a pioneer in the field, using technology with special needs students in the late 1980s, in what could be considered the covered-wagon era of computers – big, bulky machines with floppy disks and somewhat primitive programs. She’s seen computers evolve from merely toys for games to tools to teach reading, writing, math, speech and more.

“Computers have gotten a lot faster, with better sounds and graphics,” she says. Portability has been an important step, though some students might have trouble typing with an iPad and be better off with a laptop. Easy access to the Internet and classrooms where technology has become standard also have contributed tremendously to academic success for special needs kids.

“Not all kids access material in the same way,” she says. “Until recently, we haven’t been able to give access in a way they can learn.”

For instance, even Google Earth is a learning tool. Leverette projects Google Earth onto a classroom’s white board, allowing her or a student to use a finger or pointer as a mouse to interact with the screen. When she zooms in on a student’s address, then shows her address or another student’s, the kids get excited. They pick up on the concepts of distance and direction – one mile between their houses or east, west, north, south.

“Those concepts are really huge for kids with autism,” she says.

Gabriel Gothard, 11, a client Leverette has helped with computer skills, is one of those students who learns differently. Gabriel, in sixth grade at the Howard School Middle School, has moderate hearing loss and trouble with auditory processing, his mother, Julie Horowitz Gothard says. Though he has no cognitive problems, he has learning difficulties and challenges with organizing his thoughts and getting them down on paper.

Cont’d on page 8

There’s an App for That For parents who may not be savvy when it comes to technology, there are plenty of resources in metro Atlanta and on the Web, and apps that might help a family dealing with a range of special needs challenges, from autism to brain injury to chronic, serious illness.

Lekotek of Georgia once listed apps resources on its website, but soon found there were thousands of them, says Peggy McWilliams, director of technologies for Lekotek. Instead, the nonprofit now refers parents to oneplaceforspecialneeds.com, which tests hundreds of apps before recommending them.

“Of course, not all apps work for every child – one child might be excited and engaged by the same app that bores another child,” McWilliams says. “But the great thing is, iPad apps are so inexpensive or free, you can try a lot of them to find the one that helps your child.”

Lekotek has two programs that help kids and parents learn about the benefits of using technology to aid learning, communication and motor skills. CompuPlay, for children ages 2 and older and their parents, is a five-week course offered several times a year. The next course begins in January. Lekotek’s Computer Club, for kids 8-15 years old – no parents allowed – encourages kids to play games and learn at the same time. Clubs meet from 4-6 p.m. on various dates at Lekotek offices intown, in Cobb County and on the Southside. (Find information at lekotekga.org.)

FOCUS of Georgia, a nonprofit whose mission is to support special needs children and their families, recently organized a workshop with ATL3 Inc. for parents using learning apps available for the iPad. (Contact FOCUS at focus-ga.org.)

Lucy Cusick, executive director of FOCUS, says technology is offering affordable help for families. “The iPads are easy to program, and they’re cheap in comparison to specialized augmentative communication devices, which can cost $3,000 or more.”

ATL3 Inc. is an Atlanta technology and learning company that helps children and adults with disabilities learn by using assistive technology. Its website, at4learning.com, has an extensive list of resources.

Founder Ann Leverette also recommends these three sites: LDonline.org, LDresources.com and closingthegap.com. Closing the Gap conducts an annual conference for educators and parents, and offers a magazine, product guides and software, as well as webinars on using technology for special needs students.

To see how technology can help with autism, see carlysvoice.com.

Carly is Carly Fleischmann, an autistic teen who cannot speak and uses computer technology to communicate.

The London Connection (connectedchild.net) lets you see a video of how one metro Atlanta family is using technology with their daughter London, who has a rare chromosomal disorder and is developmentally delayed.

– Amanda Allen justkids magazine

7

Technically, More Paths to Success

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When Gabriel was much younger, his mom says she and her husband, Andy, “used to wonder if he would ever learn to read.” Now, he’s at grade level with his reading and beyond that with math skills.

“He’s just reaching the age where he can really benefit – the more complex material he reads, the more he needs help with organizing,” she says.

One computer program he uses helps him write a paper by leading him through a series of questions about something he’s read. Once each question is answered, the paper is basically organized and written.

“Technology has helped him achieve up to his potential,” she says. “We hope that career-wise, he’ll find something he’s passionate about. Technology makes that much more possible.”

Accessibility to affordable technology continues to expand. Toys ‘R’ Us has just launched a seven-inch touch-screen tablet called “Tabeo,” which comes preloaded with 50 apps for children, from storybooks to games. Though it doesn’t have as many educational apps as the $400-plus iPad does for older children, its cost – $150 –

might make it a good place to start with preschoolers. Other tablets in the same price range, LeapPad and InnoTab, also target the younger child market.

Older kids whose reading disabilities hamper their ability to learn can use computer programs to have their textbooks or school assignments read to them.

Kids whose motor skills won’t allow them to take notes during a lecture can use a special pen that would have seemed science fiction only a decade ago.

This $100 pen will record the lecture – it has enough memory to record a whole year’s lectures – and kids can write down key words as the teacher speaks.

Once they begin studying, they can listen to the teacher again, or use the pen to point to the key word, and the device will skip to that place in the recorded lecture.

Kids also can use their smart phones and iPads to record and review a teacher’s lesson.

And that is perhaps one of the biggest leaps in technology for special needs students, who just like other students, want to be liked and accepted by their peers.

Laptops, iPads, iPods, smartphones and other devices help special needs students fit in and communicate.

“Ten years ago,” Leverette says, “only special needs kids had laptops in the classroom. Now everyone has one. You don’t look different.” JK

50 Ways Your Child with Autism Is Like All Children

by Ellen Notbohm The incidence of autism in children is 1 in 88, up from 1 in 156 just 10 years ago, and 1 in 750 when my son Bryce was identified in 1995.

Parents of children with autism often focus on what makes our kids different from typically developing children. And talk about it we must, because it is the basis for spurring the kind of action we need to be able to equalize some of these differences, to teach our kids the skills they’ll need to join the flow of life and community as productive adults.

But it’s only half of the discussion.

“Different, not less” was the riveting line from the movie Temple Grandin, the way Temple’s mother insisted her daughter be viewed. Our kids’ differences are easy to see, often glaring. But if we neglect looking in at least equal part for their similarities to other children, we will never see the whole child. It’s through those similarities that your child or student will forge connections to others, and those connections are what will determine in such great part his success in life as a dynamic, self-sufficient adult. It’s through those similarities that we see that his autism is only part of who he is, not all of who he is, not to blame for every one of his quirks and foibles, not the source of every one of his abilities and charms.

In that spirit, I offer you a list called Alike, Not Less – Fifty Ways Your Child with Autism is Like All Children.

Like all children—

Like all children—

He has personal interests.

He has fears.

He has preferences.

He has ideas.

He has dreams.

He has feelings that are hurt by the unkind actions and words of others.

He has a self-image, also influenced by the actions and words of others.

He has a sense of humor, which may not be the same as yours.

He is growing; his body is changing, his brain is developing.

He will reach puberty; his hormones will kick in.

He will experience the mood shifts of adolescence.

He will have wet dreams; she will menstruate.

She makes mistakes.

She forgets stuff.

She remembers stuff – beware!

She gets tired – physically, mentally, emotionally.

She gets cranky when she’s tired – physically, mentally, emotionally.

She can’t know what she hasn’t been taught.

She needs instruction, encouragement and practice to form a good habit or break an undesirable one.

She needs to be able to trust you.

She needs to feel safe.

Until she feels safe, she can’t learn to trust others.

She is influenced by adult example.

Her attention span is greater for some things than for others.

She can learn.

Like all children— He needs adequate sleep.

He needs good medical care.

He will do significantly better in school (cognitively and behaviorally) if he eats a nutritious breakfast.

He will do significantly better in his afternoon classes and activities if he eats a nutritious lunch.

He needs unstructured time to dream.

He needs a certain amount of privacy.

He needs his good efforts rewarded, by word or deed.

He needs you not just to provide food, clothing and shelter, but also to do so in a respectful manner.

He needs you to take good care of yourself, so you can take good care of him.

Like all children— She needs to play.

She likes to play with toys – although her definition of “toy” and “play” and “the right way” to play with toys may not match yours. (Look up “toy” and “play.”)

She needs to be taught things she cannot learn through play, such as traffic safety and cooking.

She needs to hear more praise than criticism – every day.

She needs to feel heard.

She grieves when she loses something significant to her. Her grief may not look like yours would.

She wants to feel valued.

She needs ways to contribute meaningfully.

She needs to experience the natural world in all its wet, dry, hot, cold, rough, gooshy smells and touches and sensations and sounds.

Like all children— He will develop his self-image built on dualities: good/bad, smart/stupid, attractive/homely.

He will defend himself when emotionally, verbally or physically cornered, by lying, lashing out, evading, or by any other means available to him.

He needs you to answer all his questions, regardless of whether you find them silly or tiresome.

He needs adults who remember what it felt like to be a kid.

He needs adults who will explain the tough things like death and sex.

He needs long-term relationships with caring adults.

He needs spaces or places where he feels he belongs.

Ellen Notbohm is author of Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew. ellennotbohm.com JK

justkids magazine

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Get to Know Some Very Special Kids Meet this year’s Cover finalists.

by Kate Wallace / Photos by Studio 7 Photography

Taylor Heyward age 5, Conyers

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aylor Heyward hasn’t let cerebral palsy keep her from learning the lyrics and dance moves to every Justin Bieber song. The adorable 5-year-old (going on 25, says mom Rhonda), tends to light up whatever room she’s in. Whether it’s her love of hot pink or her sassy yet endearing sarcasm, it doesn’t take more than five seconds to realize this boisterous girl is the life of the party.

She lives in Conyers and attends Live Oak Elementary. Kindergarten, she declares, is “fantastic!” Taylor walks with the assistance of two pink crutches; her mom has a hunch Taylor won’t always need them. Once a week, she receives physical therapy at school.

Rhonda and Martin Heyward welcomed Taylor into the world when she weighed just 2 pounds, 3 ounces. She was born 27 weeks into Rhonda’s pregnancy. Cerebral palsy was diagnosed at birth and doctors said Taylor would never walk. The Heywards also learned that Taylor needed a shunt placed in her brain to relieve pressure and help with her speech. The first shunt malfunctioned, causing more panic for the new parents.

Cerebral palsy, which can arise from damage to the developing brain before, during or shortly after birth, occurs in the region of the brain that controls muscle functions. Muscle weakness and stiffness is common, and some people also face cognitive difficulties. Taylor, however, is proving to be an exception.

The 5-year-old recently competed in Miracle League baseball – and ran the bases all by herself.

“I knew that she would walk and talk,” Rhonda says. “I never believed what the doctors were saying.”

Taylor already has some big goals: She wants to be a cheerleader in the near future and a doctor when she grows up, “so I can help the babies in the hospital like I was,” she says. “I want to tell people good things, not bad.”

Peter Joyce

age 2½, Dunwoody

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t’s hard not to notice the sweet innocence that surrounds 2-year-old Peter Joyce. One look at his round blue eyes, sweet button nose, bright red lips and oh, those freckles – and you might find yourself yearning for a snuggle.

“He’s totally joyful all the time,” says Denise Joyce as she gazes into the face of her little boy.

Peter was born with a rare chromosomal condition called Tetrasomy 18p, an extra 18th chromosome that causes developmental delays and cardiac concerns. There are just 250-300 reported cases of this in the world.

The Chromosome 18 Registry and Research Society (chromosome18. org) has helped Denise and husband Patrick obtain information about their son’s “designer genes.” Through both the registry and Facebook, they

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connect with other parents who have a child with a condition on the 18th chromosome.

The family, which includes older sisters Mary and Sarah, lives in Dunwoody. Peter attends the Elaine Clark Center, where he receives physical, occupational and speech therapies.

A major recent milestone for Peter: learning to crawl. “Crawling was a big one,” says Joyce.

“He worked so hard at it one weekend.” On the day we brought our Cover Kids finalists together to be photographed, Peter seemed delighted to explore every inch of the studio on his hands and knees.

Peter’s family is hopeful that their sweet little boy will learn to walk and talk one day. In the meantime, he’s mastered his crawling abilities so well that he chases his sisters around the house. It’s one of his favorite pastimes.

er Covid K er n Win

This year’s Cover Kids finalists are a strong bunch. They’ve beaten the odds, amazed doctors, and at their young ages are already inspirations to us all. With their sweet giggles and bashful smiles, these kids quickly stole our hearts during an afternoon photo shoot. Meet our winners, Troy Forrester and Peter Joyce and two equally amazing kids.

Troy Forrester age 4, Gainesville

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smile and giggle from Troy Forrester is sure to warm your heart. The infectiously curious little boy loves playing ball with anyone who will throw it back to him. He loves chasing around his 15-year-old brother Chancey and knows to be gentle when he’s around his 6-month-old sister McKenna.

The son of Kelli and Mack Forrester of Gainesville, Troy was born with Down syndrome and coronary heart disease. He overcame three difficult open-heart surgeries – one of which was dicey; his parents had been told he would not make it. The family believes that Troy’s strong support system – his mom, dad, grandparents, brother and the family’s church – helped see the little boy through.

“It’s a pure miracle with Troy,” said his mother Kelli, back when Troy was in a life-threatening moment during surgery to repair a tear in his mitral valve. “His heart healed itself.” Kelli credits her faith in God for getting her family through the roughest times during Troy’s medical ordeals at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston.

Lily Seidel

age 11, Sandy Springs

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hether it’s her sparkly blue-painted fingernails, the twinkle in her crystal-blue eyes, or the shiny décor on the wheels of her chair, everything about Lily Seidel sparkles.

During Atlanta Parent’s photo shoot, Lily couldn’t tell us that she was having fun because she is nonverbal, but the new experience made her giggle and smile the whole time.

Erica Seidel had an uncomplicated, fullterm pregnancy. On May 26, 2001, she and husband David went to the hospital thinking they’d soon be holding their first baby. Several hours after she was born, Erica did get to hold Lily, but her baby was attached to a web of wires, tubes, machines and monitors. Lily was born with a disorder called Pierre-Robin Sequence and Partial Trisomy 7q, a rare chromosome abnormality.

The Seidels are both internal medicine doctors. “It helped that we knew about some of the procedures, but it’s different when it’s your child,” says Erica. Lily’s parents soon discovered that little information was available on Lily’s diagnosis. “There’s no one else like Lily,” Erica says. “She is kind of her own book.”

“He is perfect,” says Kelli today. “I absolutely wouldn’t change one thing about him.” She and Mack had learned their baby might have Down syndrome before his birth.

“My main goal,” Kelli recalls, “was to be prepared. When we researched online, we had a hard time finding much positive information about Down syndrome.”

Troy learned to walk sooner than anyone thought he would, especially considering the fact that he spent a large part of his early years in the hospital. He wasn’t very excited about learning sign language, though. Troy decided he would rather learn to speak like others do. And so he did.

It’s been more than a year since Troy’s last hospital stay. These days, he’s a lively boy who continues to work on his speech.

He sings in church and squeals with glee when given a ball to play with. His sweet demeanor shined bright on the day of Atlanta Parent’s photo shoot. Troy didn’t think twice about giving a hug to Peter Joyce, another contestant at the photo shoot.

“My biggest hope for Troy is that he can someday live life independently,” says Kelli.

Shortly after birth, Lily had a tube inserted in her airway to help her breathe; it was removed before she turned 4. Since then, she has had more than 20 surgical procedures.

She requires a feeding tube for food, but can enjoy applesauce and munching on anything crunchy.

“A three-ring circus” is the way Erica describes the weekday routine of getting Lily and her siblings – Ben, 9, and Vivi, 5 – ready for school. The kids have different schools and schedules. Lily attends Woodland Elementary, while her siblings are students at High Point Elementary.

“I wish all three kids could be together at the same school,” Erica says. “Lily is just one of our kids, but she needs the services Woodland offers.” Throughout the week, Lily receives physical, occupational and speech therapies.

The Seidels recently enjoyed a trip to Disney World, where Lily discovered a love for roller coasters. Her mom says she absolutely loved going fast; Splash Mountain was her favorite ride. But Minnie and Mickey had to keep their distance, because Lily was “not a big fan,” recalls Erica, laughing.

One day, the Seidels want to own a home that is fully wheelchair accessible. Searching for that ideal home hasn’t been easy. For now, Lily needs help tackling the stairs in her house,

er Covid K er n Win

but has mastered the art of scooting around.

“She scoots super fast and loves playing with her siblings,” Erica says.

As for Ben and Vivi, they are proud of Lily – and protective of her. Whenever they see someone looking at Lily in a curious way, they are quick to introduce themselves – and their big sister. JK

justkids magazine

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404.633.3430

www.lekotekga.org

For Your Information

by Amanda Miller Allen

Therapists Offer Tips with ‘Advance My Baby’ Adapted Toys, Technology and Resources for Children with Disabilities Six locations in Atlanta, Duluth, Kennesaw, Gainesville, Alpharetta and Fayetteville 141 Futral Rd. Griffin, GA 30224

Woodlawn Developmental Pediatrics, P.C. Serving Children & Adolescents with: Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Developmental Delay · Learning Disorders Speech and Language Disorders Autism/Pervasive Developmental Disorders Intellectual Disabilities · Cerebral Palsy Genetic Syndromes

Located 45 miles south of Atlanta, Stepping Stones is a private, accredited school and therapy center for children with developmental, intellectual and physical disabilities. ABA-based programs available.

Accepts SB10 voucher.

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12 justkids magazine

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Babies don’t come with instructions, and most new parents struggle with what to do to help them thrive.

One critical area is sensory development in the first years of life, which is important for all children, but especially so for special needs kids.

A new manual, Advance My Baby, and website (advancemybaby.com) will help parents learn the developmental milestones their baby will experience and teach techniques and activities to help their baby with gross motor and fine motor skills, language, social interaction and emotional growth.

The program was developed by two occupational therapists, Jeanne Aggrippino Martin and Paula Tarver, who work with special needs children. The manual and exercises are designed to help parents whose babies are meeting developmental milestones and those whose babies are developmentally delayed, including preemies.

The manual includes assessments parents can use to measure their baby’s progress or for early detection of development delays in the first three years of life.

The manual, which costs $49.95, can be ordered on the website or by calling 855-262-2229.

Parents Get Free Access to Special Needs Questionnaires A screening tool to help determine whether children are developmentally delayed is now available at no cost to parents through Easter Seals.

The Ages & Stages Questionnaires, Third Edition, published by Brookes Publishing Co., can be completed by parents and caregivers on the Easter Seals’ website, Make the First Five Count® website, makethefirstfivecount.org. The results of the screening, which are provided by Easter Seals staff, will help parents monitor their child’s development and identify potential issues so that parents can address concerns as early as possible and get help before their child enters school. Unidentified delays and disabilities can have a lasting, negative effect on children’s ability to achieve their full potential.

The questionnaires, used by health care providers, Head Start programs, early childhood educators, and other professionals for more than 15 years, take 10-15 minutes to complete. They screen children ages 1 month to 5 1/2 years for developmental and social or emotional delays, and they are the first step in determining whether a child could benefit from special services.

The questionnaires were made available to Easter Seals through the support of the CVS Caremark Charitable Trust. JK

Creating Positive

Social Environments

by Amy Fenton Lee

One of the greatest obstacles in raising a special needs child is bridging the gap between the child and his social network.

Depending on his limitations, brief interactions and longer-term encounters with others can create apprehension for him or the entire family. To complicate matters, each child with special needs – as well as his family dynamic – is unique, meaning even identical diagnoses can have dramatically different manifestations, causing two children with the same disorder to lead completely different lives.

While there is no absolute, across-theboard plan in securing social and support networks for special needs kids, there are a handful of common hurdles that parents experience and can overcome. Following are some tips to help parents create positive social experiences for their special needs children.

Approach the education of others as an investment in your child Don’t worry about offering all of the details of your child’s diagnosis and limitations to everyone who comes in contact with him. Educate other parents, caregivers and peers only to the point they can most effectively interact with your child. Helping others feel comfortable around your child increases the likelihood of an overall positive experience for him. If an awkward moment occurs, offer an honest and helpful explanation. Giving friends, neighbors and caregivers the freedom for inquiry may also quell natural fears and the inclination to avoid your child. If you anticipate difficult conversations, spare uncomfortable moments by speaking outside the earshot of children; a phone call prior to individuals first meeting your child may be the best route.

14 justkids magazine

Coach caregivers and invite their participation Caregivers are more likely to be motivated to assist in helping your child succeed if they have been educated along the way.

Disclosing the diagnosis and the recommendations from health care professionals are key tools in recruiting the help of teachers, nursery employees and others who interact with your child on a day-today basis. A one-page explanation of your child’s disorder (in your words) and a layman’s definition of the diagnosis, including helpful tips for coping, may be a useful tool to present to caregivers. Also be sure to regularly invite feedback from your caregivers regarding any adjustments they may foresee pertaining to you or your child. Doing so will create both a welcome dialogue and a team outlook.

The two invaluable “A”s: accommodation and appreciation Many parents find that despite the extra effort it requires, regularly showing appreciation yields positive results when requesting special accommodations for your child. Requesting that teachers and caregivers make alterations to their schedules, lesson plans and programs is inevitable, and doing so is nearly always in the best interest of the child. When you request that some type of adaptation be made, approach the individual with a grateful and gracious spirit. The chances of a warm reception (to both your requests and your child) are far greater.

Create an atmosphere of hopeful acceptance Every child needs unconditional love, and the need for acceptance is not unique for special needs children.

Just as you set the environmental tone inside your home, you are equally influential in setting the environmental tone for the outside world. In doing so, it’s important to find that fine line between unrealistic optimism and resignation.

Creating Positive Social Environments Depending on your child’s diagnosis or situation, your family may experience feelings of grief. Embracing these feelings is a vital step in healing. Coming to terms with lessthan-perfect circumstances can be painful, but more importantly, it’s productive. By attaining a full grasp of reality, you can ultimately produce an environment of hopeful and encouraging acceptance for your child.

Be quick to address behavior nuances Friends, neighbors and other acquaintances will be more likely to enjoy time with special needs children if they know that unusual or possibly disruptive behavior will be addressed, redirected or properly handled. Often, only family members or close caregivers know the unique ways that children with special needs can be calmed.

By taking initiative when these sometimes awkward moments occur, bystanders may be both relieved and better educated in relating to your child.

Set the child up for success Creating positive encounters when your child is around his peers will benefit everyone.

Here are some simple tips to ease everyone’s concerns in social gatherings.

n Keep a calming toy or implement a recognized routine in all of your child’s environments. If he is experiencing a new situation or setting, something familiar may be a remedy for out-of-control fits or fears. n When your child is interacting with other children, introduce an activity in which he excels and others will find interesting. If your child enjoys coloring, for example, supply coloring pages and crayons for all of the children. n Offer teachers and caregivers lists of easily attainable, approved foods, along with simple recipes, if your child has food allergies or unusual dietary needs. n Make suggestions for successful environments. If your child gets nervous in loud, indoor playgrounds, for example, offer suggestions for alternate places where he can enjoy himself and thrive with the other children. n Accept not being able to attend play dates, birthday parties or other events where problems are likely. If your child can’t cope with sand between his toes, for instance, graciously decline attendance to that beach party or sandbox play date.

n Prevent unwelcome advice by informing others that your child is supervised by a health care professional. The natural desire to form or express an opinion may be abandoned when a person knows that educated professionals are addressing your child’s situation. JK Amy Fenton Lee is the mother of a preschool son diagnosed with Sensory Integration Disorder. Stacie Trottier, M.A., a licensed speech language pathologist at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, contributed to this article.

Help move the science of autism forward.

Join our study.

Marcus Autism Center, one of the leading autism research centers in the U.S., is looking for infants for a new study about social development. Babies are enrolled prior to birth, or as newborns, and are followed by the research team until they reach 24 or 36 months of age. Depending upon time of enrollment, we may see your baby 10 to 16 times.

MCS 949176.cb.7/12.IRB0048145

We are looking for moms who are either pregnant or have a newborn under the age of 3 months and: – Have an older child with an autism spectrum disorder, OR – Have an older child who is typically developing and no history of autism in the extended family This study looks at the early development patterns of social and visual engagement in young children. The mission is to help diagnose autism and developmental delays earlier so that children can get the care they need sooner.

Contact Beth Asher, Project Coordinator, at beth.asher@choa.org or 404-785-9473 for details. All participants will be compensated for their time.

Services provided in Atlanta, Ga. justkids magazine

15

Accessible

Atlanta

The Georgia Aquarium

by Alexi Wilbourn

Accessibility is one of the biggest factors parents must consider when children with restricted mobility are out and about.

Fortunately, Atlanta ranks relatively high in terms of livability for those using wheelchairs. The city is 20th on a list of 100 ranked cities, according to the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation.

Still, parents of youngsters with disabilities say there’s always room for improvement when it comes to accessibility, from removing everyday barriers that restrict their child’s access, such as sidewalks without curb-cuts, to museums and other attractions that aren’t always easy to navigate in a wheelchair.

Accessibility really boils down to two things – environmental challenges (problems in structure, design, layout, etc.) and people challenges, says Claudette Enners, program coordinator of the Fragile Kids Foundation.

Enners says. Enners’ son Kevin, who has cerebral palsy, uses a wheelchair and walker for mobility.

“People” challenges refer to those who tend to be unaware of their surroundings or are just inconsiderate of others: They let doors close in someone’s face, or pull unlawfully into specially designated parking

16 justkids magazine

spaces. Enners says that it’s not unusual to find moviegoers sitting in the designated accessible seats in theaters – forcing her son to navigate the stairs with his walker.

Atlanta Parent spoke with many parents and professionals to understand the challenges of day-to-day life and the level of

When traveling around town, some parents struggle with the height restrictions of Atlanta’s parking garages.

Conversion vans, which often accommodate people with disabilities, are sometimes unable to fit under the low ceilings.

accessibility around the metro area.

Every parent interviewed mentioned parking woes. Although stores, public parks and other venues and businesses are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), parents said finding accessible parking spaces is an ongoing worry. Vehicles without the appropriate tags for using designated parking spaces continue to use them anyway, parents say.

Buckhead mom Maurie Drambel struggles to park her van so that her son John, 7, can use his wheelchair ramp. She has had to drop off John and his sister with other parents and drive around for more than 30 minutes to try to find an adequate parking space, she says.

Parents we interviewed said they wish that there were more handicapped parking spaces throughout metro Atlanta, especially ones with the extra crosshatched space needed for wheelchair ramps.

Of the many attractions in and around the city, Lauren Seidl of East Cobb praises Zoo Atlanta, mostly because the 40-acre site “tends to be a little easier because there are more places to go.” While there are “some winding or hilly pathways on the property, the zoo and its exhibits are wheelchair-accessible,” notes Keisha Hines, director of public relations and communications for Zoo Atlanta.

Cont’d on page 18

The Adaptive Learning Center

Accessibility Around Atlanta

Here’s a sampling of a few of the highly accessible attractions around Atlanta.

Building Communities Through The Inclusion of Children With Special Needs & Their Families

n Georgia Aquarium: ramps and

accessible parking; special wheelchair access entry at the touch pools; wheelchair emblems on the floor at designated exhibits.

Inclusive Preschool

n Turner Field: seven elevators; seating

ALC offers an inclusive preschool program in partnership with Peachtree Presbyterian Preschool, The Preschool at Peachtree Road, United Methodist Church, First Presbyterian of Atlanta Preschool, and the 2 preschools of the Marcus Jewish Community Centers of Atlanta (MJCCA).

for disabled individuals with unobstructed views on all levels of the ballpark; low-level concession counters; special transportation and assistance to help individuals move between parking spots, entry gates and stadium seats.

Atlanta • Buckhead • Dunwoody • Marietta

n Chattahoochee Nature Center:

ramps throughout, except the woodland trails; new Discovery Center is entirely accessible; multi-sensory exhibits use touch and hearing to enhance every child’s experience. n Fernbank Museum of Natural

History: entire museum is accessible; children’s exhibition NatureQuest designed to be engaging for all kids and abilities. n Atlanta Botanical Garden: all

areas are accessible; wheelchairs available; easy garden viewing; additional overlook viewing area for unobstructed views. n High Museum of Art: all buildings,

galleries and restrooms are accessible; complimentary wheelchairs available; guided tours to groups with disabilities by advance reservation.

Chattahoochee Nature Center

Tips for Stress-Free Outings

Traveling or visiting somewhere with a mobility-challenged child can be a stressful situation. Keep these stress-reducing tips in mind when planning an outing.

A: Always check the weather before you go.

C: Consolidate your trips to save loading and unloading time.

C: Call customer service before you go; a plan can often be made for your visit.

E: Environments and venues that are familiar are your best bets.

S: Sometimes, recruit helpers for your outing.

S: Stay positive.

n Stone Mountain: access to laser

show; train has lift for passengers; SkyRide has level ground access; five-mile paved walking trail around the mountain.

(Because Stone Mountain has a few historic buildings, there may be limited wheelchair accessibility inside some structures.) n Zoo Atlanta: unobstructed wheelchair

travel on open pathways; easy viewing of exhibits from several vantage points; many ramps; restrooms, restaurants and concessions are accessible.

n Center for Puppetry Arts: lower-

level theater has removable seats in front row, with additional seating for family members; main stage theater offers front-row seating; elevator to the Make-a-Puppet workshop; high workshop tables for chairs to roll under. (Other performance venues, such as Woodruff Arts Center and Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, are also easy to negotiate; in general, it’s older venues that can be lacking in accessibility.) n The World of Coca-Cola: wheelchairs

for loan; assisted listening devices for the hearing impaired; closed captioning on video presentations; seating for resting during a visit; a row reserved for wheelchairs for the 3-D movie; elevators for easy movement between floors. n The Children’s Museum of

Turner Field

Atlanta: fully ADA accessible, including exhibits and activities that accommodate wheelchair, water fountains wheelchairs will fit under, and tactile exhibits for the visually impaired; the museum is developing a special program with children with autism spectrum.

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The Georgia Aquarium has “people” problems at times. The state-of-the-art venue itself is fully ADA-compliant, with wide aisles, abundant ramps, and designated wheelchair access to view exhibits. Still, heavy crowds can diminish the experience for children using wheelchairs.

Aquarium visitors will sometimes stand in front of the wheelchair-accessible viewing space, or bump into wheelchairs. That’s why many families take advantage of the special Georgia Aquarium day hosted by FOCUS (Families of Children Under Stress). The exhibits open early for families of children with disabilities so everyone can enjoy the popular downtown attraction.

The World of Coca-Cola also strives to accommodate guests with special needs.

Jacquie Wansley, the marketing manager, says that guests should always let an employee know if they need assistance, so their visit can be a happy one.

Turner Field will exchange tickets if the views are obstructed for those using wheelchairs. It also offers a number of services to make the visit more enjoyable, including wheelchairs at the gate, a lift to the dugout for stadium tours and low-level concession counters. Employees (driving golf carts) will also pick up visitors from their parking space in a Braves lot and take them

Be Thoughtful and Aware n Don’t pull into a parking spot

reserved for the disabled. n Don’t leave your grocery cart in the crosshatched area of a parking space for the disabled. n Be conscious of your surroundings and take a minute to hold the door for the child rolling your way. n Don’t be afraid to help someone using a wheelchair or walker – often, they can manage themselves, but it’s always nice to be reminded that someone else cares.

John Drambel loves playing on his adaptive baseball team.

to the front gates. Other staffers will take visitors with special needs to their seats, and phone numbers are given if the visitor needs help during a game or with exiting.

Most children love a good puppet show and, like Turner Field, the Center for Puppetry Arts aims to make sure that every child has access to the main attractions.

Reserved wheelchair-accessible seating in the front row of one theater is a plus, and an elevator to the accessible Make-a-Puppet workshop ensures children using wheelchairs

can participate in the center’s activities.

When traveling around town, some parents struggle with the height restrictions of Atlanta’s parking garages. Conversion vans, which often accommodate people with disabilities, are sometimes unable to fit under the low ceilings, Seidl says.

Heavy, non-automatic doors also pose a major problem for kids using wheelchairs.

Another issue tends to be the lack of a sidewalk ramp, called a curb-cut, in front of restaurants.

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Accessible Atlanta Besides the lack of curb-cuts, Atlanta is famous for lacking or having inadequate sidewalks, especially in older areas.

Ellen Lindemann, the assistant director of Lekotek of Georgia, an organization that uses interactive play experiences for children with special needs to foster learning and promote their inclusion in the community, hears many concerns voiced by parents. And she has her own difficulties with the city’s accessibility – her daughter Carla has CP and uses a wheelchair.

The inside of a restaurant or store often poses problems. Besides crowding, restrooms are a big concern, Lindemann says. Stalls can be considered “accessible” with handrails, but children with severe disabilities may need an assistant when using the restroom. Some stalls may not be large enough for two or may lack a sanitary changing area big enough for a 10-yearold, Lindemann says.

Parents shouldn’t be afraid to voice their concerns or complaints to the appropriate person. Parents have an important tool in the ADA, passed 20 years ago to remove barriers, including physical ones, for people with a range of disabilities.

Because of ADA and more awareness about access, those with mobility issues are better able to get around Atlanta, whether it’s going to the supermarket, attending a ballgame or enjoying one of the city’s many attractions. Accessibility isn’t always ideal, but it continues to improve for those who must permanently use walkers or wheelchairs or those who are temporarily restricted by an injury that will heal.

Head to a Park

All kids, regardless of any disabilities, need to get outside for some fresh air! Most of Georgia’s state parks offer accessible cottages, campsites, fishing piers, nature trails and picnic areas.

If you’re looking for even more activity, visit boundlessplayground. org for a list of Boundless playgrounds near you. Boundless is a private, not-for profit organization that builds inclusive playgrounds nationwide.

These playgrounds go beyond the minimum requirements for ADA with play structures and equipment that put children with special needs in the middle of the fun.

For a listing of even more accessible and all-abilities playgrounds, visit atlantaparent.com and search “accessible playgrounds.” JK

Comfort. Hope. Fun.

&

Embracing Strengthening

Metro Atlanta Families since 1983

770-234-9111

FOCUS understands and supports the unique needs of families with children who are medically fragile or have significant developmental or physical disabilities. FOCUS offers comfort, hope and information to parents; accessible recreational and social programs for children and teens; and fun, inclusive activities for the entire family.

www.focus-ga.org justkids magazine

19

Special Needs:

How does a parent of a child with disabilities decide on the right educational environment?

What are the pros and cons of inclusion?

Ask the Experts

by Amanda Miller Allen

When a child is newly diagnosed with special needs, parents have so many questions and often don’t know where to turn for help. Atlantans are fortunate to have a number of resources for support and information, including specialists at public and private schools and organizations such as Parent to Parent, FOCUS and Lekotek. Atlanta Parent asked experts on special needs to answer questions that parents often ask about their child’s education.

How important is early intervention with special needs kids?

It’s extremely important for several reasons.

Here are a few: n Research shows that our brains have plasticity, meaning that our thinking and learning can be shaped, molded, and expanded. Our plasticity diminishes over time; however, from pre-natal to around 8 years of age our brains have the most plasticity. It is because of this that early intervention has the most affect. n Children from birth to 8, especially birth to 5, are typically very fearless. In other words, they are willing to explore and experiment without boundaries. In most instances they have not experienced failure or have been told that “you can’t do this or

you aren’t good enough”, so they are willing to try almost anything [and] they believe they can do almost anything. n Normed developmental expectations for all children during their early maturation years makes it the optimal time for early intervention. It’s through early intervention that often the deficit area of the young child with a disability is decreased, if not eradicated. The gap between children with disabilities and their typical developing peers prior to entering school is at its narrowest. n Finally, early intervention is “fun” to this age group. Most early intervention methods are delivered through creative play, so children are more receptive. Children eagerly will demonstrate understanding of the newly learned skills without being aware that, at one time, it was a deficit for them.

– Jan E. Stevenson

After your child is determined eligible to receive special education services, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) must be developed and reviewed at least annually by a team of educators and the parent(s).

After the team has determined what services your child needs, decisions about where your child needs to receive these services must be made. Each child is an individual with unique needs. There should be no pre-determined placement based on your child’s disability, the program category, the location of staff, funds available or convenience of the school district.

The IEP team must decide how each child will have the maximum opportunity appropriate to learn and interact with children who do not have disabilities. Previously the term “mainstreaming” was used. The current terminology is placement in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), which is a continuum of placement options that include general education, with or without supports and/or accommodations, a resource classroom, a self-contained classroom, a separate school, or a hospital or home-based program.

The first consideration should always be the general education environment. It may be, for example, three classes and all nonacademic classes will be in general education and three may be in a special education environment. There are many different options that would be appropriate. The LRE for one child may not be the best for another. Some children will need more support on the continuum and others may need very

Meet the Experts

Jan E. Stevenson

Education Program Specialist Young Children (619) and Speech-Language Impaired Program Georgia Department of Education Division for Special Education Services and Supports

20 justkids magazine

Susan A. Brozovic, Ph.D.

Education Program Specialist Georgia Department of Education Division for Special Education Services and Supports

Christy Calbos, Esq.

Special Education Attorney The Calbos Law Firm

Patti Solomon

Family Engagement Specialist Georgia Department of Education Division for Special Education (Also the parent of an adult daughter with autism)

Lu Nations-Miller, Ph.D. Transition Specialist Georgia Department of Education

little. The most important consideration is the individual and unique needs of each child. There are no pros and cons or recipe for what is best for all children with a disability. Most importantly, your input and participation as a parent is valued because you know your child the best!

The following links will be helpful: n nichcy.org n includingsamuel.com/resources/ educators.aspx n decal.ga.gov/ChildCareServices/ ProviderInclusion.aspx?CCS=1 n gadoe.org/Curriculum-Instruction-andAssessment/Special-Education-Services/ Pages/Least-Restrictive-Environment-.aspx – Susan A. Brozovic

What are public schools’ responsibilities in educating special needs children?

What types of therapy are provided?

Public school systems have responsibilities under the special education law (IDEA), which provides legal rights for individuals with disabilities to receive free, appropriate public education. Students with hearing impairments, emotional behavioral disabilities, learning disabilities, orthopedic impairments, cognitive disabilities, speech and language disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, visual impairments and other health impairments may qualify for these special services.

Public schools must: n Conduct searches to identify and evaluate students with disabilities from birth through age 21. n Provide free and appropriate education through age 21. n Provide an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for each student who requires special education and related services. n Ensure testing, evaluation materials, procedures, and interpretations are nonbiased. n Educate students with disabilities in the least-restrictive environment. n Ensure confidentiality of records for individuals with disabilities. n Provide procedural due process rights for students and parents who have disputes with the system.

Related services is the term for those services a disabled child needs in order to benefit from special education. Depending on the child’s needs, these services may include speech therapy, occupational therapy and physical therapy.

– Christy Calbos

Georgia’s Special Education Voucher System The Georgia Special Needs Scholarship (GSNS) Program is a school choice program available for special needs students attending Georgia public schools who are served under an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). If a student meets the eligibility criteria for the GSNS Program, a parent has the right to request a transfer from a student’s current public school to: n Another public school within their district of residence; or n Another public school district outside their district of residence; or n One of the three state schools for the blind or deaf; or n A private school authorized to participate in the GSNS Program.

To learn about the Georgia Special Needs Scholarship (GSNS) Program, parents should visit gadoe.org/External-Affairs-and-Policy/Policy/Pages/Special-Needs-ScholarshipProgram.aspx. They should click on the Additional Resources link and refer first to the Understanding the Program document. This document outlines the different choice options available through the program and how parents exercise those options.

– Carmen Hernandez-Freemire, program manager, Special Needs Scholarship Program, Georgia Department of Education

What should parents of special needs students look for in an after-school program?

How can you determine whether your special needs child will be able to earn a high school diploma?

After school programs can give your child the opportunity to be in an inclusive setting with all peers leaving behind the pressure of day-to-day academics. It is helpful to share your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) with the program staff to ensure all his/her needs are identified in the beginning so proper support is established. Set your child up for success!

The rule of “no surprises” on both ends often begins a successful relationship between a parent and the program staff. Centers have to make reasonable modifications to their policies and practices to integrate children with disabilities. To better understand the rights of a student with a disability to participate and access an after school program look under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 at ada.gov.

– Patti Solomon

Under the current graduation rule, all students have the opportunity to earn a regular diploma. An Individual Graduation Plan (IGP) is developed for all students before the end of the second semester of eighth grade. This, along with the transition goals of the student’s IEP, will chart the necessary courses and special education services/ supports it will take to move through the student’s chosen career pathway.

The IEP/Transition team (including your child) will consider many factors. Some students will need more than the traditional four years in high school. For many students, this process may not be completed until their twenty-second birthday. With appropriate planning, all students can anticipate leaving high school and being college- and careerready. For more information: gadoe.org/ Curriculum-Instruction-and-Assessment/ Special-Education-Services/Pages/ Transition-.aspx – Lu Nations-Miller justkids magazine

21

Special Education:

What You Need to Know

by Melanie Wagner

770-351-6304 |www.HaydensWay.com 1005 Alderman Drive, #203 Alpharetta

Thanks to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, all children have the right to a free, public education, regardless of disabilities. Knowing your rights as a special needs parent can make school an easier and more fulfilling experience for your child, his school and you.

As a parent, you have the right to… n Request an evaluation by the school for your educationally disabled child. You then have the right to view the results. n Opt to have your child evaluated

privately. You may request this private evaluation to be at the school’s expense if you disagree with the school’s initial evaluation.

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n Refuse to have your child evaluated by the school. n View all records concerning your child, and have them explained to you. n Help develop your child’s

Individualized Education Plan (IEP). You may have someone accompany you to school meetings concerning his IEP.

The school district is required to… n Provide a free and public education to all students, ages 3-21, with educational disabilities. n Evaluate your child, and hold all meetings concerning your child in your native language. n Develop and implement an IEP for your child if the child is determined to have an educational disability and requires specialized instruction. n Consult you before changing your child’s IEP. You must be informed in writing by the school district. n Review your child’s progress annually, and re-evaluate his special education eligibility every three years. JK

n Observe your child in the classroom in accordance with local school policy. n Decide that you no longer want your child to receive special education services. n Participate in dispute resolution processes provided by the Georgia Department of Education at no cost to resolve differences or concerns related to your child’s special education services.

22 justkids magazine

n A complete set of the parent rights related to special education can be found at Gadoe.org/ci_exceptional.aspx.

Deborah Gay, director of the Georgia Department of Education’s department of special education services and supports, contributed to this article.

Understanding the Individualized Education Program (IEP) If you have a child with special needs, there’s no doubt you’ve heard the term IEP. The purpose of the IEP is to develop goals and objectives for a child who receives special education. The IEP details the services and aid that school systems provide to each special needs student. An IEP is developed in a meeting by a team that often includes the child and his teachers, parents, therapists and school faculty. Here are some tips from the Georgia Advocacy Office on how to make your IEP meeting productive and successful.

Before the Meeting n An IEP meeting can be intimidating to the parent, so plan to stay calm.

Remember that everyone wants what is best for the child. n You are a member of the team that makes the crucial decisions about your child’s education. Approach the IEP as a team player. n Bring someone with you. Another parent, friend or neighbor can take notes and support you. You may want to use an audio recorder during the meeting. Be sure to inform the school of your plans. n If your child is old enough and capable of being involved, bring him. n Keep the meeting positive for your child. Focus on gifts, strengths and progress. n Make sure that the IEP goals for your child are reasonable and measurable, and identify strategies to achieve them.

n Discuss modifications, disciplinary programs, non-academic activities, transitions or supplemental services. The IEP and placement should be established according to your child’s needs. If your child needs a program or therapy not offered, ask for it. n Make sure everything is written down and a parent-school communication plan is established. If you are not satisfied or certain, take a copy of the plan to review before you sign the agreement.

After the Meeting n Explain any changes to your child. n Communicate regularly with your child’s

teachers and therapists. n Stay involved by visiting the school regularly and observing who is doing what with your child. n Make sure progress is being achieved throughout the year. Don’t wait until the next IEP meeting to see if objectives are being met.

Help for Funding Your Child’s Education The Georgia Special Needs Scholarship Program is for special needs children to apply toward their education, either in a private or public school, assuming the school meets the requirements set by the Georgia Department of Education. If students meet the GSNS requirements, their education will be open to the following options: attendance at another public school within the district that has space and provides the services identified in the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP); attendance at an eligible public school in an adjacent district that has space and provides the services identified in the student’s IEP; attendance at a participating private school in Georgia; or attendance at one of Georgia’s three state schools for the deaf and blind.

One major plus of the program is that

parents do not have to justify why their child’s current education program is ineffective or why they want to switch schools. As long as students meet the specified requirements, they are eligible.

Parents must visit the website, public. doe.k12.ga.us/sb10.aspx, where they will receive more detailed information regarding the program and then submit a brief “intent to participate” form, stating that their child is eligible and plans on taking advantage of the program. A scholarship calculator is available on the website for use in determining the estimated award amounts, as well as a list of participating private schools. Note that private schools are not required to participate in the program, so there is a chance that your top choice school will not be available.

The Bedford School accepts students in grades one through nine. Students receive proper academic remediation in a small class setting, as well as specific help with physical skills, peer interaction and self-esteem. The Bedford School also offers Squirrel Hollow Camp, a remedial summer camp program.

770-774-8001 5665 Milam Rd. Fairburn, Georgia 30213 www.thebedfordschool.org The Bedford School maintains a non-discriminatory policy concerning admissions, scholarships, use of facilities and employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex or creed.

Academics for ALL

• Students taught at, above or below grade level based on their needs • Tutoring year round, summer program available • SB10 APPROVED

ALEXSANDER ACADEMY

ALPHARETTA

404-839-5910 • 770-777-0475 www.alexsanderacademy.org justkids magazine

23

Giving Up

Gluten

For children with celiac disease, eating gluten-free is not a trendy lifestyle, but a lifelong effort to stay healthy.

by Melanie Lasoff Levs

J

ustin Wagner was a happy baby. “He was always smiling,” says his mother, Susan Wagner. That changed when he was 18 months old. Suddenly, sunny Justin was vomiting almost every day and was lethargic and cranky. A couple of weeks after an initial pediatrician visit, Wagner recalls, Justin looked thin and his belly was distended. Wagner, who lives in Cumming, took him back to the doctor.

“As a mom, you just know when something is not right,” she says.

Justin’s pediatrician sent him to a pediatric gastroenterologist. After a blood test and endoscopy, the specialist diagnosed the toddler with celiac disease, a genetic autoimmune disorder in which the body cannot digest the protein gluten. Found in grains such as wheat, barley and rye, gluten is a staple ingredient in foods such as bread, pasta, cereal and crackers. Gluten also is an ingredient in some beauty products.

Symptoms of celiac disease include vomiting, stomach pain, headaches, lethargy, gas and bloating, and weight loss. Left untreated, celiac disease can lead to osteoporosis, infertility, anemia and some types of lymphoma.

Within days of removing gluten from Justin’s diet, which is the primary treatment for celiac disease, Justin “was like a wind-up toy,” Wagner says, “eating like a maniac, making up for lost time.”

Justin is now 11, and although there is no cure for celiac disease, he is healthy as long as he does not ingest gluten. His mom, who also has the condition, is founder and president of the 300-family Georgia chapter of the national organization R.O.C.K (Raising Our Celiac Kids). Susan and Justin Wagner are part of the 1 percent of the American population with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, says Dr. Jeffery Lewis, a pediatric gastroenterologist with Children’s Center for Digestive HealthCare (CCDHC) in Atlanta and medical adviser for Georgia R.O.C.K. Celiac disease, explains Lewis, “is the most well-understood autoimmune condition, where you know the trigger and a little about the genetics.” If you remove the gluten from your diet, he adds, “you remove the trigger.”

Cont’d on page 26

24 justkids magazine

Choosing Gluten-Free Foods Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta offers more information on the symptoms of celiac disease, and its diagnosis and management, on the healthcare center’s website, choa.org. Here is CHOA’s list of foods that people with gluten intolerance can safely eat, and those they should avoid: n Foods

You Can Eat Foods made with flours of corn, rice, buckwheat, sorghum, arrowroot, garbanzo beans (chickpeas), quinoa, tapioca, teff, and potato (provided other ingredients in your recipe do not contain gluten).

Plain meat, fish, chicken, legumes, nuts, seeds, oils, milk, cheese, eggs, fruits, and vegetables. n Foods

and Ingredients to Avoid Beer and other grain-based alcohol products Bouillons and broths Breading (such as the coating on breaded chicken cutlets, etc.)

Brown rice syrup (frequently made from barley) Cake flour (made from wheat) Caramel color (occasionally made from barley) Communion wafers Couscous Creamed or breaded vegetables Dextrin (a rare ingredient, which may be made from wheat; maltodextrin is OK for people with celiac disease) Dry roasted nuts (processing agents may contain wheat flour or flavorings) Fried chicken

French fries (if they’ve been coated in flour) Gravies and sauces (including some tomato and meat sauces) Imitation bacon, crab or other seafood Luncheon and processed meats Malt or malt flavoring (usually made from barley) Marinades Matzo Modified food starch (most food manufacturers will now specify the source of this ingredient; e.g., modified cornstarch, which is OK, or modified wheat starch, which is not) Nondairy creamer Pastas Salad dressings Seasonings (pure spices are OK, but check seasoning mixes for gluten-containing additives) Some herbal teas and flavored coffees Soup mixes and canned soups Soy sauce and soy sauce solids (they may be fermented with wheat; don’t eat them unless you verify they’re OK with a dietitian)

Spreads, soft cheeses, and dips Stuffings Thickeners Udon noodles Wheat-free products (wheat-free does not mean gluten free; many wheatfree cookies and breads contain barley or rye flour, which contains gluten and other gluten-containing ingredients) Yogurts with wheat starch Be aware of possible crosscontamination, when gluten-free foods come into contact with foods that contain gluten. n Finding

Gluten-Free Foods and Ingredients Most grocery stores carry a few gluten-free products, including glutenfree bread, cereal, baking mixes, cookies, and crackers. Health food stores have a wider selection and you also can find products online.

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25

Planning for life. Planning wisely.

Giving Up

Gluten

Gluten-free in Atlanta Below is a partial list of resources for families dealing with celiac disease or other gluten-intolerance issues. Visit some of the websites for more complete listings of products and restaurants.

Compassionate lawyers specializing in Wills. Special Needs Trusts. Probate. Guardianships.

Attorneys & Counselors at Law 1815 Lockeway Drive, Suite 106 Alpharetta, Georgia 30004

770.475.8041 www.bhvlegal.com

Need Specialized Day Care?

We provide It. Therapeutic Day Care Services for Children with Special Needs

Organizations and Support Networks: n Georgia R.O.C.K. (Raising Our Celiac Kids): georgiarock.org n Children’s Center for Digestive HealthCare: ccdhc.org n Camp Twin Lakes (home to Camp Weekaneatit for children with celiac disease): camptwinlakes.org n Gluten Intolerance Group of Atlanta (GIG), support group for adults: atlantametroceliacs.com

Some Restaurants/Stores with Gluten-Free Menus/Products For a more comprehensive list, visit the Georgia R.O.C.K. website or that of Jennifer Harris, gluten-free product specialist and local restaurant consultant: n examiner.com/glutenfree-food-in-atlanta/ jennifer-harris n Fifth Group Restaurants (gluten-free menu) n P.F. Chang’s (gluten-free menu) n Figo (gluten-free pasta at some locations) n Mellow Mushroom (gluten-free pizza at some locations) n Return to Eden n Pure Knead n Whole Foods n Natural Foods Warehouse

(1/2 day, and Full day programs)

Autism Care Speech and Language Therapy Occupational Therapy Gross and Fine Motor Development Pragmatics and Socialization Development Accept Some Insurances, Medicaid and Private Pay.

2 locations to meet your needs:

3400 McClure Bridge Rd, Duluth GA Bldg G Ste A

678-957-1012 www.therapycare.biz

415 Scenic Hwy Lawrenceville GA 30045

678-777-5598 www.readybodiesreadyminds.com

An Exceptional School for Exceptional Students

Programs are designed for grades 4th–12th and postgraduate students with high functioning Autism, Asperger’s, LD, ADD & ADHD.

OPEN H O Jan. 27, USE Mar. 31, 2013 2-4 p.m2013 .

• SACS & GAC Accredited • SB10 Approved • Low Student/ Teacher ratio • Social Skills • Open Enrollment 650 Mt. Vernon Highway, NE 30328

www.cumberlandacademy.org 404-835-9000

26 justkids magazine

Though treatment is simple, living – and eating – with the condition has its challenges. The hardest part is the loss of convenience. With today’s overscheduled kids, we take for granted that we can stop at a fast-food chain, for example, before football practice or something. “But for kids with celiac disease, you have to think ahead of time to bring snacks and pack your own food,” Lewis explains. “It takes a while to figure out how to make it all work.”

Many families impacted by celiac disease have dedicated gluten-free pantry and refrigerator shelves, and such things as separate toaster ovens and other cooking equipment and/or utensils. Some households are completely gluten-free, even if some family members do not have the disease. But stepping beyond your own four walls and into the gluten-filled world can be disheartening and scary, Wagner says.

“Birthday parties are hardest” for Justin, she says, because the other kids eat cake, cupcakes and other party treats that would make her son extremely ill. Thankfully, gluten-free cupcake mix – as well as hundreds of other gluten-free food products and even restaurant menu items – are easy to find. “It’s all about planning ahead of time and sending something with him.”

Atlanta is ripe with gluten-free options, notes Jennifer Harris, a gluten-free product specialist, local restaurant consultant and marketing coordinator for Pure Knead, a gluten- and allergy-free bakery in Decatur.

“There’s so much more available than when

I was diagnosed” in 1997, she says. (See sidebar for resources and partial gluten-free Atlanta list.) Consumers are more aware today of gluten, and many are so sensitive to the protein that it has become popular to eat gluten-free food by choice, Harris adds.

However, she notes, celiac disease is not just a stomachache, but a real and potentially life-threatening condition.

“It’s not a joke. It’s not a fad or something I’m going to outgrow,” Harris says. “I’m going to eat gluten-free food for the rest of my life.”

As symptoms can mimic other conditions, Lewis advises getting tested for celiac disease before starting a glutenfree diet. If the test is positive, the entire immediate family needs to be tested, he adds, as there is a 5 percent chance that a close genetic relative has celiac disease and/or carries the gene for it as well.

Atlanta is home to several support groups as well as gluten-free-friendly health food stores, restaurants and grocery stores.

Camp Twin Lakes even hosts a weeklong summer camp for kids with celiac disease, Camp Weekaneatit, which this summer hosted about 60 children. Though living with celiac disease can feel overwhelming at first, metro area families have many resources, whether it be a box of glutenfree pasta, a take-out gluten-free pizza or, simply, support and guidance.

“You can definitely find what you need here,” Wagner says. “If you reach out, you can get help.” JK

Living Gluten-Free . . . well, one half of our family, anyway

by Elisa Goldklang

I

’ve failed at hundreds of diets, but once I was diagnosed with celiac disease, I stopped eating wheat and gluten. It really was as simple as that. Within a week, the cramping and diarrhea that had been a regular part of my life ceased. So it was an easy trade-off.

Because celiac disease runs in families, we had our two kids tested a few years ago.

Ben, who was 11 at the time, tested positive.

Younger sister Samantha did not, so there was no medical reason for either Samantha or my husband to stick to a gluten-free diet.

When initiating these dietary changes, I wanted to help Ben feel special, not different or deprived. I started baking oodles of glutenfree (GF) goodies for him. Samantha was envious, saying she wanted to be glutenfree, too. But after several weeks of my extra efforts, Ben declared he didn’t need these new desserts anymore. But by flooding Ben with tasty, GF goodies, I think his transition from a regular diet was fairly smooth.

Because our celiac disease is mild, it went undiagnosed for years. In hindsight, the signs had been there. For the first six months of his life, Ben had severe colic and reflux. Ben has always been prone to impetigo (a contagious skin infection) and strep throat.

One evening, when Ben was 7, he had localized pain for about an hour on the right side of his abdomen.

Our pediatrician, our hero, sent us to the hospital for tests. We didn’t leave for five days. Ben’s gall bladder had to be removed.

The doctors didn’t know why the gall bladder became infected and stopped functioning.

One of the doctors presciently said, “If this is related to anything systemic, it will probably show up again when Ben hits puberty.”

At age 10, Ben went to sleep-away camp for the first time. Instead of coming home tanned, toned and brimming with health, he looked chubby. His face was ghostly white, with new acne breakouts. While away from home for a full month, Ben had gone bonkers in the diet department, filling himself with sweets and carbs. We thought that all the junk food had caused his symptoms. We soon found out what had made his body go haywire.

Once he started a GF diet, Ben became more alert, energetic and focused. His skin became clearer and he has had fewer cramping episodes, bouts of strep and other illnesses. Being GF is now a normal part of Ben’s life and “no big deal.”

Ben recently started high school. He brings lunch from home; when he stays late at school, I drop off a brown-bag “extra” meal.

At dinner, I make the same dish for all four of

us, substituting gluten-free ingredients. Camp Barney Medintz in Cleveland, Ga., where Ben has been a camper for the past five years, hires a special chef to cook for the kids with food allergies. Ben says some of his fellow campers were begging for his food this past summer!

We feel lucky that there are so many gluten-free product choices in grocery stores nowadays, and many resources in the media for those who are GF intolerant, including magazines, websites (e.g. celiac.com and glutenfreegoddess.blogspot.com) and even apps (Find Me Gluten Free locates restaurants and stores with GF options). JK

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Spotlight on T

Special Needs Resources

Adaptive Learning Center’s Inclusive Preschool Program for Children with Special Needs

he Adaptive Learning Center (ALC) serves families of children with special needs who ask for flexibility, choices in programming, coordinated therapy and social interaction for their children.

ALC is a nonprofit organization maximizing the potential of young children with disabilities and creating awareness and acceptance between typical children and children with disabilities through: • Early intervention programs integrating therapy and education in warm, nurturing, inclusive preschools.

• Support services helping family members understand and cope with issues related to raising a child with special needs • Education and consultation to help build resources to foster acceptance and support of people with differences.

ALC provides therapy and education for infants and young children with, or at risk for disabilities such as Autism, Down syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Fragile X, or are medically fragile.

ALC provides an inclusive preschool program, outpatient

The Amit Program

A

mit, a centralized Jewish special education agency, provides a continuum of services to ensure that children, regardless of ability, can maximize their potential and participation in all aspects of education through partnerships with families, educators and the broader community.

Amit’s Gar’inim School is a modified, self-contained program for children with moderate to severe learning differences and/or developmental disabilities.

The children receive academic and therapeutic support in the Gar’inim classroom and are included throughout the day with the children of the host school. The program is housed in a Jewish Day School. The children receive intense academic support with highly qualified teachers in a small group atmosphere. They also receive occupational and speech and language therapy in the classroom setting which allows the teachers to integrate the support into the day to day classroom routine. Gar’inim accommodates students in K-8. The Gar’inim School is a SACS accredited school.

The Amit Program also provides other services to the community in the form of early intervention, advocacy, professional development, speaker series, Yad B’Yad Sunday School and an on-line virtual support network for parents.

For more information, call 404-961-9966 or visit the website at www.amitatlanta.org.

28 justkids magazine

speech and occupational therapy, developmental evaluations, and parent support.

ALC is a model program that consults with early childhood programs that seek to integrate children with disabilities through inclusion. These critical programs offer socialization with peers, and support to parents of children with special needs.

Together, ALC facilitators and partner preschool teachers support children at the ALC Inclusive Preschool Program at Peachtree Presbyterian Preschool, First Presbyterian Preschool and preschools of Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta: Sunshine School at Shirley Blumenthal Park, and Weinstein School at Zaban Park.

In partnership with these preschools, ALC’s inclusion program supports children with disabilities, enabling them to learn and play alongside their typically-developing peers.

Since 1982, ALC has served more than 8,000 children with special needs and their families.

For information please contact ALC at 770-509-3909 or www. adaptivelearningcenter.org.

Alexsander Academy

A

lexsander Academy, in Alpharetta, serves students with ADHD, Aspergers, learning disabilities, processing issues, cognitive issues and autism. Our students need a small, flexible learning environment to be successful. The school focuses on academics, independence skills, classroom and social skills. Classes have a maximum of 8 students with one certified teacher. The elementary and middle school programs follow the same standards as public school but are tailored to each student’s individual needs. High school students focus on the academic and life skills needed to be successful and independent working adults. “Peer tutor” placements are also available at a substantially reduced tuition. “Peer tutors” are able to mentor other students but still have need for the small flexible learning environment we provide.

Alexsander Academy believes ALL children are capable.

We build up self-esteem by fostering an environment where students are successful, but also challenged, where there are high but realistic expectations, and where children are able to form true friendships with their peers.

Accepts SB10 and provides other scholarships. Tuition is $5,000-$14,500 if enrolled by 3/15. Tutoring and summer academic sessions are available. Stefanie Smith at 404-839-5910 or smith@alexsanderacademy.org. Website: www.alexsanderacademy.org.

[ Special Advertising Section ]

Spotlight on B

Special Needs Resources

Brain Balance Achievement Centers of Atlanta Help Children Overcome ADHD, Asperger’s, Dyslexia and Autism

rain Balance is an after school program that utilizes the latest brain research to help children with neurobehavioral problems such as ADHD, Asperger’s Syndrome, OCD, ODD, NVLD, Dyslexia, Learning Disabilities, RAD, and even Autism to function better academically, socially and behaviorally.

Brain Balance founder, Dr. Robert Melillo is the author of the groundbreaking book Disconnected Kids.

When you look at what is actually happening in the brains of children with ADHD, Asperger’s Syndrome, Dyslexia, OCD, Autism, Social Issues, Language Issues or Learning Disabilities, you see a similar problem: Namely, that there are areas in the brain, especially between the two hemispheres, that are not connected the way they should be. As a result, one of the two hemispheres of the brain becomes STRONGER AND FASTER and the other becomes WEAKER AND SLOWER. When this happens the two hemispheres become functionally disconnected and are unable to communicate effectively. It’s as if one hemisphere is using a high speed DSL connection and the other is using an old dial-up modem.

The characteristics of the stronger, faster hemisphere

naturally become amplified while the characteristics of the weaker, slower hemisphere are muted.

This lack of balance translates into the noticeable academic, social and behavioral issues that these children exhibit.

Generally, the Right Hemisphere sees the Big Picture, the whole but not the parts.

It controls and moves the big muscles of the body, posture and gait. It is also the spatial hemisphere. The Right Hemisphere houses the centers for non verbal communication and is therefore the social side of the brain; it also likes novelty and becomes bored very easily, it is the creative brain.

The Left Hemisphere ignores the whole and concentrates on the details. It is good at pattern recognition and likes routine and repetition. The Left Hemisphere controls the small muscles, likes to systematize things and is linear and logical.

Brain Balance can help you child succeed academically, behaviorally and socially.

Brain Balance of Atlanta centers offer free educational seminars for parents on Tuesdays. Visit their web site at www.brainbalancecenters.com.

For more information call 770-631-3033 in Peachtree City, 770-614-4790 in Suwanee or 770-650-8010 in Roswell.

The Bedford School

Children’s Special Services, LLC

he Bedford School in Fairburn, serves 1st-9th graders who have learning differences. Students are grouped by skill levels in classes of 12 or less.

Students receive the proper academic remediation,as well as specific remedial help with physical skills, peer interaction and self-esteem. Students must be diagnosed professionally as having specific learning disabilities.

The Bedford School is based on the idea that every human being should have the opportunity to become the very best person possible. For the child with the learning disability, this is difficult without proper intervention. The goal of the school is to help each child maximize his potential through a combination of teamwork, structured materials, organized activities and a dedicated staff. Extracurricular activities include basketball, soccer, volleyball and track and field.

Squirrel Hollow summer camp is also available, where children can receive tutoring in the areas of Language Arts, Math and written expression in a camp-like setting. The summer program is open to students in grades 1-9 who need an academic boost.

For more information, call Betsy Box at 770-774-8001 or visit the website at www.thebedfordschool.org.

ince 1990 Children’s Special Services, LLC has been serving children with developmental needs.

Complete evaluations and screening services, seminars, consultations and IEP assistance are available.

Children’s Special Services, LLC works with children experiencing Autism, PDD, ADD, ADHD, Dysgraphia, motor and sensory integrative issues, behavioral concerns, academic performance issues and more.

Recently she has teamed with Learning on the Log to participate in a Developmental Preschool Program serving children ages 3-6 in a sensory-based programs so that they can (eventually) transition into typical preschools.

Her summer therapy camps are renown, having children come from as far away as Singapore, The UAE, and Curacao. The camps are held throughout greater Atlanta. They specialize in motor, sensory, social and academic skills in a fun non-competitive environment.

Her US Trademarked programs include WIN™ (Write Incredibly Now™) Handwriting Program is used in over 15 states and her social skills program POP™ (Personal Options and Preferences™) utilizes Music Therapy to help children interact and respond in novel situations.

Susan N. Schriber Orloff, OTR/L, Director, a former resource teacher has been an OTR for over 36 years and is the author of the book, “Learning Re-Enabled”.

Visit www.childrens-services.com or call 770-3949791.

T

S

[ Special Advertising Section ]

justkids magazine

29

Spotlight on

Special Needs Resources

Euro-Peds® National Center for Intensive Pediatric Physical Therapy

Hayden’s Way

Dr. Michael P. Healey, D.D.S, P.C.

Ellen Burns Hurst, Ph.D.,

F

un “Boot Camp” for children with Cerebral Palsy is serious therapy at EuroPeds in Michigan.

When it comes to treating children who have Cerebral Palsy and other neuromuscular disorders, parents and professionals are recognizing that a more intense model of physical therapy can not only manage the symptoms but teach the children new skills that will lead to greater independence.

The goal of Intensive therapy is to teach new and lasting functional skills. Some of the European-inspired concepts and tools used during an intensive PT session were first practiced at Euro-Peds National Center for Intensive Pediatric Physical Therapy, a specialized hospital-based clinic in Michigan that opened in 1999. Specially-trained Euro-Peds’ therapy teams implement European-inspired methods and unique tools, such as the Universal Exercise Unit and the patented Euro-Peds Therapy Suit. Patients at Euro-Peds arrive from all across the U.S. and beyond and stay for 2-3 weeks for up to 20 hours of therapy per week.

An online application may be found at www.europeds.org.

Most health insurances are accepted. Financial assistance is also available. Call (248) 857-6776 for more information or e-mail to europeds@dhofm.com.

C

hildren with special needs such as Autism, Sensory Integration, Down Syndrome, ADD/ADHD, and children who are simply shy, anxious and uncomfortable, can present challenging issues while in the dental setting. These children require specialized knowledge and consideration, and a dental atmosphere that is conducive to the safety of their emotional and physical well-being.

Our team approach is very compassionate and gentle as we set aside one morning each week that allows Dr. Healey and his staff much more time to interact and treat our special friends.

Our practice techniques may include separating a dental cleaning over two visits so as to not overwhelm the child.

They may even receive a “goody bag” filled with tools to role play at home and then return for a much less stressful visit! Restorative dentistry may require in-office conscious sedation without the use of a papoose board, and parents are with their child through the entire visit. Dr. Healey is board certified and on staff at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta for a child who may need to be sleeping through extensive or difficult dental procedures. Call 770-993-9395 or visit www.dochealey.com

30 justkids magazine

M

ake your child’s learning come alive by engaging all his senses with a multisensory education.

At Hayden’s Way, the teachers integrate multisensory techniques into each subject to practice and promote creativity, art, writing, critical thinking, problem solving and deductive reasoning. By engaging all the senses in the learning process - visual, auditory and tactile - we help students with all learning styles and differences reach new heights.

Understand math with manipulatives that help foster logical and mathematical thinking. Learn grammar and composition with hands-on projects that make literature come alive. Discover science through investigation and experimentation. Uncover history through projects that make history tangible. Build character in a nurturing and caring environment.

Hayden’s Way is a fully accredited private school and receives SB 10 funding. Hayden’s Way teachers are trained in Orton Gillingham tactile learning techniques and incorporate Lindamood-Bell visualizing and verbalizing techniques. Teachers are available for one on one math and language arts tutoring throughout the week. For information, please contact Lei Rhyne at (770)351-6304 or www.haydensway.com.

D

r. Ellen Burns Hurst, Past President of International Dyslexia Association, is the author of Why Can’t My Daughter Read? She holds a Ph.D. in Language and Literacy and is an experienced reading/ intervention specialist in public schools, private schools and private practice.

Her recent university teaching assignments at Georgia State University focus on assessment in the early childhood classroom for undergraduates as well as literacy assessment and linguistic components of literacy at the graduate level.

Dr. Hurst is married to Michael Hurst, JD, an attorney in private advocacy practice. They live in Atlanta, Georgia where they share their passion for advocacy work for underachieving children. Dr. Hurst is available for appointments for consultation, evaluations, tutorial sessions or advocacy services. Students benefit from the utilization of Orton Gillingham, Wilson Language System, LindamoodBell, LETRS, and Everyday Math in her practice.

Contact Dr. Hurst about her new book or to schedule an appointment to help your child improve his or her literacy skills: 404-895-1467 email: ellenburnshurst@ yahoo.com. 3522 Ashford Dunwoody Rd. Suite 251 Atlanta, GA 30319. Check out her web page and blog at http:// whycantmydaughterread.com.

[ Special Advertising Section ]

Spotlight on

Special Needs Resources

Law Offices of Mark E. Biernath, P.C.

E

ven with volatility permeating our economy, unprecedented governmental spending, and skyrocketing healthcare costs, there are steps you can take to protect your children’s future.

What will happen to your children when you cannot care for them? This firm focuses on creating and implementing estate plans that address the needs of all your children and will preserve eligibility for important government programs like SSI and Medicaid for your child with special needs, yet still allow them to benefit from all that you are able to leave for them.

The Law Offices of Mark E. Biernath create customized, integrated plans to protect your family, give you flexibility, and empower your trusted family or friends to meet your needs, and the needs of your children. From a foundation of a special needs trust, tailored to meet your child’s unique needs, they build a plan utilizing wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and other advanced legal documents.

Now, more than ever, you need to plan to meet the needs of your children, don’t leave it up to a court. A simple call to 770-455-0535 to schedule your no-cost initial consultation will get you started. Visit their website at www.biernathlaw. com for more information.

There are 7 locations to serve you: Kennesaw, Alpharetta, Duluth, Buckhead, Cobb/Galleria, Dunwoody and Doraville.

Momo’s Special Toys

M

omo’s Special Toys is the only toy store in GA that sells frequently recommended items for in-home therapy.

Parents of children with special needs now have the opportunity to come in with their kids without the need to buy these items online.

Besides toys and therapeutic products for children, Momo’s also carries other unique items for all kids to enjoy.

“As a mother of a son with special needs, I struggled like many other parents to find the best process for helping my child develop his early childhood cognitive and motor skills,” said Melissa Henry, owner of Momo’s Special Toys. “After a lot of research, I found that the simplest and most effective way for kids to learn is to be challenged in a creative way, with the right developmental toys as fun teaching tools.”

In addition to complimentary gift wrapping of purchases, customers also can enjoy the preferred-customer program, which gives 10% off every purchase.

Momo’s Special Toys is located at 2323 Shallowford Rd. Suite 111 in Marietta, GA. Hours: Mon - Thurs 10:30am - 5:30pm; Fri - Sat 10:00am - 6:00pm. Online at www. momospecialtoys.com or (770) 926-1999

Music Therapy Services of Greater Atlanta

Porter Academy

appy Anniversary! MTS of GA celebrates 15 years in business!

They continue to offer dynamic music programs for both children and adults in Atlanta. Services can be utilized in one of three metro locations (Roswell, Smyrna or Suwanee) as well as in schools, centers, homes and community locations all over the city!

Music Therapy is the clinical use of music and music interventions to accomplish non-musical goals. These goals can include communication, motor, cognitive, social, emotional and/or sensory needs. Individual and group sessions are available. For those who are unsure which service is the best fit for their needs, MTS of GA offers FREE screenings to all potential clients.

MTS of GA also offers music lessons. We teach piano, guitar and voice to all ages and abilities. Adaptive lessons are available for non-traditional learners. Recital opportunities for ALL students!

MTS of GA also offers Music Together® classes. This early childhood music and movement program is a great way to nurture your child’s natural enthusiasm for music. Come experience the joy that comes to a family that makes music together! For more information visit www.MTSofGA.com.

orter Academy is dedicated to educating children Pre-K through 8th grade by utilizing individualized programs that are appropriate to each student’s developmental level and learning style. If one technique is not proving effective for a particular child, then the teachers will try alternative techniques until they find one that works. The team of teachers, therapists, and administrators work together to develop academic abilities, foundational abilities (e.g, processing skills, attention, motor skills), and self-esteem.

To accomplish the above goals, Porter Academy utilizes 1)small homerooms grouped by social-developmental level, 2)assessments to determine academic and developmental level, 3)individualized academic programs, 4)small group instruction of core academics to ensure comprehension, 5) use of physical movement and multi-sensory techniques to enhance learning efficiency, 6)social guidance and intentional character development, and 7)therapeutic support (speech/language therapy, occupational therapy, and music therapy within a group setting).

Porter Academy fosters lifelong success through the development of cognitive, academic, social, and psychological abilities that provide a strong foundation upon which the child can build. Visit www.porteracademy.org or call 770-594-1313.

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[ Special Advertising Section ]

justkids magazine

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Ease the Transition:

Tips for Moving With Your Special Needs Child Before the Move

by Krystyann Krywko, Ed.D.

One in five families move every year, which means that for many families the early weeks of summer are often spent packing boxes, contacting new schools, and finding new doctors and dentists.

This stress can be amplified when a family moves with a special needs child. Routines, therapies and support networks can be disrupted and the entire family can feel on edge.

Whether this is your first move or you are a veteran, these tips will steer you and your family on the path to a smoother transition.

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32 justkids magazine

Atlanta’s Family Guide to Special Needs

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2323 Shallowford Rd., Suite 111 Marietta, GA 30066 • 770-926-1999 Hours: Monday 11:00 AM-5:30PM Tuesday-Thursday 10:30 AM-5:30PM Friday-Saturday 10:00AM-6:00PM

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Helping Children Reach Key Developmental and Educational Goals

Speciically designed for children with developmental delays & learning differences.

n Fill them in: Children can easily sense tension so it’s important they remain connected with the significant changes that accompany a move. Lori Collins Burgan, author of Moving with Kids: 25 Ways to Ease Your Family’s Transition to a New Home, emphasizes how important it is to tell your child once the move is definite. “Children trust their parents to tell them important information that affects their lives; this trust can be damaged if your child finds out you are planning a move before you tell them.” n Keep them involved: As a parent you know what your child can handle emotionally. While taking a child house hunting might work in some families, for others it makes sense to wait. “Our children are visual learners,” says Sharla Jordan, mother of six boys (four with special needs).

“So once we had a contract to buy our new home, I drew out a sketch of the floor plan and explained where their bedrooms would be and where their toys would go. This really helped reduce anxiety.” n Get up to date: Paperwork is easily overlooked during a move, so now is a good time to begin collecting your child’s medical and school records. This can include information such as current doctors and therapists; medications; IEPs; explanation of diagnosis, and therapies your child currently receives.

call 770-454-7599

n Ask for referrals: Ask your child’s current doctors and therapists if they are aware of anyone that practices in your new location, or what professional organization can help you find a qualified therapist. n Reach out to potential schools: Once you have a rough idea of what neighborhood you will be moving to, contact local schools and tell them about your child. Ask about what services the school is familiar with and also check to see if there are some local special needs families you can connect with.

During the Move n Be prepared: Even before moving day arrived, the Jordans knew one of their sons would have a difficult time. “We arranged for a friend and neighbor to watch him, and the youngest two. We told him he was going to be the babysitter’s helper so he felt like he was involved with the move.” n Recognize feelings of loss: Help your child recognize the many emotions they might have on moving day.

While she might be excited to move to a bigger house so she can have her own bedroom, she might also be sad she will be so far away from her best friend. n Give your child choices: These don’t have to be big choices, and can be as simple as giving your child a backpack and having him fill it with toys or books that he wants to have near him for the car or airplane ride to your new residence. n Make sure their room is set up first: Seeing their familiar possessions in a new space will help your child feel less anxious about all the changes. Set aside their possessions and furniture and try to have them put in the moving truck last, that way they will be the first to be taken into the new house. n Take care of yourself: Make sure you don’t forget to look after yourself on moving day. Eat nutritious foods and drink plenty of water. Practice healthy coping skills and recognize your own emotions as you adjust to the changes. Model these behaviors first and then pass them onto your child.

After the Move n Find some support: Moves are stressful on everyone and it’s important you take time to find support for yourself as well.

“Organizations, such as The Arc (thearc.org) and Best Buddies (bestbuddies.org) were a great help to my family when we moved,” says Troy McClain, brother and guardian of a younger sister, who is developmentally delayed and profoundly deaf. “They

understood both the needs of our family and the transitional bumps that occurred in my sister’s behavior and attitude during the move.” n Connect with other families: Reach out to families that have a child with a similar diagnosis, or families that live close by and have children that are a similar age. Having a friend to play with or to start school with can be a big help. n Visit the school: “My son expresses his anxiety through inappropriate physical interactions with his friends,” says Eileen Wolter, mother of an autistic child.

“So taking him to visit the school several times before the start of the year really helped. He visited his classroom and met his teacher ahead of time so that first day wouldn’t be so nerve-wracking for him.” n Go on tour: Tour the house, the town, the parks, all the places that you need to visit to help your child adjust to their new surroundings. n Keep the continuity: Schedules are important to many special needs children and can become easily derailed after a move; look for similar activities in your new location. “When we were making our move,” McClainn says, “we knew that bowling on Monday was an important part of DoraLynn’s schedule, so we looked for a place where we could sign her up to bowl on Monday in our new town, which helped with the structure she needs.” JK

HELP YOUR DAUGHTERS FIND READING SUCCESS!

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Specialists for Children with Special Needs Following is a list of health professionals with whom you may find yourself working or consulting in conjunction with your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s special needs.

Adaptive Physical Education Teacher/Therapist: Physical education practitioner with additional training in adapting activities to the needs of children with disabilities and/or special learning needs.

Assistive Technology Specialist: Advanced level professional who is knowledgeable about compensatory strategies and devices, including computer technology, that are used to increase, maintain or improve functional capabilities of a child with a disability in school, home and/or other community environments.

Audiologist: Licensed professional trained in the evaluation and rehabilitation of persons with disorders of hearing, including services such as comprehensive audiologic testing and design, selection and fitting of hearing aids and classroom amplification systems.

Developmental Pediatricians: Pediatrician with special training in the prevention, detection and monitoring of disorders of emotional, social, motor and cognitive development in infants, young children and adolescents.

Early Intervention Specialist: Advanced-level professional with education and/or nursing background providing diagnostic, and intervention services to high risk infants, toddlers and preschoolers and their families aimed at enhancing potential development.

Genetic Counselor: Health professional trained in advising families on what is know about hereditary conditions; conducts history taking and acts as a resource to support services; may specialize in pediatrics and works closely with a geneticist, the medical specialist.

34 justkids magazine

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW): Professional who assesses, diagnoses and treats social, mental and emotional disorders in individuals, groups, couples and families.

Neurolinquist: A professional with advanced training who specializes in linguistics as a subspecialty of neuroscience; concerned with understanding the relationship between brain function and language, including the areas of reading, auditory processing, written language and verbal memory.

Neuropsychologist: Professional with specialty postdoctoral fellowship training in how problems and disorders of the brain may affect learning, behavior and social functioning.

Occupational Therapist: Health professional who helps people learn or relearn the occupations of daily like, such as writing, eating and dressing, evaluates functional skills and teaches adaptive activities towards self-care; may specialize in children with impaired functions.

Ophthalmologist: Medical doctor expert in the evaluation, treatment and surgical correction of disorders of the eye; may specialize in children.

Optician: Specialist who fills prescriptions for eye classes and contact lenses.

Orthodontist: Dentist expert in evaluation and treatment of abnormally positioned teeth.

Orthopedist: Medical doctor focused in prevention and correction of deformities of bones, joints, muscles and connective tissues; may specialize in the care of children.

Orthotist: Specialist in design and application of devices to straighten, correct or assist orthopedic disabilities.

Pediatrician: Medical doctor specializing in total care of infants through adolescents; many with subspecialities such as allergies, behavior, learning disorders, endocrinology, etc.

Pediatric Neurologist: Medical doctor devoted to evaluation and treatment of children with conditions affecting the nervous system.

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner: An advanced practice RN specializing in routine well-child care, treatment of minor illness and management of some chronic disorders for infants through young adults; may work in practice with a physician or independently.

Pediatric Physiatrist: Physician specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation who focuses on restoring function to injured infants, children and adolescents.

Pedodontist: Dentist specializing in the care of childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s teeth.

Physical Therapist: Health professional concerned with movement dysfunction and the evaluation and treatment of orthopedic and neurologic conditions, performing such functions as assessing joint motion, muscle strength and endurance, and providing therapeutic exercise towards performance of activities of daily living.

Psychiatrist: Medical physician specializing in the treatment and prevention of mental disorders; frequently medical consultant to mental health counselors, such as psychologists and social workers.

Recreation Therapist: Licensed and/or certified professional that selects and provides recreational activities designed to improve function in persons with mental, physical or emotional disabilities.

Rehabilitation Engineer: Biomedical engineering specialist who applies knowledge and skills to the development of assistive devices for people with physical disabilities; works closely with adaptive equipment specialist.

Respiratory Therapist: Health professional trained to conduct diagnostic tests, provide treatment and maintain life support for patients with heart and breathing problems.

School Nurse/Specialized Physical Health Care Nurse: RN providing comprehensive well-child services in schools and specialized interventions for children with chronic physical disabilities.

School Psychologist: Mental health professional serving as a consultant to teachers and parents to help in understanding how children develop and learn; assesses and tests for childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s abilities, academic achievement, social/emotional development and adaptive behavior; and recommends interventions towards maximum functioning.

(Related to child psychologist.)

Special Education Teacher: Educator with a certified designated speciality of teaching children with disabilities.

Speech/Language Pathologist (SLP): Licensed professionals who evaluate, treat and prevent disorders of communication and swallowing in infants through adults, including work with language, memory and speech disorders.

Note: Professionals may be school-based, agency employees or independent consultants.

Resource Guide Whatever your needs, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re sure to find it in our comprehensive resource guide. Within its pages are listings of local and national special needs organizations, including support groups. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also information on adaptive equipment, advocacy organizations, education resources, private and public schools, summer camps, therapy services and specific disabilities. Keep the justkids resource guide nearby to help you find everything from schools to recreation programs to therapists.

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Support Groups and Resource Organizations for Specific Disabilites.......36 General Resources.......38 Adaptive Equipment & Lending Programs Advocacy Childcare/Preschool Dentistry Education Resources Education Support Programs Independent Living & Respite Insurance/Legal Parent & Sibling Support Park & Recreation Programs Private Schools Public Schools Recreation & Enrichment Special Needs Publications Summer Day & Overnight Camps Support Services

Therapy and Medical Services.........45 Evaluations & Medical Services General Therapy Services Hippotherapy & Therapeutic Riding Music Therapy Nutrition Photography Speech Therapy Vision Therapy Miscellaneous BlazeSports

Walk Now for Autism Speaks

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Support Groups and Resource Organizations Support Groups and Resource Organizations The following organizations offer information about various special needs and disabilities.

ADD/ADHD/LD CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder). Offers meetings for parents in the Atlanta area, and has lending libraries on AD/HD and co-occuring disorders. 4105 Briarcliff Rd. NE Atlanta. 800-518-7298. 404-633-2040. chadd.org.

Feingold Association of the United States. Offers informational materials, online/telephone support, and resources.

Helps families implement low-additive dietary programs for children with learning/behavior problems and chemically sensitive adults. 11849 Suncatcher Dr., Fishers, IN 800-3213287. feingold.org.

Learning Disabilities Association of America. Offers support programs for parents, an information and referral network, legislation and school program development. 4156 Library Rd., Pittsburgh, PA. 412-341-1515. ldaamerica.org.

Learning Disabilities Association of Georgia. Offers information and a referral hotline for children and adults, advocacy, family and individual support, resources and more. 2566 Shallowford Rd., Atlanta. 404-303-7774. ldag.org.

ARTHRITIS AJAO (American Juvenile Arthritis Organization). Provides informational materials, referrals to local resources, national conferences and advocacy efforts. 1330 W. Peachtree St., Ste. 100 Atlanta. 404-872-7100. arthritis.org/ juvenile-arthritis.php Arthritis Foundation, Georgia.

Offers wellness programs, health fairs, public forums, research support, and information on swimming classes, programs for children, exercise and more. 2970 Peachtree Rd., NW, Atlanta.

404-237-8771. arthritis.org.

Arthritis Foundation, National Office. Provides literature on all types of arthritis and an information line (800-283-7800). 1330 W. Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-872-7100. arthritis.org.

AUTISM Autism Society of America. Provides services in the areas of advocacy, education, awareness and research. 4340 East-West Hwy., Ste. 350, Bethesda, MD. 800-328-8476. autism-society.org.

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Autism Society of America, Greater Georgia Chapter. Provides advocacy, free information and referral services, and membership services including access to a lending library, workshops and conferences. P.O. Box 3707, Suwanee. 770-904-4474. asaga.com.

Autism Speaks, Georgia Regional Office. Provides fundraising for autism research, referrals for family services and advocacy. Also hosts events to raise awareness for affected families. 900 Circle 75 Pkwy., Ste, 445, Atlanta. 770-451-0570 autismspeaks.org Bartow County Parent Support Group. Meets the first Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. Cartersville Medical Center. 958 Joe Frank Harris Pkwy. SE, Cartersville. 404-4016385. autisminbartow.com Cherokee Autism Parent Support Group. Meets quarterly, based on speaker availabilty. 770-345-6551.

Cherokee Spectrum Support Group. Meets quarterly. 6659 Bells Ferry Rd., Woodstock 678-493-4925.

Gwinnett County Autism Support Group. Meets the first Thursday of each month. First Baptist Church of Duluth. 2908 Duluth Hwy., Duluth.

770-904-2909. atl-spectrum.com North Fulton Autism Support Group. Offers a message board and monthly meetings at Emory Johns Creek Hospital. 6325 West Johns Xing, Ste. 109, Johns Creek. 678315-2498. http://health.groups.yahoo. com/group/nfasg/ BIRTH DEFECTS AND SIDS M a rc h o f D i m e s . P r ov i d e s educational materials on preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. 1776 Peachtree St., Ste. 100, Atlanta. 404-350-9800. marchofdimes.com.

BLOOD DISORDERS American Diabetes Association, Georgia Area. Provides financial assistance for children to attend summer camps, advocacy and wellness programs. 225 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-320-7100. diabetes.org.

The Georgia Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center. Education for patients and medical professionals about news, research updates and resources. 80 Jesse Hill Jr. Dr., Atlanta. 404-6163572. scinfo.org.

Hemophilia of Georgia, Inc. Provides a wide range of services to people with hemophilia, von Willebrand’s Disease and other inherited bleeding disorders. 8800 Roswell Rd., Ste. 170, Atlanta. 770518-8272. hog.org.

Ten Good Things To Know

1

Celebrate the Gifts

When one child in a family has special needs, so do the other children. It’s not uncommon for parents to let the demands of one child’s disability overshadow the needs of their typically developing children and the time they’re able to spend with them. Kirk Martin, a behavior therapist and author of Celebrate ADHD!, says parents and teachers should “proactively celebrate each child’s gifts and passions … rather than focusing on the disability.”

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Georgia Chapter.

Offers support and programming for families of children with diabetes, provides education for caregivers and hosts fundraising events for diabetes research.

3525 Piedmont Rd. NE, Bldg. 6, Ste. 300, Atlanta, 404-420-5990 jdrfgeorgia.org.

Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Georgia Chapter.

Provides education, funding for blood cancer research and patient services including referrals, financial support and literature about the diseases. 3715 Northside Pkwy., Bldg. 400, Ste. 300, Atlanta.

404-720-7900 lls.org/ga.

Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, Inc. Provides screenings, counseling, emergency financial assistance and summer camp. 2391 Benjamin E. Mays Dr. SW, Atlanta.

404-755-1641. sicklecellga.org.

BRAIN AND SPINAL INJURIES American Spinal Injury Association. Provides information to families, patients and healthcare professionals on spinal injuries. 2020 Peachtree Rd. NW, Atlanta. 404-355-9772. asiaspinalinjury.org.

Brain Injury Association of Georgia. Support groups for survivors of traumatic and acquired brain injury, their families and their caregivers. National brain injury information line (800-444-6443).

Summer camp opportunities. 1441 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-7125504. braininjurygeorgia.org.

Brain Tumor Foundation for Children, Inc. Provides emotional and informational support to families, public education and awareness, and fundraising for research.

Butterfly Fund for families in need. 6065 Roswell Rd. NE, Ste. 505, Atlanta. 404-2524107. braintumorkids.org.

Shepherd Center. A rehabilitation hospital specializing in treatment of spinal cord and acquired brain injuries, multiple sclerosis and other neurological conditions. 2020 Peachtree Rd. NW, Atlanta. 404-352-2020. shepherd.org.

CANCER American Cancer Society. Provides medical information, referrals and treatment decision tools. Offices located throughout metro Atlanta. 800-227-2345 cancer.org.

American Childhood Cancer Organization.

A membership organization that offers support, advocacy, services and education for families of children with cancer, survivors and medical professionals. 10920 Connecticut Ave., Ste. A, Kensington, MD. 855-858-2226 acco.org.

Association of Cancer Online Resources.

Online communications for support and information for persons affected by cancer.

173 Duane St., Ste. 3A, New York, NY. 212226-5525. acor.org.

CURE Childhood Cancer. Educational and support programs for families of children with cancer. Helps fund research for cancer. 1117 Perimeter Center W, Ste. N-402, Atlanta. 770986-0035. curechildhoodcancer.org.

CEREBRAL PALSY United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia. Provides support services to individuals with cerebral palsy and other developmental disabilities including therapy, employee training and placement, after school care and summer camps. 3300 Northeast Expy., Bldg. 9, Atlanta.

770-676-2000. ucpga.org.

Support Groups and Resource Organizations CRANIO FACIAL CONDITIONS Children’s Craniofacial Association.

Offers information, support and financial assistance to patients and their families, and education for health care providers. 13140 Coit Rd., Dallas, TX. 800-535-3643. ccakids.org.

CROHN’S DISEASE AND COLITIS Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, Georgia Chapter.

Education and support services for those affected by Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis including summer camps, special events and informational workshops. 2250 N. Druid Hills Rd., Ste. 250, Atlanta.

404-982-0616. ccfa.org.

CYSTIC FIBROSIS Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Georgia Chapter. Provides public and professional education materials, fundraising events and support groups for patients and families. 2302 Parklake Dr. NE, Ste. 210, Atlanta.

404-325-6973. cff.org.

Emory University Cystic Fibrosis Center. Offers inpatient and outpatient care, social service support, nutritional information and other resources. 1547 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-7275728. emoryhealthcare.org.

DYSLEXIA International Dyslexia Association.

Offers information on products, an online store, conferences, support groups and more for children, teens, college students, parents and educators. 40 York Rd., 4th Fl., Baltimore, MD. 410-296-0232 interdys.org.

International Dyslexia Association, Georgia Branch. Provides outreach activities, an online newsletter, a lending library, workshops and fundraising events. 1951 Greystone Rd., Atlanta. 404-256-1232. idaga.org.

EPILEPSY Epilepsy Foundation of Georgia.

Provides public awareness, support groups, referrals, specialty camps for children and adults, and more. 6065 Roswell Rd., Ste. 715, Atlanta. 404527-7155. epilepsyga.org.

American Foundation for the Blind, National Literacy Center. Provides referrals, educational materials, advocacy, literacy initiatives, and resources on Braille, assistive technology and low vision. 100 Peachtree St., Ste. 2145, Atlanta. 404525-2303. afb.org.

Vision Rehabilitation Services of Georgia Offers a low vision clinic, vision rehabilitation, a media center, employment assistance and more. 3830 S. Cobb Dr., Ste. 125, Smyrna. 770-4327280. vrsga.org Center for the Visually Impaired. A rehabilitation facility for individuals of all ages who are blind or visually impaired. 739 W. Peachtree St. NW, Atlanta. 404-875-9011. cviga.org Cook Vision Therapy Center. Vision therapy for reading and learning problems. 1395 S. Marietta Pkwy., Bldg. 400, Ste. 116, Marietta. 770-4190400. cookvisiontherapy.com.

Foundation Fighting Blindness.

Provides public awareness, funds for research and a support group for individuals with visual impairments, retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration and other retinal degenerative diseases. 800-683-5555 blindness.org

2

Early Intervention’s a Must If a baby misses typical developmental milestones or something seems amiss, it’s important to seek an evaluation as soon as possible. Early intervention is key to your child’s future. “The sooner we can identify a child and get them into services, the better they’ll be able to adapt to the world,” according to Dr. Alan Weintraub, a pediatric developmental behavioral health doctor practicing in metro Atlanta.

Georgia PINES (Parent Infant Network for Educational Services). An early intervention program offering free services to families of children, birth to 5 years with hearing and/or vision impairment. 890 N. Indian Creek Dr., Clarkston. 404-298-4882. gapines.info

Georgia Council for the Hearing Impaired, Inc. Provides advocacy, job readiness, summer camp for teens and youth, GED preparatory classes and more. 4151 Memorial Dr., Ste. 103-B, Decatur. 404-292-5312. gachi.org.

Georgia Sensory Assistance Project. Technical assistance to school personnel, service personnel, and families who have children and youth with deafblindness from birth through 21 years of age. GSU, Dept. of Educational Psychology and Special Education, Atlanta. 404413-8312. http://education.gsu. edu/georgiadeafblindproj.

Georgia Council of the Blind.

Information, referral and advocacy including scholarship assistance to post-secondary students, and public education and awareness training.

850 Gaines School Rd., Athens.

888-519-3988 or 706-208-7132. georgiacounciloftheblind.org.

Georgia Speech-LanguageHearing Association. Offers a directory of Georgia speech, language and hearing professionals, facilities and resource services.

20423 State Rd. 7, Ste. F6-491, Boca Raton, FL. 561-477-8100 gsha.org.

Georgia Library for Accessible Services. Nine sub-regional libraries provide free library service including circulating fiction, non-fiction books and magazines (Braille or on tape) for those with a visual or physical disability. 1800 Century Pl. NE, Ste. 150, Atlanta. 404235-7155 georgialibraries.org/glass.

National Federation of the Blind. Provides public education, scholarships, a free audio newspaper, referral services, advocacy and more. 200 E. Wells St., Baltimore, MD. 410-659-9314. nfb.org.

HEARING AND VISUAL IMPAIRMENT

Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation, Inc. Provides vision and hearing services, including glasses, eye care, corrective surgery and hearing aids for financially needy legal Georgia residents. 5582 Peachtree Rd., Chamblee. 404-325-3630. lionslighthouse.org.

Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Georgia Chapter. Provides legal advocacy, educational seminars, fundraising, scholarships and support programs. Atlanta. 404-233-5332, ext.

3146. agbell.org.

Georgia Organization of Parents of Blind Children (GOPBC). Affiliated with the National Federation of the Blind of Georgia; support, advocacy, free and low-cost literature, scholarships and more. 315 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., Ste. 1020, Decatur. 404-371-1000. gopbc.org.

National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. Free program for the visually or physically impaired that loans audio and Braille books, magazines, music scores and specially-designed playback equipment. 1291 Taylor St. NW, Washington, D.C. 202707-5100. loc.gov/nls.

National Organization of Parents of Blind Children. Support and networking, resources and a national pen pal program for youth.

200 E. Wells St., Baltimore, MD. 410-659-9314 nfb.org.

Northside Hospital Audiology.

Comprehensive evaluations of various auditory needs including all basic audiological assessments and auditory processing testing. Atlanta, Alpharetta and Johns Creek. 404-851-6743. northside.com.

Pediatric Vision Development Center of Gwinnett. 2098 Teron Trace, Ste. 800B, Dacula. 770-9040979. visiontherapy4kids.com.

P r e v e n t B l i n d n e s s G e o r g i a .

Education, training, research, advocacy and screening programs dedicated to preventing vision loss and preserving sight for all Georgians. 739 W Peachtree St., Ste. 200. 404-266-2020 pbga.org.

HEART AND LUNG American Heart Association, Georgia Affiliate. Community events and educational materials available on prevention, diagnosis and treatment of heart disease and stroke. 1101 Northchase Pkwy., Ste. 1, Marietta.

678-224-2000. americanheart.org.

American Lung Association, Southeast Region. Provides educational programs and services, advocacy and an overnight camp for children with asthma. 2452 Spring Rd., Smyrna. 770-434-5864. lungga.org KIDNEY DISORDERS American Kidney Fund. Provides financial assistance for transplants and kidney patients on dialysis, patient services, public education, clinical strategies, research, summer programs for children and more. 11921 Rockville Pike, Ste. 300, Rockville, MD. 800638-8299. kidneyfund.org.

National Kidney Foundation of Georgia. Programs in research, public information, professional training, organ donation and patient services including summer camp and health fairs. 2951 Flowers Rd. S, Ste. 211, Atlanta. 770-452-1539. kidneyga.org.

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Support Groups and Resource Organizations • General Resources LUPUS Lupus Foundation of America, Georgia Chapter. Offers support groups and educational programs.

1850 Lake Park Dr., Ste. 101, Smyrna.

770-333-5930. lupusga.org MEDICALLY FRAGILE CHILDREN Fragile Kids Foundation. Provides medical equipment not covered by private or government sponsored insurance. 3350 Riverwood Pkwy., Ste. 1400, Atlanta. 770-951-6111. fragilekids.org.

Variety of Georgia. Variety Freedom Program provides funding for mobility via wheelchairs, walkers, van lifts, house ramps, adaptive car seats and strollers, speciallyequipped bicycles and tricycles and more. 9800 Medlock Bridge Road, Ste. 1, Johns Creek. 678-994-4210. varietyofgeorgia.org/programs.html.

MENTAL ILLNESS Mental Health America of Georgia.

Offers advocacy services and educational resources for families, care providers and the public. 100 Edgewood Ave. NE, Ste. 502, Atlanta.

404-527-7175. mhageorgia.org NAMI Georgia. Provides emotional support and education for families, public awareness, advocacy services and a statewide helpline (800-7281052). 3050 Presidential Dr., Ste. 202, Atlanta. 770-234-0855. namiga.org.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). National support group with online discussion groups, advocacy, support and more. 3803 Fairfax Dr., Arlington, VA. 703-5247600. nami.org.

MENTAL RETARDATION/ DOWN SYNDROME Annandale Village. A private, nonprofit community for adults with developmental disabilities. Offers residential services, day programs and respite care, recreational programs, job placement and training. 3500 Annandale Ln., Suwanee. 770-9458381. annandale.org.

Right in the Community. Provides for the needs of families who have children with mental retardation or other developmental disabilities.

Support groups, workshops, group homes, day camps and more. 1830 Water Pl., Ste. 120, Atlanta. 770-4278401. rightinthecommunity.org.

The Arc of Clayton County. Offers support, advocacy and information/ referral to existing services for people with mental retardation. 404281-7322.

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The Arc of Newnan and Coweta County. Helps intellectually disabled adults live as independently as possible by providing job training, transportation, housing arrangements, money management, recreation and other services. The Rutledge Center, 61 Hospital Rd., Newnan. 770-2531189. rutledgecenter.org.

Apria Healthcare. Provides durable medical equipment and IV infusion therapy. Conyers, 770-761-6706; Duluth, 678-775-7000; Gainesville, 770-5030764; Marietta, 770-565-0311. apria.com.

C.H. Martin Company. A provider of custom orthotic and prosthetic devices for children and adults. 329 Marietta St., NW, Atlanta. 404-525-1533. chmartinco. com.

Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta. Offers public education, advocacy and support to parents of children with Down syndrome including information, outreach programs, social events and financial assistance to parent groups. 4355 J Cobb Pkwy., Ste. 213, Atlanta. 404320-3233. atlantadsaa.org.

National Down Syndrome Congress.

Provides informational materials, referrals to local resources, national conferences and advocacy efforts. 30 Mansell Court, Ste. 108, Roswell. 770604-9500. ndsccenter.org.

Muscular Dystrophy Association. Provides informational materials, networking, referrals to local resources, summer camps and an equipment loan program. 2187 Northlake Pkwy., Bldg 9, Ste. 116, Tucker. 770-621-9800 mda.org Prader-Willi Syndrome Association of Georgia. Provides information, education and advocacy, conferences and workshops, and individual and family support. 562 Lakeland Plaza, Ste 327, Cumming. 770-886-2334. pwsaga.org.

Spina Bifida Association of Georgia.

Provides educational materials and programs, mentoring, prevention programs and advocacy. 5072 Bristol Ind. Way, Ste. F, Buford. 770-9391044. spinabifidaga.org MUSCULAR DYSTRPOHY

Center for Assistive Technology and Environmental Access (CATEA). A research center that promotes participation of people with disabilities. Projects focus on workplace accommodations, disability-related policy, distance education, accessible IT, and wheeled mobility and seating. 490 Tenth St., Atlanta. 404894-4960. catea.org.

SPINA BIFIDA Spina Bifida Association of Georgia.

Provides educational materials and programs, mentoring, prevention programs and advocacy. 5072 Bristol Ind. Way, Ste. F, Buford. 770-939-1044. spinabifidaga.org.

TOURETTE SYNDROME Tourette Syndrome Association of Georgia. Provides training, referrals, educational materials, advocacy services, newsletters for children and young adults.

Fall family retreat with Camp Twin Lake.

718-224-2999 georgiatourette.org.

TUBEROUS SCLEROSIS Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance. Provides information, access to resources and Georgia contacts and advocates for tuberous sclerosis complex. 801 Roeder Road, Ste. 750, Silver Spring, MD. 800225-6872 or 301-562-9890. tsalliance.org.

Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Provides informational materials, networking, referrals to local resources, summer camps and an equipment loan program. 2187 Northlake Pkwy., Bldg 9, Ste. 116, Tucker. 770-621-9800 mda.org

TURNER SYNDROME

MYASTHENIA GRAVIS

ADAPTIVE EQUIPMENT and LENDING PROGRAMS

Myasthenia Gravis Foundation, Ge orgia Cha pt er. Pr ov id es information to patients, physicians and the general public. Atlanta. 770427-3441 mggeorgia.org PRADER-WILLI SYNDROME Prader-Willi Syndrome Association of Georgia. Provides information, education and advocacy, conferences and workshops, and individual and family support. 562 Lakeland Plaza, Ste. 327, Cumming. 770-886-2334. pwsaga.org.

Atlanta Turner Syndrome Society.

Support with meetings several times a year. 800-365-9944 turnersyndrome.org.

General Resources

Abilitations. A children’s therapy catalog providing a complete inventory of movement, sensory integration, positioning, classroom solutions, adapted play, resources, aquatics, specialty environments and more. P.O. Box 1579, Appleton, WI. 888-388-3224. abilitations.com.

AMS Vans, Inc. Provide quality preowned minivans with a brand new 10-inch lowered floor conversion for wheelchair accessibility. 5555 Oakbrook Pkwy, Ste. 500, Norcross. 770-729-9878. amsvans.com.

East Hall Branch and Special Needs Library. Leisure reading, magazines, large print books, and audio-described and closed-captioned videos. 2435 Old Cornelia Hwy, Gainesville. 770-5323311, ext. 161. hallcountylibrary.org.

Friends of Disabled Adults and Children, Too! Non-profit organization providing free wheelchairs and home healthcare equipment for the disabled.

Other services include ramp building, vehicle lift installation and more. 4900 Lewis Rd., Stone Mountain. 770-4919014. fodac.org. gTRADE. Georgia Tools for Life.

Online database of assistive technology items for sale. 1700 Century Cir., Ste. 300, Atlanta. 800-497-8665 or 404-6380390. gtradeonline.org.

Handicapped Driver Services, Inc. Modifies vans for wheelchair accessibility and customized vans for sale. 1255 Kennestone Cir. NW, Ste. 100, Marietta. 770-422-9674. hdsvans.com.

Lekotek of Georgia, Inc. Provides educational materials and computer equipment for disabled children from birth through age 21. 1955 Cliff Valley Way, Ste. 102, Atlanta. 404-633-3430. lekotekga.org.

Project ReBoot. Provides hands-on training in IT, a lending library with assistive technology and adaptive equipment for loan to parents. Model home demonstration shows how tools can assist individuals to maintain independence and health. 4508 Bibb Blvd., Ste. B-10, Tucker. 770-934-8432. gatfl.org.

R&R Mobility Vans and Lifts, Inc. Offers a large inventory of wheelchair accessible vans in the Southeast, including new and used handicap vans.

Conyers. 770-483-0767 rrvan.com.

Tech-Able. Assistive technology resource center that offers a lending library, demonstrations, training classes and referrals. 1451 Klondike Rd., Ste. D, Conyers. 770-922-6768. techable.org.

General Resources

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Disabilities Affect Us All More than 41 million Americans, or almost 15 percent of people age 5 and older, have some type of disability, according to the U.S. Census. Almost 3 million kids have disabilities. According to some estimates, the cost of lifetime care for a child with serious disabilities can equal the cost of 44 years of college.

Three Wishes, Inc., Wishes on Wheels. Makes electric power wheelchairs available to nonambulatory senior citizens age 65 and up, and the permanently disabled of any age. Specializes in power wheelchairs and provides medical products to qualified disabled patients with medical necessities. 800-353-3063.

Wheelchair Getaways. Provides rental custom vans and mini vans with wheelchair lifts on a daily, weekly and monthly basis in Georgia. 800-642-2042. wheelchairgetaways.com.

ADVOCACY American Civil Liberties Union.

Provides private, non-profit legal assistance regarding disabilityrelated rights. Legislative advocacy.

1900 The Exchange, Ste. 425, Atlanta 770-303-9966 acluga.org The ARC of Georgia. Unified advocacy for people with cognitive, intellectual and developmental disabilities providing parents with education, support and referrals to resources. Atlanta. 678-733-8969. thearcofgeorgia.org.

Atlanta Alliance on Developmental Disabilities. Provides advocacy, transportation services, life skills training for adults and more. 125 Clairemont Ave., Ste. 300, Decatur.

404-881-9777. aadd.org.

Citizen Advocacy of Atlanta a n d D e K a l b . Vo l u n t e e r citizen advocates are matched with an individual who has a developmental disability for the purpose of providing protection and advocacy. 376 Oakdale Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-523-8849. citizenadvocacyatlantadekalb.org.

Disability Link. Provides advocacy skills training and support, disability awareness and sensitivity training, information and referrals, community outreach, education and other services. 755 Commerce Dr., Ste. 105, Decatur.

404-687-8890. disabilitylink.org.

Disability Resource Group. Provides information, resources and advice on disability rights issues. 770-451-2340. gaada.info.

Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund. Monitors legislative and educational efforts, conducts research and training programs, and educates people on laws. 3075 Adeline St., Ste. 210, Berkley, CA. 510-644-2555. dredf.org.

Family Voices. Advocates in the areas of health care, financing, medical care, Medicaid and insurance. 3701 San Mateo Blvd., Ste. 200, Albuquerque, NM. 888-835-5669. familyvoices.org.

Georgia Advocacy Office. The Protection and Advocacy (P&A) System for people with disabilities in Georgia.

150 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., Ste. 430, Decatur. 404-885-1234. thegao.org.

Georgia’s Unlock the Waiting List Campaign. Advocates working to eliminate waiting lists for home- and community-based services for people with disabilities. 2 Peachtree St. NW, Ste. 26-246, Atlanta. 888-275-4233 unlockthewaitinglists.com.

Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities. Creates systems of change for people with developmental disabilities and their families. 2 Peachtree St. NW, Ste. 26-20, Atlanta. 404-657-2126. gcdd.org.

Keenan’s Kids Foundation. An Atlanta-based foundation that raises awareness on child’s safety issues. 148 Nassau St. NW, Atlanta. 404-223-5437. keenanskidsfoundation.com.

National Council on Disability.

Independent federal agency making recommendations to the President and Congress to enhance the quality of life for all Americans with disabilities and their families. 1331 F St. NW, Ste. 850, Washington, DC. 202-272-2004. ncd.gov.

National Disability Rights Network.

Referrals to programs in each state and territory. Advocates for the rights of people with disabilities. 900 Second St. NE, Ste. 211, Washington, DC. 202408-9514. ndrn.org.

Pacer Center. A national training and information center on the Individuals with Disabilities Act and related topics for families of children and youth.

8161 Normandale Blvd., Minneapolis, MN. 888-248-0822. pacer.org.

Elaine Clark Center. Inclusive program with individualized curriculum for all disabilities.

5130 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Chamblee. 770-458-3251. elaineclarkcenter.org.

Parents Educating Parents and Professionals. Offers parent advocacy training on national legislative projects and resources on local and national events. 8355 Cherokee Blvd., Douglasville. 770577-7771. peppinc.org.

Family Private Care, LLC. This caregiver registry provides private care referral services for consumers in hospitals, assisted living facilities, nursing homes and private residences. 6065 Lake Forrest Dr., Ste. 170, Sandy Springs. 404252-9005. peoplecaring4kids.com.

People First of Cartersville. Selfadvocacy group that meets monthly.

Woodright Industries. 1595 Hwy. 411 NE, Cartersville. 770-387-3730.

TASH. Advocates for inclusive education and family/community support. 1001 Connecticut Ave., NW, Ste. 235, Washington, DC. 202-5409020 tash.org.

CHILDCARE/ PRESCHOOL A d a p t ive L e a rn i n g C e n t e r.

Therapeutic preschool offering developmental assessments, speech therapy, special education, case management, summer camp and other services. 736 Johnson Ferry Rd., Ste. C-245, Marietta. 770-509-3909. adaptivelearningcenter.org.

Atlanta Child Care Guide. Resources for home- and centerbased childcare. 3975 Covington Hwy., Decatur. 404-288-8980. youratlantachildcareguide.com CareBest Family Care Solutions.

Companion caregiver, nanny referral and home management services. P.O. Box 3082, Peachtree City. 770-4876445. carebest.net.

Challenged Child and Friends, Inc. Offers a center-based, school-year early intervention program, infant stimulation, therapy, and nursing and family support. Integrates typical peers ages 6 weeks to 6 years old. 2360 Murphy Blvd., Gainesville. 770-5358372. challengedchild.org.

Childtime Child Care. Childcare services for developmentally delayed children. 12 locations around Atlanta.

877-624-2602 childtime.com.

Early Childhood School. Centerbased services with an educational focus for individuals with mild developmental delays. SecondPonce de Leon Baptist Church. 2715 Peachtree Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-2668111. spdl.org.

Easter Seals of North Georgia.

Special needs childcare center, pediatric therapy services. 12 locations.

Corporate Office: 1200 Lake Hearn Dr., Ste. 250, Atlanta. 404-943-1070. northgeorgia.easterseals.com.

The Frazer Center. Offers an inclusive child development center, adult day services, family and community based services, research and training. 1815 Ponce de Leon Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-377-3836. thefrazercenter.org.

Nanny Poppinz. Live-in or out.

Full time/Part Time. CPR trained.

Experienced staff. Background check.

678-608-2769 nannypoppinz.com.

Professional Family Consultants.

Specializes in matching nannies to families with special needs. Background checks and training to care for children with ADHA, autism, behavior issues, developmental delays, physical disabilities and more. 404-919-6626. professionalfamilyconsultants.com.

Quality Care For Children. A childcare referral agency that works to ensure infants and young children are nurtured and educated.

Support to parents and child care providers caring for children with special needs. Emergency childcare assistance. 2751 Buford Hwy., Ste. 500, Atlanta. 404-479-4200 qualitycareforchildren.org.

St. Jude’s Child Development Center. Provides day and after school care, and summer camp for children including those with special needs ages 6 weeks to 12 years old. St. Jude’s Episcopal Church. 220 Windy Hill Rd. SW, Marietta. 678-309-3871 stjudes.episcopalatlanta.org.

Stepping Stones. Program at the Atlanta Speech School for children ages 3-5 with speech and/or language difficulties incorporating education and therapy with a speech-language pathologist, learning disabilities specialist and occupational therapist.

3160 Northside Pkwy. NW, Atlanta.

404-233-5332. atlantaspeechschool.org DENTISTRY The Children’s Dental Center of Atlanta. Specializing in pediatric dentistry including special needs kids.

Offices in Atlanta, Buford, Conyers, Douglasville and Smyrna. 770-6921000 dentistry4children.com.

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General Resources Dave Kurtzman, DDS. Provides full service specialized dental care to developmentally disabled and physically challenged clients.

661 Campbell Hill St., NW, Ste. 101, Marietta. 770-980-6336. drdavidkurtzman.com.

DDD Foundation, Inc. Dentistry for the developmentally disabled.

5 2 E x e c u t iv e P a r k S , S t e .

5203, Atlanta. 404-942-0086. dddfoundation.org.

Dental Hygiene Department, Georgia Perimeter College. Dental hygiene services for special needs kids with longer appointments. 2101 Womack Rd., Bldg. C, Dunwoody.

770-274-5140.

Dr. Michael P. Healey. Serves children with special needs. 1145 Hightower Tr. NE, Sandy Springs.

770-993-9395. dochealey.com.

Pediatric Dentistry at Vinings.

Dental care for infants, children, adolescents and persons with special needs. 3200 Highlands Pkwy., Ste. 110, Smyrna. 678-305-1090.

EDUCATION RESOURCES The Amit Program. Provides educational resources and support services for children with learning differences and/or developmental disabilities, through early intervention programs, a K-8th grade special needs school, professional development courses, teen social skills groups and more.

6255 Barfield Rd., Ste. 100, Atlanta.

404-961-9966. amitatlanta.org.

Georgia Congress of Parents and Teachers. Services for parents and teachers of all children. 114 Baker St. NE, Atlanta. 404-659-0214. georgiapta.org.

Georgia Department of Education, Division for Special Education Service and Support.

Helps local school systems provide special education and related services. 1870 Twin Towers E, Atlanta. 404-656-3963. gadoe.org/ ci_exceptional.aspx.

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Georgia Learning Resources Systems.

Offers training, information and resources to parents and educators of children with disabilities. Atlanta, 678-676-2400; Smyrna, 770-432-2404. glrs.org.

South DeKalb Association for Super Special Youth, Inc. Offers support programs and assistance with employment placement, promotes public awareness and hosts social events. Decatur. 770-969-9571. http:// wix.com/sassyspecialpeople/sassy VSA Arts of Georgia. Provides access to the arts for people with disabilities and low income. Art exhibitions, programming and a summer institute. 57 Forsyth St. NW, Ste. R-1, Atlanta. 404-221-1270. vsaartsga.org.

EDUCATION SUPPORT PROGRAMS Alexsander Academy. Caters to children with LD, ADHD, autism, Aspergers and cognitive issues in a small school environment. Grades 2-8. TutoringAlpharetta and Suwanee. 1090 Powers Place, Alpharetta. 770-777-0475. alexsanderacademy.org.

Bright from the Start. Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning program providing technical assistance, training and support to families and child care providers for children with special needs. 2 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr., Ste. 754 East Tower, Atlanta. 888-442-7735 decal.ga.gov.

BrightStar Tutors. Many tutors certified to work with children who have ADD/ ADHD and other learning disabilities.

Serving Alpharetta, Atlanta, Decatur, Duluth, East Cobb, Lawrenceville, Marietta, Roswell and Sandy Springs.

404-373-6161. BrightStarTutors.com.

Cerebral Matters. Program offering assessment and cognitive remediation to address learning differences. Summer programs available. 6100 Lake Forrest Dr. NW, Ste. 108, Atlanta. 404-493-0962. cerebralmatters.com.

Club Z! In-Home Tutoring Services.

Provides one-on-one tutoring in the homes, schools or childcare of students with disabilities. Covers all subjects and grades. 866-448-8867. clubztutoring.com.

Autism a Puzzling Mystery One in every 91 children in the United States has autism spectrum disorder, and 40 percent of children with autism do not talk. No one knows what causes autism, and there is no cure, but therapy often helps autistic kids lead productive and happy lives.

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Ellen Burns Hurst, Ph.D., Educational Consultant. Author of Why Can’t My Daughter Read? and an experienced reading/intervention specialist. Contact Dr. Hurst to schedule an appointment for consultation, evaluations, tutorial sessions or advocacy services to help your child improve their literacy skills. 3522 Ashford Dunwoody Rd., Ste. 251, Atlanta 404895-1467. whycantmydaughterread.com.

Disability Resource Center.

Provides advocacy, independent living skills training, peer support and information and referral for disabled individuals. Assist with nursing home and high school transitions and accessibility surveys for businesses. 470-A Woodsmill Rd., Gainesville. 770-534-6656. disabilityresourcecenter.org.

Jacob’s Ladder Neurodevelopmental School and Therapy Center. One-onone therapy intervention combined with outings and social opportunities. 407 Hardscrabble Road, Roswell. 770-9981017. jacobsladdercenter.com.

Douglas County Retardation Association, Inc. Home-based and group home services for individuals with mental retardation, cerebral palsy and autism. Offers day programs and weekend respite. 6497 E. Strickland St., Douglasville. 770-942-1131. douglascountyretardation.org.

Lindamood-Bell Learning Center.

Offers individualized instruction in reading, math, spelling, critical thinking, comprehension and more for children with severe learning disabilities and the gifted.

4401 Northside Pkwy., Ste.150, Atlanta.

404-846-2050; 10700 Medlock Bridge Rd., Ste. 101, Johns Creek. 770-476-7066.

800-233-1819. lindamoodbell.com.

The Reading and Writing Institute.

Provides psychoeducational evaluations and educational therapy for children and adults. 5555 Glenridge Connector, Ste. 200, Atlanta. 678-731-9415. rwiga.org.

Sarah Anderson, M.Ed. Neurodevelopmental Educator, certified HANDLE Practitioner. Providing HANDLE services including screenings and full evaluations for ages 3-adults; for ADD, ADHD, Autism, Aspergers, Tourette’s, LD, sensory processing issues and other neruo-developmental challenges.

Dunwoody area. 770-458-5619. handle.org.

Spark Thinking Educational Services.

Uses research-validated, multi-sensory approaches to “train the brain” of students ages 3-adults with Dyslexia, ADD/ADHD, Asperger’s, Autism and Tourett’s. 770-7160224. sparkthinking.net/about_us.htm.

INDEPENDENT LIVING AND RESPITE Atlanta Ronald McDonald Houses.

Provide temporary housing and emotional support to families of critically ill and injured children who must travel to Atlanta area hospitals. Two Atlanta locations. 404-315-1133 or 404-8470760. armh.com.

Department of Labor, Rehabilitation Services, Vocational Rehabilitation Program. Provides employment, independent living and specialized services for ages 16 and up that help prepare for work and personal independence. 2 Peachtree St., 6th floor, Atlanta. 404-486-6331. vocrehabga.org.

Destiny’s Child, Inc. In-home personal support for assistive living for adolescents and young adults with developmental, emotional, and psychological disabilities and needs. 404-696-4400. destinyschildinc.com.

Dream House for Medically Fragile Children. Temporary, therapeutic foster homes for medically fragile children. 2092 Scenic Hwy., Ste. B, Snellville. 770-717-7410. dreamhouseforkids.org.

Georgia Community Support and Solutions. Community programs including residential services, respite, family support, day programs, job training and summer camp. 1945 Cliff Valley Way, Ste. 220, Atlanta. 404634-4222. gacommunity.org.

Hope House Children’s Respite Center. Provides onsite respite care for medically fragile children and a Saturday “We-Care” program for non-medically fragile children. 7225 Lester Rd., Union City. 770-9698354. swchristiancare.org.

Independent Living Research Utilization Program. Center for information, training, research and technical assistance in independent living. 2323 S. Shepherd, Ste. 1000, Houston, TX. 713-520-0232. ilru.org.

Institute for Child Health Policy.

Supports improved healthcare systems for children with special needs. Focus is on the transition of youth with special needs to work, independence and the adult health care system. 1329 SW 16th St., Rm. 5130, Gainesville, FL. 352-265-7220. ichp.ufl.edu.

Living Independence for Everyone.

Offers information and referrals, help in locating funding, peer support, independent skills training and advocacy. Also provides specialized adaptive equipment purchase and some home accessibility modifications. 5105 Paulsen St., Ste. 143-B, Savannah. 912920-2414. lifecil.com.

Metro Atlanta Respite and Developmental Services. Offers respite services, as well as an early intervention program, inclusive childcare center and therapy services.

1335 Kimberly Rd. SW, Atlanta. 404691-5570. mards.org.

General Resources Pediatric Services of America. PSA HealthCare provides quality, costeffective home care services to pediatric and adult patients and their families. 310 Technology Pkwy. Ste.A, Norcross 770441-1580. psahealthcare.com.

Statewide Independent Living Council of Georgia. Provide systems advocacy, peer counseling, independent living skills training and information and referrals. 315 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., Ste. 600, Decatur. 770-270-6860. silcga.org.

Walton Options for Independent Living. Offers advocacy, assistive technology services, Braille instruction, community education, computer training, independent living skills training and other services. 948 Walton Way, Augusta. 706-724-6262. waltonoptions.org.

Zimmerman-Horowitz Independent Living Program. A highly individualized, supportive living program that enables people with disabilities to live independently. Training in money management, cooking, cleaning, household management, laundry, social skills and other areas. 4549 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd., Atlanta. 770-677-9300. yourtoolsforliving.org.

INSURANCE/ LEGAL Bettis, Hill & Vann, LLC. A law firm specializing in Estate Planning, Wills & Trusts, Guardianships/ Conservatorships. 1815 Lockeway Dr., Ste. 106, Alpharetta. 770-475-8041. bhvlegal.com.

The Elder and Disability Law Practice of Robert M. Goldberg and Associates. Provides a full range of legal services including special needs trusts, family care agreements, health care proxies and living wills.

Serving the metro Atlanta area. 1553 Williamson Rd., Griffin. 770-229-5729. goldbergestateplanning.com Keenan Law Firm. Specializes in handling complex damage cases including birth and child care center/ playground injuries. 148 Nassau St., Atlanta. 404-523-2200. keenanlawfirm. com.

Law Offices of Mark E. Biernath, P.C. Providing comprehensive, customized estate-planning utilizing wills, trusts, powers of attorney and special needs trusts. Offices in Kennesaw, Alpharetta, Duluth, Buckhead, Cobb Galleria, Doraville, Dunwoody. 770-455-0535. biernathlaw.com.

MetLife’s Division of Estate Planning for Special Kids. Helps with financial and legal issues concerning lifetime care for special needs dependents. Also assists with finding other resources for advocacy and education. 877-638-3375. metlife.com/desk.

The Meyring Law Firm. Wills, trusts, probate, medical directives, special needs trusts and more. 2900 Paces Ferry Rd. Bldg. C, Ste. 200, Atlanta. 678-2174369 ext. 3. willsquill.com.

The Pollan Law Firm. Providing parents of disabled children with special needs planning advice and services including: planning for long-term care, special needs trusts, wills, Medicaid appeals, child and adult guardianship and conservatorship. 1801 Peachtree St. NE, Ste. 125, Atlanta. 678-701-9126 pollanlawfirm.com.

Shiver Hamilton, LLC. Law firm specializing in personal injury, medical malpractice, spinal cord and brain injury and wrongful death. 3350 Peachtree St., Ste. 1120, Atlanta. 404-593-0020. shiverlaw.com.

PARENT AND SIBLING SUPPORT E x c e p t i o n a l Fa m i l y M e m b e r Program. Army community services center helps families of special needs children find community resources.

Provides information and referral services, respite care, support groups, advocacy and workshops. Fort Gordon, Darling Hall, Bldg. 33720, Ste. 224, Augusta. 706-791-3579. 877-310-5741. gordon.army.mil/acs.

Family Action Network, Special Olympics Georgia. A nonprofit organization that provides year-round sports training and competition to children and adults with intellectual disabilities. 4000 DeKalb Technology Pkwy., Bldg. 400, Ste. 400, Atlanta.

770-414-9390. specialolympicsga.org.

Families of Children Under Stress (FOCUS). Provides emotional, physical and informational support to families who have children with disabilities or chronic/terminal illnesses. 3825 Presidential Pkwy., Ste. 103, Atlanta.

770-234-9111. focus-ga.org.

Georgia Children’s Network. A listserv for parents and grandparents of special needs children to connect with other parents, advocates, special education attorneys and service providers. 1105 Rock Pointe Look, Woodstock. 770442-8357. http://groups.yahoo.com/ group/GA-ChildrensNetwork.

Georgia Parent Support Network, Inc. Provides support and referral services, technical assistance in maintaining and starting parent groups and more. 1381 Metropolitan Pkwy., Atlanta. 404-7584500. gpsn.org.

Parent to Parent of Georgia. Offers a parent match service to connect parents who have children with the same diagnosis. Also features an online resource guide with information on advocacy, therapy, camps, education and more. 3070 Presidential Pkwy., Ste. 130, Atlanta. 800-229-2038 p2pga.org.

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Signs You Might Need Respite Caregivers of children with disabilities need a support system, but many are reluctant to ask for help from friends and family or to seek respite care. Ten signs of caregiver distress: denial, anger, social withdrawal, anxiety, depression, exhaustion, sleeplessness, irritability, lack of concentration and health problems. The Arch National Respite Network and Resource Center (archrespite.org) lists resources by state.

Sensory Processing Disorder Parent Connections. Run by parents, support offered through group discussions, education and guest speakers to understand that Sensory Processing Disorder is a disorder of the brain and that treatment options are available.

678-451-4434.

Sibling Support Project. A national program that supports the interests of brothers and sisters of people with special needs. 6512 23rd Ave. NW, Ste. 213, Seattle, WA. 206-297-6368. siblingsupport.org.

Snappin’ Ministries A place to find support, compassion and resources for the parents of children with special needs. 380 Yosemite Rd., Oconomowoc, WI. 262-567-1277 snappin.org PARKS AND RECREATION PROGRAMS Atlanta Parks and Recreation, Therapeutics. Offers a therapeutic camp for children ages 6-21 with special needs. City Hall East.

675 Ponce de Leon Ave., 8th fl., Ste. 830, Atlanta. 404-215-2856 atlantaga.gov.

Clayton County Parks and Recreation Therapeutic Division.

Offers year-round recreational and leisure activities for ages 6 and up, and summer camp for ages 6 to 21.

2300 Hwy. 138 SE, Jonesboro. 770473-5722. co.clayton.ga.us.

Cobb County Parks Therapeutic Recreation. Offers social clubs, field trips, Special Olympics and a summer camp for ages 7 to 21. 555 Nickajack Rd., Mableton. 770-8193215. prca.cobbcountyga.gov.

DeKalb County Parks and Recreation. Offers youth and adult sports and recreational activities.

Mason Mill Center for Seniors and Disabled. 1340-B McConnell Dr., Decatur. 404-679-1349. co.dekalb. ga.us.

Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation. Offers inclusive recreational programs and summer day camps for children ages 6-12 with all levels of ability. 75 Langley Dr., Lawrenceville. 770-822-8840. gwinnettparks.com.

North Fulton Therapeutics.

Provides therapeutic recreational services, outdoor education, field trips and summer camp. 6005 Glenridge Dr., Atlanta. 404-303-6181.

Rockdale County Therapeutic Recreation. A.S.P.I.R.E. (All Special People Involved in Recreational Experiences) offers activities for persons with disabilities. Focuses on involvement in recreation, adaptive sports, Special Olympics programs and more. 1781 Ebenezer Rd., Conyers. 770-278-7249. rockdalecounty.org.

Roswell Parks and Recreation.

Year-round adult programs for individuals with special needs including events, art, tennis, aerobics classes and more for ages 18 and up.

Adult Recreation Center. 830 Grimes Bridge Rd., Roswell. 770-641-3950. roswellgov.com.

PRIVATE SCHOOLS Alexsander Academy. Caters to children with LD, ADHD, autism, Aspergers and cognitive issues in a small school environment. Grades 2-8.

1090 Powers Place, Alpharetta. 770777-0475. alexsanderacademy.org.

Atlanta Area School for the Deaf.

Full-day instruction for students in preschool through high school. 890 N. Indian Creek Dr., Clarkston. 404296-7101. aasdweb.com.

Atlanta Speech School. Therapeutic and educational centers for children and adults with speech, hearing, language or learning disabilities.

Academic, clinical and community programs available. 3160 Northside Pkwy. NW, Atlanta. 404-233-5332. atlantaspeechschool.org.

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General Resources The Bedford School. Nine-month day program designed for children with learning disabilities. 5665 Milam Rd., Fairburn. 770-774-8001. thebedfordschool.org.

Joseph Sams School. Individualized special education plan for children from birth to 22 years old. 280 Brandywine Blvd., Fayetteville. 770461-5894. josephsamsschool.org.

Brookwood Christian Language School. Offers classes specializing in language-based learning differences for students in grades 1-12. 4728 Wood St., Acworth. 678-401-5855 brookwoodchristian.com.

Kaleidoscope ABA School. Private school for children ages 2-10 with Autism and related disorders.

1:1 ratio using applied behavior analysis instruction, full and half day programs provided year round. 153 Norcross St., Roswell. 770-993-7008 Kaleidoscopeaba.org.

Center Academy. Provides accredited college preparatory environment to students who have fallen behind or who want to get ahead. 3499 South Cobb Dr., Smyrna.

770-333-1616. centeracademy.com.

Clearwater Academy. A private school for children with learning differences. Offers a blend of therapies, social skills and assistive technology in a sensory sensitive environment. Currently accepting children, ages 6-16, with Processing Delays, ADD, ADHD, Asperger’s Syndrome, Sensory Integration Disorder, PDD/NOS, Mild Autism and Non-Verbal Learning Disability diagnoses. 210 Greencastle Rd., Tyrone. 770-6313650. clearwateracademyga.org.

The Cottage School. Serves students in grades 6-12 with ADHD and special learning needs. Curriculum focuses on developing academic, time management and interpersonal skills, and career planning. 700 Grimes Bridge Rd., Roswell. 770641-8688. cottageschool.org.

Cumberland Academy of Georgia.

Provides tailored learning for Asperger’s Syndrome, ADD, ADHD and children who need a small class environment. 650 Mt. Vernon Hwy. NE, Atlanta. 404-835-9000. cumberlandacademy.org.

Eaton Academy. Offers customized academic services for students in grades K-12. Enrichment, distance learning, individual study and other programs available. 1000 Old Roswell Lakes Pkwy., Ste. 110, Roswell. 770-645-2673. eatonacademy.org.

Furtah Preparatory School.

Accredited curriculum for children who benefit from intensive phonics and intervention in reading and writing instruction. 5496 Hwy. 92, Acworth. 678-574-6488. furtahprep.org.

Georgia Academy for the Blind.

Education services to Georgia students with visual impairments or multiple disabilities, including assessments and individualized programs.

Residential program available. 2895 Vineville Ave., Macon. 478-751-6083. gabmacon.org.

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Let’s Learn Academy. Elementary school that bridges the gap between therapy and education. 1660 Alpharetta Hwy., Ste. 320, Roswell.

770-754-0085 Georgia School for the Deaf. Provides day and residential programs for hearing impaired students. Support services include educational evaluations, hearing/ vision screenings and more. 232 Perry Farm Rd. SW, Cave Spring. 800-4973371. gsdweb.org.

Greenfield Hebrew Academy’s M’silot.

A program for children who learn differently. Focuses on general and Judaic studies, and remedial strategies.

5200 Northland Dr., Atlanta. 404-8439900. ghacademy.org.

Hayden’s Way. A primary-middle school program for children with learning disabilities using multi-sensory teaching methods, relationship building skills and other educational tools. 1005 Alderman Dr., Alpharetta 770-351-6304 haydensway.com The Elaine Clark Center. Offers a full day program and after care, and provides academics and functional learning to students with developmental disabilities. 5130 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Chamblee. 770-458-3251 elaineclarkcenter.org.

Hirsch Academy. Non-profit school for children with learning disabilities, using cirriculum to promote exploration and creation. 705 S Candler St., Decatur.

404-378-9706. hirschacademy.org.

Hope Springs Learning Center. Small, upgraded classes for learning-disabled students grades 2-8. Includes one-onone NILD therapy. 1239 Braselton Hwy., Lawrenceville. 678-442-8785. hopespringsschool.org.

Howard School. Personalized programs to meet individual learning styles. Grades K-12. 1192 Foster St., Atlanta. 404-3777436. howardschool.org.

Jacob’s Ladder Neurodevelopmental Learning Center. An SAIS-SACS accredited, SB-10 approved school and therapy center for grades Pre-K-12 helping children with neurodevelopmental delays succeed. 407 Hardscrabble Rd., Roswell.

770-998-1017. jacobsladdercenter.com.

The Lionheart School. Relationshipbased education for school-age children on the autism spectrum or with other disorders of relating and communicating in a transdisiplinary and comprehensive learning environment.

225 Roswell St., Alpharetta. 770-7724555. thelionheartschool.com.

Mill Springs Academy. Small private school for children with LD, ADD/ADHD. 13660 New Providence Rd., Alpharetta. 770-360-1336. millsprings.org.

Morning Star Montessori School A Christian school that combines the principles of Montessori education with the therapeutic approach of the HANDLE Institute to create an environment dedicated to helping children ages 2.5-5 reach their potential. 675 Holt Rd., Marietta. 678213-0844 msmontessorischool.com The Orion School. Offers monthly thematic units for Kindergarten-7th grade students who have ADHD and co-occurring conditions. 458 Ponce de Leon Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-551-2574. theorionschool.org.

The Pathways Academy. Offers a multi-sensory, phonics-based program for children with dyslexia and learning disabilities. 4010 Canton Rd., Ste. 120, Marietta. 770-973-5588. pathwaysacademy.org.

Porter Academy. Provides a learning environment for speech-language processing issues, dysgraphia, dyslexia and attention difficulties. Grades pre-K-8. 200 Cox Rd., Roswell. 770594-1313. porteracademy.org.

The Schenck School. Special needs school that serves children with dyslexia. Full-day academic setting for grades K-6. 282 Mt. Paran Rd. NW, Atlanta. 404-252-2591. schenck.org.

Sophia Academy. Private Christian school offering small class sizes with multi-sensory learning. Grades pre-K-9. 2880 Dresden Dr., Atlanta.

404-303-8722. sophiaacademy.org.

Special Needs Schools of Gwinnett.

Educational and therapeutic programs for preschool through high school students as well as young adults. Focuses on academic and skill development. 660 Davis Rd., Lawrenceville. 678-442-6262. specialneedsschools.org.

Stepping Stones Educational Therapy Center. A therapeutic and educational center for children with special needs. 141 Futral Rd., Griffin.

770-229-5511. steppingstonesschool. org.

The Swift School. Serves dyslexic students and children with languagebased learning differences. Offers a full day program with a complete curriculum for grades 1-7. 300 Grimes Bridge Rd., Roswell. 678205-4988. theswiftschool.org PRIVATE SCHOOLSBOARDING E c k e r d A c a d e m y. A h i g h l y effective alternative to traditional boarding schools. 397 Culbreath Rd., Brooksville, FL. 800-914-3937. eckerdacademy.org Stone Mountain School. Long-term residential school specializing in preadolescent and teens with learning disabilities, ADHD, emotional issues and behavioral problems. 126 Camp Elliott Rd., Black Mountain, NC. 888-631-5994. crchealth.com Vanguard School. A remedial, co-educational boarding school for students who have learning d i s a b i l i t i e s . 2 2 0 0 0 H w y. 2 7 , Lake Wales, FL. 863-676-6091. vanguardschool.org.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS Atlanta City Schools. Exceptional Children. 404-802-2602. atlanta. k12.ga.us.

Buford City Schools. Denise Swanson, Director of Special Education. 770-945-5035, ext. 314. bufordcityschools.org.

Cherokee County. Charlette Green, Special Education Director. 770-4791871. cherokee.k12.ga.us.

C l a y t o n C o u n t y. B e h av i o r a l Intervention Program and Special Education Department. 770-4732700. clayton.k12.ga.us.

Cobb County. Susan Christensen, Director of Special Education. 770426-3309. cobb.k12.ga.us.

Coweta County. Gina Murray, Special Education Director. 770-2542800. cowetaschools.org.

Decatur City Schools. Special Education and Pupil Services. 404370-4400, ext. 940. csdecatur.net

General Resources DeKalb County. Department of Exceptional Education and Support Services. 678-676-1800. dekalb.k12. ga.us.

Douglas County. Special Education Office. 770-651-2135. douglas.k12.ga.us.

Fayette County. Chris Horton, Director of Exceptional Children’s Services Department. 770-460-3990, ext. 260. fcboe.org.

Forsyth County. Sharon Purdie, Department for Exceptional Students.

770-887-2461. forsyth.k12.ga.us.

Fulton County. Department for Exceptional Children. 404-763-5600. fulton.k12.ga.us.

Gwinnett County. Department of Special Education and Psychological Services. 678-301-7133. gwinnett.k12. ga.us.

Henry County. Student Support Services 770-957-8086. henry.k12.ga.us.

Marietta City Schools. Department of Special Education Services and Assistance. 770-427-4631. mariettacity.org.

Newton County. Dr. Sarah West, Director of Special Education Department. 770784-4917. newtoncountyschools.org.

Paulding County. Exceptional Students.

770-443-8030. paulding.k12.ga.us.

Rockdale County. Learning Support Services. 770-860-4231. rockdale.k12. ga.us.

RECREATION AND ENRICHMENT Access To Recreation. Provides exercise and recreational equipment for people with disabilities. 8 Sandra Ct., Newbury Park, CA. 800-634-4351. accesstr.com.

American Association of Adapted Sports Programs. School-based wheel chair sports for kids with physical disabilities in elementary through high school. Atlanta.

404-294-0070. adaptedsports.org.

Ameri-Kan Karate. Individualized karate instruction stresses balance, coordination, discipline, focus, physical fitness and social skill development. 1680 Dogwood Dr., Ste. 102, Conyers 770-3889858. wcakarate.com.

BlazeSports. Sports training, competitions, summer camps, healthy lifestyle programs and other recreational opportunities for youth and adults who use wheelchairs or have visual impairment, amputation or a neurological disability.

535 North McDonough Street, Decatur.

404-270-2000. blazesports.org.

Boy Scouts of America. Provides an educational and social program for boys and young adults. Those with special needs are placed in inclusive troops. 1800 Circle 75 Pkwy. SE, Atlanta. 770-9898820. atlantabsa.org.

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Why Moms of Special Needs Kids Rock n Because

we’ve discovered patience we never knew we had. n Because we have bad days and breakdowns and brawl-fests, and then we pick ourselves up and keep going. n Because we never stop pushing for our kids, and never stop hoping for them either. n Because we are willing to do something 10 times, 100 times or 1,000 times, whatever it takes for our kids to learn something new. n Because we are strong.

For more reasons, see the To The Max blog at momlogic.com.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta. Provides prevention and intervention for disadvantaged youth, youth development and recreational activities. 21 full-time clubs in 11 metro counties. bgcma.org.

B’Yachad. A buddy program for middle and high school age kids that allows young people with special needs to develop friendships in social and recreational settings.

North Atlanta. 404-961-9966. amitatlanta.org.

Camp Fire USA, Georgia Council.

Children with special needs are taken on an individual basis.

Clubs, summer programs, selfreliance courses, outdoor skills and environmental education, and more.

92 Camp Toccoa Dr., Toccoa. 706886-2457. campfireusa.org.

Camp Sunshine. Year round program for children with cancer and their families. Archery, horseback riding, crafts, water activities. 1850 Clairmont Rd., Decatur. 404-3257979. mycampsunshine.com.

Georgia Gymnastics Academy, Inc. Offers professionally tailored and directed programs for every age group at every ability level. 98 Patterson Rd., Lawrenceville. 770-962-5867. 145 Old Peachtree Rd., NW, Suwanneee. 770945-3424. ggacademy.com.

Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta.

Helps girls self value, social and volunteering skills through troop service. Inclusive and exclusive troops available. 5601 North Allen Rd., Mableton. 770-702-9411. gsgatl.org Good Shepherd Therapeutic Center.

Provides therapeutic riding services to persons with physical disabilities. 390 Barrest Ranch Rd., Warm Springs.

706-655-2354. gbchfm.org.

Little League Challenger Division.

Program within Little League Baseball and Softball that pairs ablebodied children with kids who have disabilities to play baseball together.

570-326-1921. littleleague.org.

Dance and Arts Showcase. Jazz, ballet and tap for children with all types of disabilities. Children must be able to walk. Atlanta, Alpharetta.

770-934-5010. danceandarts.com.

Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta. Offers special needs camps, Special Olympics afternoon recreation and theater performances with disabled actors. Also offers full inclusion camp programs. 5342 Tilly Mill Rd., Dunwoody. 404-812-4004. atlantajcc.org.

Dance For Fun. Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at North Druid Hills offers a dance program for special needs children led by physical and occupational therapists.

1605 Chantilly Dr. NE, Ste. 200, Atlanta. 404-785-8181 (Cathy Chronic). choa.org.

Marietta Enrichment Center. Offers a day program for individuals with developmental disabilities. Art, sign language, music therapy, social events, health and fitness, and other activities.

1395 S. Marietta Pkwy., Bldg. 700, Ste. 700, Marietta. 678-354-9144. gacommunity.org.

Decatur Yoga and Pilates. Offers a Grounded Kids Yoga program to help children with a variety of disabilities, from autism to ADD. 431 West Ponce De Leon Avenue, Decatur. 404-377-4899. decaturhotyoga.com.

Miracle League Association.

Children play baseball with a buddy in a custom-designed baseball complex with turf that accommodates all abilities. 1506 Klondike Rd., Ste. 105, Conyers. 770-760-1933. miracleleague.com.

Physical and Leisure Activities for Youth (PLAY). Physical activities and skill and fitness development for children with disabilities. During semesters at Kennesaw State University. Dr. St. Pierre.

1000 Chastain Rd., Kennesaw. 770-4236775. kennesaw.edu.

Special Olympics Georgia. Offers year-round sports training and athletic competitions in 24 individual and team Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

4000 DeKalb Technology Pkwy., Bldg.

400, Ste. 400, Atlanta. 770-414-9390. specialolympicsga.org.

Swim Atlanta. Inclusive swimming programs for children of all abilities.

Hamilton Mill, 678-889-2039; Cumming, 770-888-0010; Cobb, 770-509-7946; GA Tech, 678-2304248; Johns Creek, 770-622-1735; Roswell, 770-992-7946; Sugarloaf.

678-442-7946. saswimschool.com or swimatlanta.com.

TOPSoccer, North Atlanta Soccer Association. A soccer program for young athletes who have cognitive, emotional or physical disabilities. Ages 8-19. Metro North Park. 4645 Paper Mill Rd., Marietta. 770-955-8700. nasa-ga.org.

Trillium Farms. An interactive learning center with emphasis on those with special needs through animal therapy and nature’s bounty. Get up close to many exotic and friendly animals. 983 Pearl Johnson Rd., Ranger, GA. 706337-2165. trilliumfarms.com.

YMCA Happy Club. Year-round social activities for teens and adults with developmental disabilities ages 16 and up. Dance, bowling, arts and crafts and more. Program offered in Atlanta, Decatur and Hoschton. 404-687-2521.

404-371-3309, Janice Mathews.

YWCA of Greater Atlanta. Provides after school programs, educational and recreational activities, youth outreach and prevention programs. 957 North Highland Ave., Atlanta. 404-892-3476. ywcaatlanta.org.

SPECIAL NEEDS PUBLICATIONS ADDitude Magazine. Quarterly lifestyle magazine for individuals with ADD/ADHD. 39 W. 37th St., 15th Fl., New York, NY. 888-762-8475. additudemag.com.

Attention! Magazine published six times a year for families and adults with ADHD sponsored by CHADD. 8181 Professional Pl., Ste. 150, Landover, MD. 800-233-4050. chadd.org.

Exceptional Parent Magazine.

Monthly publication to develop, translate and share information as tools for positive change for the special needs community. eparent.com.

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General Resources Disabled Dealer Magazine of the Southeast. Monthly magazine resource for new and used adaptive equipment, and accessible homes and vehicles. disableddealer.com.

JustKids. Published annually by Atlanta Parent Magazine. Includes local articles, advertising and a comprehensive resource guide for parents of special needs children.

770-454-7599. atlantaparent.com.

SUMMER DAY CAMPS Agape Ranch. Summer recreation program for teens and adults with PDD or autism. Children ages 10 and up enjoy arts and crafts, swimming, music, games, sports, bowling and picnics. Cleveland, GA. Atlanta Parks and Recreation, Special Recreation Services. Oneweek sessions. June-July. Summer day camp for children ages 6-21 with physical and mental disabilities. Coan Park. 1530 Wood Bine Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-3715008. atlantaga.gov.

Beyond Words Social Skills Camp. Lessons in basic social and nonverbal communication skills enriched with activities and teamwork challenges. School year services also available. 1762 Century Blvd., Ste. B, Atlanta. 404633-0250. beyondwordscenter.com.

BSO Camp Chai. Jewish-based camp for kindergarten through 8th grade. Serves all campers including those with Aspergers Syndrome, autism, developmental delays, Down syndrome and Fragile X Syndrome. Activities include swimming, horseback riding, golf and boating. Shirley Blumenthal Park. 2509 Post Oak Tritt Rd., Marietta. 678-812-3700. atlantaajcc.org.

Camp Extraordinaire. Weekly themed activties, small group academic enrichment, arts and crafts, OT, PE, music and in school field trips. Porter Academy. 200 Cox Rd., Roswell. 770-594-1313. porteracademy.org.

Lionheart School. Children with mild disabilities enjoy swimming, arts and crafts, games, sports, field trips and more. Ages 6-12.

Lionheart School. 225 Roswell Street, Alpharetta. 678-297-6154. alpharetta.ga.us.

Camp Kingfisher. Chattahoochee Nature Center. Nature camp for children ages 5-14. Hikes, crafts, animal demonstrations, canoeing and swimming. Accepts children with special needs. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. chattnaturecenter.com.

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Camp Sunshine. Serving children with cancer ages birth-23 years and their families by providing educational, recreational and support programs year round. Summer camp held at Camp Twin Lakes. Rutledge. 404-325-7979. mycampsunshine.com.

Camp Wannaklot, Hemophilia of Georgia. Summer camp for children with bleeding disorders. Camping, canoeing, golf, swimming and more.

Held at Camp Twin Lakes. Rutledge.

770-518-8272. hog.org.

Cecil B. Day Sports and Fitness Center. Tumbling and gymnastics camp for children ages 4-2. Jungle Jam and Carnival Kartwheelers.

Dunwoody Baptist Church. 1445 Mt. Vernon Rd., Atlanta. 770-2801210. dbc.org.

Children’s Special Services Summer Camps. Handwriting and social skills, hiking, rock climbing, swimming and non-competitive games. Held at clinic and several metro Atlanta locations. 770-3949791. childrens-services.com.

Circus Arts Social Summer. Circus program that includes juggling, trapeze, rope climbing and more designed for children with special needs. 206 Rogers St. NE, Ste. 214.

404-549-3000. circusartsinstitute. com.

Clayton County Therapeutic Recreation Day Camp. Camp for mildly disabled children.

Skating, swimming, arts and crafts, and field trips. Carl Rhodenizer Recreation Center. 770-477-3766. claytonparks.com The Cottage School Summer Success Program. Offers various summer school programs for middle and high school students as well as a summer sports camp. 700 Grimes Bridge Rd., Roswell. 770-641-8688. cottageschool.org.

Elm Street Cultural Arts Village.

Offers writing and dramatics summer programs and year-round classes and plays for children with special needs.

8534 Main Street, Woodstock. 678494-4251. elmstreetarts.org High Meadows Camp. Offers a full inclusion day camp for campers with developmental disabilities ages 6-18. Swimming, arts and crafts, and more. Atlanta. 770-458-3251. elaineclarkcenter.org.

Lekotek Summer Computer Camp.

Campers with physical, cognitive and/ or sensory disabilities learn alongside siblings and peers to play using adaptive and innovative technology.

Call by April to register. 1955 Cliff Valley Way, Ste. 102, Atlanta. 404633-3430. lekotekga.org.

Mark Trail Summer Alternative Camp (ADD, LD). Flexible activitybased program for any student aged 6-18. Morning, afternoon and full day activties available, all of which focus on socialization. Mill Springs Academy. 13660 New Providence Rd., Alpharetta. Sheila Fitzgerald. 770-3601336. millsprings.org.

Camp Lee Mar. A private, co-ed camp for special needs children and young adults ages 5-21 who have mild to moderate developmental disabilities. Traditional camp activities, academics, vocational preparation, speech and language therapy, and more. Pocono Mountains, PA. 215-658-1708. leemar.com.

MJCCA Camp Billi Marcus.

Swimming, pony rides, arts and crafts, music and more for infants to Pre-K. Limited spacing available. 1415 Old Canton Rd., Marietta. 678-812-3720. atlantajcc.org.

Camp Sparrowood. Christian camp for the high functioning, mildly mentally disabled. Nature activities, cookouts, crafts, games, overnight campout, swimming. Dahlonega.

706-864-6181. campglisson.org.

Camp Krazy Legs. Focus is on teaching independence in self-care, organizational skills, life skills, socializing and meeting new friends.

Partners with Spina Bifida Association and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

Overnight camp also available.

Chattahoochee Nature Center, Roswell.

404-785-2490. choa.org.

Camp Sunshine. For children who have cancer and their families.

Archery, horseback riding, crafts, water activities. Held at Camp Twin Lakes. Rutledge. 404-325-7979. mycampsunshine.com.

SUMMER OVERNIGHT CAMPS BlazeSports America Blaze Camps.

A residential camp for ages 8-18 with a physical disability. Participate in sport and recreation activities including: floor hockey, swimming, bowling, quad rugby, cycling, wheelchair basketball, soccer and more. 535 North McDonough St., Decatur. 770-2702000. blazesports.org.

Camp ASCCA, Easter Seals. Oneweek sessions for children with disabilities. Aquatic activities, arts and crafts, canoeing, ropes course, horseback riding and more. Jackson’s Gap, AL. 256-825-9226. campascca.org.

Camp Barney Medintz. An overnight camp celebrating Jewish culture. Features the Chalutzim (Pioneers) Program for children with developmental disabilities. Cleveland, GA. 706-865-2715 campbarney.org.

Camp Walk-n-Roll. An overnight camp for children with muscular dystrophy. Archery, ceramics, swimming, fishing and more. Camp Twin Lakes. Rutledge. 706-557-9070 camptwinlakes.org. mda.org.

Camp Yofi at Camp Ramah Darom. A week-long camp for Jewish families with children who have autism. Clayton, GA. 404-5310801. ramahdarom.org.

Eckerd Academy of the Blue Ridge’s Summer Academics & Adventure Camp. A six-week residential therapeutic camp emphasizing academic credit recovery and personal growth through outdoor adventures. Suited for boys and girls, ages 13-18, who need to make up a failed course or those who want to get ahead. Blue Ridge, GA. 304-308-1571 http:// eckerdacademy.org Florida Diabetes Camp. Traditional camp in various parts of Florida, with swimming, sports, arts and crafts and diabetes education. Medical care provided. 352-334-1321. floridadiabetescamp.org.

Georgia Lions Camp for the Blind.

Campers must have a visual loss of 20/70 or greater. Indoor and outdoor activities, field trips and swimming.

Ages 4 to adult. Waycross. 888-2971775. glcb.org.

SOAR Summer Adventures. Highadventure programs for LD and ADHD youth. Belize, California, Costa Rica, Florida, North Carolina and Wyoming. 828-456-3435. soarnc.org. academyatsoar.org.

Squirrel Hollow Camp. Four-week program for children who need an academic boost during the summer.

Instruction in reading, math and writing skills. Fairburn. 770-7748001. thebedfordschool.org.

General Resources • Therapy and Medical Services

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Cancer’s Toll in Children According to the National Cancer Institute, about 10,400 children under age 15 are diagnosed with cancer annually and about 1,545 children die from the disease.

On average, 1 to 2 children develop the disease each year for every 10,000 children in the United States. Among the 12 major types of childhood cancers, leukemias and cancers of the brain and central nervous system account for more than half of the new cases.

Talisman Camps and Programs.

Summer programs for children ages 8 to 17 and young adults ages 18 to 22 with LD, ADD and ADHD, Asperger’s Syndrome and high functioning autism. Zirconia, NC. Hendersonville, NC. 888-458-8226. talismanprograms.com.

The MENTOR Network. Serves developmentally disabled and atrisk youth. Programs include host home living, specialized foster care, education support and crisis intervention. 2302 Parklake Dr. NE, Ste. 200, Atlanta. 470-362-7202 ga-mentor.com.

Young Adult Living and Learning Skills (YALLS). A five-week summer program focusing on socialization, communication and job skills. Ages 18 and up. 660 Davis Rd., Lawrenceville. 678-442-6262. specialneedsschools.org.

Siskin Children’s Institute. Four centers for children that specialize in education, outreach, health care and research to diagnose, treat, educate, research and provide support for children with developmental disabilities and their parents. 1101 Carter St., Chattanooga, TN. 423-648-1708. siskin.org.

SUPPORT SERVICES CLIMB (Children’s Lives Include Moments of Bravery). CLIMB is a children-only (ages 6-11) support group at the Winship Cancer Institute that helps those with parents or grandparents who have cancer before, during and after their treatment. 1365 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 888-946-7447; 404-778-5926. winshipcancer.emory. edu/groups.

DeKalb Community Service Board.

Programs include outpatient mental health counseling, acute stabilization and detoxification, psychosocial rehabilitation and residential services, and more. 445 Winn Way, Decatur.

404-294-3834 dekcsb.org.

JF&CS. A non-sectarian organization that provides services to people with developmental disabilities and their families in the areas of employment, residential services, family support, transportation, information and education. 4549 Chamblee-Dunwoody Rd., Atlanta. 770-677-9300. jfcsatlanta.org.

Kennedy Krieger Institute. Providing evaluation and treatment to children and young adults with disorders and injuries of the brain, spinal cord and musculoskeletal system since 1929.

707 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD. 888-554-2080. kennedykrieger.org.

Tommy Nobis Center. Services include vocational and work evaluations, employment services and skills training. 1480 Bells Ferry Rd., Marietta. 770-427-9000. tommynobiscenter.org.

Therapy and Medical Services Many professionals in the metro area offer a variety of treatments, including occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech therapy, as part of their practice.

Look under Therapy Services for professionals who primarily offer OT and PT services. Separate categories have been made for hippotherapy, music and speech therapy.

EVALUATIONS AND MEDICAL SERVICES Alliance of Pediatric Therapies.

Specializing in physical, occupational and speech therapy services. Mission is to link families with services to ensure quality and timely therapeutic interventions are available to all children in Gwinnett County. 678-790-4593. alliancega.com.

Atlanta Center for Holistic and Integrative Medicine. Dr. Tasneem Bhatia provides integrative medicine, including acupuncture, supplements, botanicals and chinese herbal medicine.

Treating children with ADHD, Autism, anxiety, headaches, colic, inflammatory bowel disease and more. 2556 Apple Valley Rd., Ste. 175, Atlanta. 404-814-9808. atlantaholisticmedicine.com.

Atlanta Integrative Medicine. Provides integrative care for the whole family, specializing in allergies, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, eczema, recurrent infections and more. 45 West Crossville Rd., Ste. 501, Roswell. 770-594-1233. atlantaintegrativemedicine.com.

Babies Can’t Wait, Easter Seals of North Georgia. Provides early intervention for infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities. Evaluations and recommendations are given. A lending library with therapy equipment and adaptive toys is also available to families.

5434 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Lawrenceville.

770-822-9115.

Behavioral Medicine Institute of Atlanta.

Provides psychological evaluations, and counseling for groups and individuals.

1401 Peachtree St. NE, Ste. 140, Atlanta.

404-872-7929. bmiatlanta.com.

Children’s Cardiovascular Medicine, P.C. Offers pediatric cardiology diagnostic services. 61 Whitcher St., Ste. 4140, Marietta. 404-943-0289. childrenscvm.com.

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

Pediatric healthcare system providing evaluations, therapy services and more with two hospitals, 19 satellite locations, and physicians with various specialties.

404-250-5437. choa.org.

Children’s Medical Services (CMS). A statewide program that provides or arranges for specialty medical/family services for children birth to age 21 with chronic conditions. 404-657-2700. health.state. ga.us/programs/cms.

Clayton Center. Psychiatric evaluations and treatment for children and adolescents with mental health disorders, ADHD, PDD and depression. 6315 Garden Walk Blvd., Riverdale. 770-991-7420. claytoncenter.org.

DeKalb County Board of Health.

Offers a service which provides assistance to children requiring special care. 445 Winn Way, Decatur. 404-508-7981 dekalbhealth.net.

Emory Autism Resource Center.

Provides information, referrals, diagnostic evaluations, medication consultations, family support/parent training, school/ program consultations, academic tutoring for students with ASD, preschool services and applied behavior analysis therapy.

Emory University, 1551 Shoup Ct., Atlanta.

404-727-8350. psychiatry.emory.edu/ PROGRAMS/autism.

Emory’s Children’s Center.

Medical services for pediatric patients, including an emergency shelter home for newborns with special medical needs. 2015 Uppergate Dr., Atlanta. 404-7782400. emory-childrenscenter.org.

Emory University Psychological Center. Behavior consultant services, counseling and psychology services, developmental evaluation and assessment services, disability organization, education consultations, pediatric diagnostic and evaluation services. 36 Eagle Row, Rm. 270, Atlanta. 404-7277451. psychology.emory.edu/ clinical/center.html.

Learning Evaluation Clinic.

Provides psycho-educational evaluations for children ages 4 to 18. Atlanta Speech School. 3160 Northside Pkwy. NW, Atlanta. 404233-5332. atlantaspeechschool.org.

The Marcus Institute. Services include evaluations, a pediatric feeding disorder program, the M a r c u s B e h a v i o r C e n t e r, speech language pathology and a mental health psychotherapy clinic for children birth to age 22 with developmental or learning disabilities. 1920 Briarcliff Rd. NE., Atlanta. 404-785-9350 marcus.org.

The May Institute. Provides community-based behavioral healthcare, educational and rehabilitative services. Serves individuals with autism, pervasive developmental disorder, developmental disabilities, mental retardation, brain injury and behavioral health needs.

Stone Mountain. 770-680-8738 mayinstitute.org.

Shepherd Center. Programs provide intensive care, speech, language, physical and occupational therapies, as well as extensive family education and training.

2020 Peachtree Rd. NW, Atlanta.

404-352-2020 shepherd.org.

S h e r wo o d C l i n i c a l H o m e Infusion. Offers a wide range of home infusion therapies administered by skilled pediatric nurses, comprehensive caregiver education and oncall support services. 415 Fisk Ave., Demorest. 800-847-3987. sherwoodclinical.com.

Southern Behavioral Group.

Behavioral and psychological services for children with autism, developmental disabilities, and other special needs. 2470 Windy Hill Rd., Ste. 300, Marietta. 678-921-2811. southernbehavioralgroup.com.

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Therapy and Medical Services Wo o d l a w n D e v e l o p m e n t a l Pediatrics, P.C. Private medical practice that provides assessments and monitoring of children and adolescents with a variety of developmental delays/disorders.

3535 Roswell Rd., Ste. 44, Marietta.

678-560-3999.

A t l a n t a M e d i c a l C e n t e r.

Comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation services including physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech language pathology services. 303 Parkway Dr. NE, Atlanta. 404-265-4634. atlantamedcenter.com.

GENERAL THERAPY SERVICES

Beyond Words Center for Social Skills Training. Social skills assessment and training, parent training and psychotherapy. 1762 Century Blvd., Ste. B, Atlanta. 404633-0250. beyondwordscenter.com.

Advanced Rehabilitation Services, Inc. Occupational and physical therapists, and speech language pathologists in clinical and nonclinical environments. 413 Indian Hills Tr., Marietta. 770-973-3466. arsga.com.

All About Kids Therapy Services, Inc. Pediatric physical and occupational therapy, intensive therapy programs, aquatic therapy.

545 Old Norcross Rd., Ste. 100, Lawrenceville. 678-377-2833. allaboutkidstherapyservices.com.

Allternative Gym. Ideal for, but not limited to Cerebral Palsy patients, stroke survivors, brain/spinal trauma, Down syndrome and obesity. 1375 Pritchett Industrial Blvd., Austell.

678-945-4662. allternativegym.com.

Art It Out Therapy Services.

Provides art therapy and other therapeutic services to children and adolescents, ages 4-18, families and groups. Individual art therapy sessions and/or group art therapy to “art out” life’s challenges. 1640 Powers Ferry Rd., Bldg. 3, Ste. 200, Marietta. 770-726-9589. artitout.org.

A s s o c i a t e d T h e r a p i e s , I n c .

Pediatric occupational, physical and speech therapy in a home or clinical setting. 1244 Clairmont Rd., Ste. 108, Decatur. 404-728-9766. associatedtherapies.com.

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Georgia Association for Play Therapy. Children use the language of play to express and resolve their problems. 4893 LaVista Rd., Tucker, 30084. 770-491-7423 gapt.org Greater Atlanta Speech and Language Clinics, Inc. Offers comprehensive evaluations, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, physical therapy, and hippotherapy. Suwanee, 770831-2313; Marietta, 770-977-9457. greateratlantaspeech.com.

Children’s Special Services.

Occupational therapy services, handwriting, sensory integration, motor development and self-esteem therapy for children who learn differently. Atlanta. 770-394-9791. childrens-services.com.

Hearts and Hands Therapy Services, Inc. A pediatric private practice clinic that provides occupational and speech therapy. Serves children from birth through adolescence with autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and more. 424 Creekstone Ridge, Woodstock. 678-462-1342. heartsandhandstherapy.com.

Children’s Therapy Works.

Occupational, physical and speech therapy. Also handwriting and social skills groups. 11660 Alpharetta Hwy., Ste. 320, Roswell. 770-7540085. childrenstherapyworks.com.

Circus Arts Institute. Coordination, balance, strength and flexibility development for children, teens and adults with attention difficulties, behavioral and emotional issues, and physical challenges. 206 Rogers St. NE, Ste. 214, Atlanta. 404-5493000. circusartsinstitute.com.

Clay White, LLC. Activity-based and sensory-driven therapeutic programs including “Outdoor Sensory Adventures,” “PEOTSI,” an adaptive physical education program, the “Social Club Program” and a summer day camp for children with sensory processing disorders.

P.O. Box 567042, Atlanta. 770-3933939. claywhite.us.

Learning Disabilities are Common As many as 10 to 20 percent of children have some form of a learning disability.

Some of the more common ones are dyslexia, which affects reading and writing skills; ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), which affects the ability to stay focused and control behavior; dyscalculia, which affects a person’s ability to learn math basics; dysgraphia, which affects handwriting and the ability to write thoughts on paper; and dyspraxia, which affects motor skills.

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Functional Physical Therapy, Inc. Provides physical therapy services for infants to young adults in clinic and non-clinic settings. 2530-B Mountain Industrial Blvd., Tucker.

404-456-3717.

Comprehensive Psychiatric Services of Atlanta. Trained and experienced doctors help children and adults with ADHD, behavioral problems, school difficulties, mood disorders, eating disorders, PDD, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders and more. 57 Executive Park S, Ste. 360, Atlanta. 404-939-6636. cpsatl.com.

Comprehensive Therapy Children’s Center. A multidisciplinary outpatient facility specializing in speech language therapy, physical therapy and occupational therapy for children with special needs.

200 Riverstone Dr., Ste. B, Canton. 770345-7796. specialkidstherapy.com.

Connections Counseling and Development Center. Provides individual, family and group counseling services, along with learning disability and stress management aid, from highly trained health professionals. 2801 Buford Hwy., Ste. T-60, Atlanta. 404-321-1800. connectionsatl.com.

Devereux Georgia Treatment Network.

Community and residential programs for children and adolescents diagnosed with severe emotional behavioral disorders.

1291 Stanley Rd. NW, Kennesaw. 770427-0147. devereuxga.org.

Easter Seals of North Georgia. Pediatric therapy services in-home, at childcare centers or at Easter Seals locations. 1200 Lake Hearn Dr., Ste. 250, Atlanta. 404943-1070. northgeorgia.easterseals.com.

Essential Communication, Inc. Provides speech language therapy and Relationship Development Intervention Therapy for children to improve thinking skills, problem solving and relationships.

130 Prospect Place, Alpharetta. 770-8170181. essential-communication.com.

Helping Hands Pediatric Therapy, Inc. Offers occupational therapy and speech therapy for children with special needs. 470 South Hill St., Buford. 678-482-6100. helpinghandspediatrictherapy.com.

In Harmony Pediatric Therapy.

“Offers physical, occupational, speech, music therapy and Kindermusik ® programs. 310 Papertrail Way, Ste. 302, Canton. 770-345-2804. inharmonypediatrictherapy.com.

Interactiv Children’s Therapy Services. Home- and clinic-based occupational therapy for newborns to young adults. 2959 Sharpsburg McCullum Rd., Bldg. C, Ste. C, Newnan. 770-683-0250. ictsonline.com.

Kiddo’s Clubhouse. Provides occupational, physical and speech therapies for children with special needs, including sensory integration and assistive technology. 11539 Park Woods Cir., Ste. 502, Alpharetta. 678527-3224. kiddosclubhouse.com.

Kid’s Creek Therapy. A pediatric rehabilitation clinic offering speech, occupational and physical therapies for children with special needs. Services include aquatic therapy, hippotherapy and Interactive Metronome, a brainbased treatment program. 3905 Johns Creek Ct., Ste. 250, Suwanee. 770-8885221. kidscreektherapy.com.

Kidsplay Therapy Center. Provides occupational, physical and speech therapies. Also offers music therapy, consultations and evaluations. 311 Cooper Rd., Loganville. 678-2055437. kidsplaytherapy.com.

Therapy and Medical Services Kool Kidz, Inc. Physical and occupational therapy for children and young adults up to age 21 in a non-clinic environment. Offers aquatic therapy, therapeutic dance, hippotherapy, sports medicine, neurodevelopment treatment and sensory integration. 2850 Johnson Ferry Rd., Suite 100, Marietta. 770643-0868 koolkidzpt.com.

Parallel Play, Inc. Provides speech and occupational therapy and physical therapy through gymnastics. Yoga, karate and Therapeutic Listening also available. 4680 Morton Rd., Alpharetta.

770-886-6800. parallelplaykids.net.

Parkaire Consultants. Diagnostic/ treatment services for children, adolescents/adults needing therapeutic intervention for neurological disorders.

Neuropsychologist, counselors, ADD and Life coaches, educational consultants, speech/language pathology, occupational therapy and tutors. 4939 Lower Roswell Rd., Bldg.

C, Ste. 201, Marietta. 770-578-1519. parkaireconsultants.com.

Pediatric Occupational Therapies of Cobb and Bartow Counties.

Pediatric occupational therapies specializing in the identification, evaluation and treatment of a variety of medical and developmental challenges in children and adolescents using a combination of sensory, behavioral and dietary interventions. 2655 Dallas Hwy., Ste. 320, Marietta. 404-3147518. cathyshepherdot.com Reinforcement Unlimited. Clinical and behavioral consultants specializing in autism spectrum, assessment program diagnosis, behavioral evaluation, ABA, ABLLS and VBA. Offers in-home services, workshops and training. 335 Parkway 575, Ste. 220, Woodstock. 770-591-9552. behavior-consultant.com.

Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation. Offers educational, medical, pastoral and vocational services. Aquatic therapy, recreation and assistive technology available. Warm Springs. 706-6555000. rooseveltrehab.org.

Sensations Therafun. Provides a place for parents, children and their therapist to interact; features climbing walls, monkey bars, swings, private meeting rooms, after school and summer programs and more. 1704 Chantilly Dr., Atlanta. 404-634-3500. sensationstherafun.com.

Therapy on the Square. Pediatric occupational and speech therapy evaluation and treatment.

Neurodevelopmental treatment, sensory integration and Therapeutic Listening. 920 Holcomb Bridge Rd., Ste. 350, Roswell. 770-642-0670. therapyonthesquare.com.

Tender Ones Therapy Services, Inc. Physical therapist owned pediatric rehabilitation company that offers physical, occupational and speech therapy to children from birth-21. 2089 Teron Trace, Ste. 120, Dacula. 770-904-6009. tenderones.com.

Therapy Works, P.C. Offers Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Physical Therapy, Intensive Feeding Therapy and Mother’s Morning Out in familyfriendly setting. Lawrenceville, Thompson Mill, Norcross locations. 770-995-2379. therapyworkspc.com.

Village of St. Joseph Counseling Services. Advocacy services, education workshops, and individual and family counseling for all ages with ADD/ADHD, mental illness, and emotional, behavioral and learning disabilities. 680 W. Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-881-6571 catholiccharitiesatlanta.org.

Wa l t e r ’ s R e h a b i l i t a t i o n Therapies, Inc. Offers alternative options to parents and caregivers of individuals suffering from brain injury with a unique training and teaching process that can be learned and administered in the home. P.O. Box 179, Shellman.

229-679-5069. genelewis.us.

GENERAL THERAPY SERVICES (Outside Georgia) Euro-Peds. A hospital-based intensive pediatric therapy program aiding children with cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, spina bifida and Down syndrome. 461 W. Huron St., Ste. 406, Pontiac, MI. 248-857-6776. europeds.org.

HIPPOTHERAPY AND THERAPEUTIC RIDING Angels on Horseback. Provides a chance for those with mental and physical disabilities to learn to care for a and ride a horse. 40 Beth Ave., Jasper 770-893-1992. angelsonhorseback.org.

Calvin Center Therapeutic Riding Program. A riding program for people with developmental, learning and physical disabilities.

13550 Woolsey Rd., Hampton.

770-946-4276. calvincenter.org Chastain Horse Park Therapeutic Program. NARHA Premier Accredited Center. Offers year-round equestrian-assisted activities and therapies for children with physical, cognitive and emotional challenges. 4371 Powers Ferry Rd., Atlanta. 404-252-4244, ext. 27. chastainhorsepark.org.

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Asthma is More Than Wheezing Asthma affects more than 9 million children in the United States, and is the leading cause of hospital admissions. A severe attack, when airways in the lungs become inflamed and restrict airflow, can be life threatening.

Allergens that can cause attacks include pets, mold, dust mites and pollen.

Coweta Organization for Riding Rehabilitation and Learning (CORRAL). NARHA Premier Accredited Center. Free lessons for students with a wide range of disabilities in Coweta County School System Special Education classes. 52 Oliver Potts Rd., Newnan. 770-2540840. corraltrc.org.

Creative Therapy, Inc. Provides occupational and physical therapy services that specialize in the movement of the horse and horse activities to meet therapy goals. 1 McGarity Rd., Canton. 770-360-9183. creativetherapyinc.com.

DreamPower Therapeutic Equestrian Center, Inc. NARHA Premier Accredited Center. Offers group and private therapeutic riding sessions. 123 Equest Dr., Canton. 770720-1910 dreampowertherapy.org.

Dream Quest EFP & Therapeutic Riding, Inc. Equine facilitated psychotherapy and therapeutic riding serving those with ADD, Cerebral Palsy, Autism and more.

Hwy. 316, Bethlehem. 678-227-2991. dreamquestefp.com.

Driving Magic. Operating on a 680 acre working farm in Hoschton, offers therapeutic carriage driving and horsemanship lessons and group workshops. Duluth. 404-358-4129. drivingmagicinc.org.

Haven Hills Therapeutic Riding Center. Animal assisted activities to help children with ADD, Spina Bifida, Autism, Cerebral Palsy and more.

7580 Rivertown Rd., Fairburn. 678296-9693. havenhillstrc.org.

Highgaite Therapeutic Horsemanship. Hippotherapy and Therapeutic Riding. Equine facilitated experiential learning serving those with developmental delay, autism, spina bifida and more. P.O. Box 262, Clermont. 404-409-7099.

Horse Talk. Camps, Hippotherapy, Therapeutic riding for people with special needs. 345 Bluebird Acres Road, Woodstock. 770-656-7002. greateratlantaspeech.com.

Horse Time. NARHA Premier Accredited Center. Offers year-round physical therapy, psychotherapy, recreational riding and horsemanship for people with special needs. 10385 Hwy. 278 E, Covington. 770-784-9777. horsetime.org.

McKenna Farms Therapy Services.

Provides innovative therapy programs and resources for people with special needs and their families. 3044 Due West Rd., Dallas. 770-443-9672. mckennafarmstherapy.org.

Parkwood Farms Therapy Center, Inc. Offers hippotherapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and therapeutic riding sessions. 2519 Parkwood Rd., Snellville.

678-344-6821. parkwoodfarms.org.

Reece Center for Handicapped Horsemanship. Recreational equestrian therapy services. 8280 Wilkerson Mill Rd., Palmetto. 678-423-1734. reececenter.org.

Ride a Wish. Therapeutic horseback riding for children and young adults to enhance their cognitive, emotional and physical special needs. 14770 Wood Rd., Alpharetta. 404-457-8518.

Sonora Creek. Therapeutic riding programs offered year-round and summer camps for children with special needs.

1937 Gaddis Rd., Canton. Mary, 678-6145636. sonoracreek.com.

Stride Ahead. Therapeutic riding programs, hippotherapy and more for people with special needs. 315 Chelsea Circle, Atlanta. 404-422-1383. strideahead.org.

Youth Village at Inner Harbour Equine faciliated experiential learning and therapeutic riding for people with ADD, learning disabilities, mental retardation and autism. 4685 Dorsett Shoals Rd., Douglasville. 770-949-8364. youthvillages.org.

MUSIC THERAPY Metro Musical Therapy. Provides music therapy services to children, adolescents and adults. Goals addressed are: social skills, speech and language skills, academic concepts, behavior, rehab and more. Norcross. 404-579-8070. metromusictherapyga.com.

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Therapy and Medical Services Music Therapy Services of Greater Atlanta. Individual and group music therapy, adaptive lessons for piano, voice and guitar and programs for toddlers and young children. 114 Bulloch Ave., Roswell. 678-277-2632. mtsofga.com.

Studio 7 Photography. Highly skilled and enthusiastic photographers with over 35 years combined experience.

42 Oak St., Roswell. 770-685-7391. studio7hub.com.

Music to My Ears Therapy Uses Integrated Listening Systems’ (iLs) professional programs to address a wide variety of special needs challenges. Integrates auditory, visual, and movement abilities helping the brain become more efficient and effective. 920 Holcomb Bridge Road Ste. 350, Roswell. 678-384-4033.

Atlanta Area Stuttering Specialists.

Offers evaluation and treatment of fluency disorders. 1874 Independence Sq., Ste. B, Dunwoody. 770-399-5455. stuttering-specialist.com.

Therabeat, Inc. Provides music therapy services that focus on motor, communication, adaptive, social development and cognitive skills. 310 Papertrail Way, Ste. 302, Canton. 770345-2804. therabeat.com.

Under Musical Construction, Inc. Uses music therapy as aid for changing/enhancing behavior and developmental stages of growth and learning. Summer camp and ongoing programs. 1569 Cove Creek Cir., Norcross. 770-630-1356. musictherapy.com.

NUTRITION Life Grocery and Cafe. Natural foods market featuring healthy foods for allergies and special dietary needs.

Specializing in additive-free, glutenfree, dairy-free, wheat-free, sugarfree and yeast-free options. 1453 Roswell Rd., Marietta. 770-977-9583. lifegrocery.com.

The Family Feeding Guide. Carol Ann Brannon, MS, RD, LD provides evidence-based nutrition therapy and food guidance/coaching for busy parents. Specializes in autism, ADHD, food allergies/intolerances, sensory integration issues, obesity, diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

10475 Medlock Bridge Rd., Bldg. 200, Ste. 205, Johns Creek. 404-409-1747. familyfeedingguide.com.

PHOTOGRAPHY Anne Ledbetter Photography.

Specializes in photographing portraits of children, babies, families and pets. 770-431-0646. anneledbetterphotography.com.

Arion Pro Photography. Specializes in kids portraits, indoor and outdoor with a low hourly rate. 770-855-4395. arionprophoto.com.

Haigwood Photography Studios.

Children’s portraiture. 565 S. Atlanta St., Roswell. 770-594-7845. haigwoodstudios.com.

Smith Portrait Design, Inc. Family and children’s photography. 770-4695305. smithportraitdesign.com.

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SPEECH THERAPY

Auditory-Verbal Center. Provides audio-logical services, auditory verbal therapy, early intervention services, mainstreaming consultations and more.

1901 Century Blvd., Ste. 20, Atlanta.

404-633-8911. avchears.org.

First Words Speech Services, LLC. Provides speech therapy and special instruction to children with autism and complex communication disorders, from infants to early schoolage children. 1800 Lake Park Dr. Ste. 102, Smyrna. 770-438-6928. firstwordspeechservices.com.

The Language Group. Provides speech and language therapy, comprehensive evaluations and more. 3756 LaVista Rd., Ste. 104, Tucker. 404-477-9400. thelanguagegroup.org.

PediaSpeech Services, Inc. Offers speech, language, feeding, oral-motor, augmentative communication and reading therapies. Decatur and Norcross.

770-209-9826. pediaspeech.com.

RS Goldring, Inc. Offers pediatric speech therapy. 3651 Peachtree Pkwy., E 207, Suwanee. 404-509-6303. rsgoldring.com.

Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Clinic. Offers diagnostic testing and therapy for children and adults on an outpatient basis. Atlanta Speech School. 3160 Northside Pkwy. NW, Atlanta. 404-233-5332. atlantaspeechschool.org.

Speech-Language Pathology Assoc., Inc. A private practice in speech and language offering diagnostic and therapeutic treatment programs for children and adults. Laurie K. Botstein, M.S./C.C.C.-SLP. 3137 Kings Arms Ct., Atlanta. 770-939-9986. slpai.com.

Therapy Care Center. A speech and language therapy center helping those with language delays, cognitive delays, communication and swallowing disorders among others. 3400 McClure Bridge Rd., Bldg. G, Ste. A, Duluth.

678-957-1012. therapycare.biz.

Therapy Solutions of Georgia, Inc. Offers pediatric speech, language, feeding, oral-motor, augmentative, occupational and communication therapy services. 3615 Braselton Hwy., Ste. 103, Dacula. 678-377-9634. tsg-inc.net.

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Living with Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy affects one in 303 children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Children with CP have trouble moving or keeping their balance, as a result of injury to their brains and weakness in their muscles, and the impairment can range from mild to severe. About 80 percent of kids have spastic CP, characterized by muscle stiffness and awkward movement.

VISION THERAPY Pediatric Vision Development Center of Gwinnett. Dr. Nadira Shadeed provides private one-onone evaluations and therapy with the doctor for kids with visual dysfunctions and impairments. 2098 Teron Trace, Ste. 800B, Dacula. 770904-0979. visiontherapy4kids.com.

MISCELLANEOUS American Association of People with Disabilities. Membership benefits include a quarterly newsletter, Digital Federal Credit Union, car rental discounts, life insurance and discounted subcriptions to New Mobility magazine. 2013 H St., NW., 5th fl., Washington D.C. 800-8408844. aapd.com.

Angel Flight of Georgia. Provides free air transport to people who need to travel for specified medical treatment or therapy that is potentially life saving and not available in their local area. 2000 Airport Rd., Ste. 227, Atlanta. 770-452-7958. angelflightsoars.org.

Brain Balance Achievement Centers. Services for neurobehavioral/ developmental disorders such as AD/ HD, Austim, Asperger’s, Tourette’s syndrome, processing disorders, dyslexia and learning disabilities.

357 Hwy. 74 N., Ste. 5, Peachtree City. 770-631-3303; 780 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Suwanee. 770614-4790; 30 E. Crossville Rd., Ste. 150, Roswell. 770-650-8010. brainbalancecenters.com.

The Center for Research and Expansion of Assistive Technology Excellence (CREATE). Training, consulting, customized software, IEP support. 3423 Fowler Blvd., Lawrenceville. 770-923-3202. center4atexcellence.com.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Public health education, training and research. 1600 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 800-232-4636. cdc.gov.

Childkind. A foster and fosterto-adopt agency for medically fragile children. 3107 Clairmont Rd., Ste. A, Atlanta. 404-2481980. childkind.org.

DNQ Solutions. Certified Professional Organizer who specializes in residential and home office organization.

Certificates of Study in working with clients whose lives are affected by ADD, hoarding and other mental health conditions and challenges. 404-250-0321. dnqsolutions.com.

Foundation for Mitochondrial Medicine. Foundation that supports the development of mitochondrial disease research and treatment. 5424 Glenridge Dr., NE, Atlanta. 888-448-1495. mitochondrialdiseases.org.

I n s t i t u t e fo r B e h av i o r a l Medicine. A research study center for behavioral disorders.

Conducts clinical trials and adolescent research studies for autism, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression and AD/HD. 4015 South Cobb Dr., Ste. 120, Smyrna. 770-319-8013. ifbm.us.

Institute on Human Development and Disability.

Performs research to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities and their families.

University of Georgia. 850 College Station Rd., Athens.

706-542-3457. ihdd.uga.edu.

Momo’s Special Toys. Only toy store in GA that sells frequently recommended items for in-home therapy. Children with special needs can come in to the store with their kids. Besides toys and therapeutic products for children, Momo’s carries other unique items for all kids to enjoy.

2323 Shallowford Rd., Suite 111, Marietta. 770-926-1999. momospecialtoys.com. JK

Know the Lingo W

hen parents first learn that their child has a disability, they suddenly find themselves entering a world with new experiences, unexpected challenges and a language of its own. In order for you to decode what your child’s doctors and therapists are saying, we’ve compiled a list of terms and definitions you need to know.

Adventitious Acquired after birth, accidental.

Activities of daily living (ADL) Everyday skills a person needs to learn to function: eating, dressing, bathing, hygiene skills, communication skills.

At risk Children who could, under some circumstances, develop problems that will affect their learning process.

Acute Sudden onset and lasts a short period of time.

Adaptive development How a child compares to other children the same age in regards to such things as motor development, speech and language skills, daily living skills, etc.

ADA – Americans With Disabilities Act A civil rights law passed in 1990 that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, public service and public accommodations.

Adaptive behavior An individual’s ability to act appropriately in social situations and to take care of their personal needs.

Adaptive physical education/sports Physical education or sports programs designed to meet the needs of special education students.

ADHD/ADD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) A medical condition exhibited by poor attention, distractibility, impulsivity and hyperactivity.

Advocate A person who helps take action on behalf of someone who is not able to.

Ambulatory The ability to move around without assistive devices.

Assistive technology Technology used to help a person with disabilities.

Augmentative communication Special devices that provide an alternative for spoken language.

Cognitive Difficulty in learning in the areas of reasoning, comprehension and judgment.

Compulsion A repetitive act that an individual cannot consciously control.

Congenital A condition that is present at birth.

Developmental history A record of the child’s growth in areas such as walking, learning and talking.

Developmentally delayed A child who acquires skills after the expected age.

Disability A physical or mental problem that prevents someone from functioning at a normal rate.

Early intervention services Identifying and treating children before the age of 3.

Free, appropriate public education A requirement that all schoolaged children with disabilities be provided services in the public school system.

Gross motor Coordinated movements of all body parts.

Inclusion Children with disabilities receive services in their neighborhood schools and are placed in the same classrooms with typical children.

Individualized Education Program (IEP) A yearly education plan written by teachers, therapists, psychologists, etc. and the child’s parents for school age children with disabilities.

Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) An education and therapeutic plan written by teachers, therapists, psychologists, etc. and the child’s parents for a child, birth through 3 years old, with disabilities.

Language impairment Difficulty understanding and/or using language.

Learning disability A child with average or above-average potential that has difficulty learning in one or more areas (such as reading or math) and exhibits a severe discrepancy between their ability and achievement.

Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) An educational setting that gives students with disabilities a place to learn to the best of their ability and also have contact with children without disabilities.

Mainstreaming, integration Some or all of the child’s day is spent in a regular classroom.

Mental age The level of intellectual functioning based on the average for children of the same chronological age.

Mental retardation The child’s intellectual level is measured below the average range, usually below 70 on IQ tests.

Motor development The ability to move effectively within the environment.

Norm referenced tests A child’s performance is compared to others the same age.

Range of motion The amount a person is able to move their joints and limbs.

Receptive language Understanding spoken and written communication as well as gestures.

Related services Other support services that a child with disabilities requires such as transportation, occupational, physical and speech pathology services, interpreters and medical services, etc.

Self-contained class A classroom specifically for special education students.

Spasticity Tense contracted muscles usually seen in people with cerebral palsy.

Special needs A child who has disabilities or who is at risk of developing disabilities that may require special education services.

Tactile defensiveness Child overreacts or avoids any kind of touch.

Total communication Educating deaf students with a combination of speech and sign language.

TTY/TTD Telephone service for the deaf/ hearing-impaired.

Visual discrimination Ability to detect differences in objects, forms, letters or words.

Visual acuity How well a person perceives an object or letter from 20 feet.

Visual impairment Eyesight that cannot be corrected to normal.

Source: www.parentpals.com justkids magazine

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Atlanta’s

Adaptive Learning Center...............................17

Focus – Families Of Children Under Stress..........19

Alexsander Academy.................................... 23

Foundation For Mitochondrial Medicine............. 33

The Amit Program......................................... 17

Hayden’s Way............................................. 22

Atlanta Public Schools....................................19 Autism Speaks..........................inside back cover The Bedford School....................................... 23 Bettis, Hill & Vann......................................... 26

Helping Hands Pediatric Therapy.....................12 Jacob’s Ladder Neurodevelopmental School and Therapy Center...........................4

BlazeSports America.....................................12

Law Offices of Mark E. Biernath, P.C..................8

Brain Balance Achievement Centers....... back cover

Lekotek of Georgia........................................12

Brain Tumor Foundation for Children...................4

Marcus Autism Center.................................... 15

C.H. Martin Company..................................18

Momo’s Special Toys..................................... 32

Camp Sunshine............................................ 27

Music Therapy Services of Greater Atlanta.........12

Center Academy.......................................... 22 Children’s Special Services.............................17 Circus Arts Therapy....................................... 32

Porter Academy.............................................. 8 Shiver Hamilton............................................ 13

Cumberland Academy of Georgia................... 26

Speech-Language Pathology Associates............. 22

Dr. Michael P. Healey, D.D.S., P.C.... inside front cover

Stepping Stones Educational Therapy Center......12

Ellen Burns Hurst, Ph.D................................... 33

Therapy Care Center..................................... 26

Euro-Peds.................................................... 12

Woodlawn Developmental Pediatrics................12

justkids

The Resource Guide for Families of Children with Special Needs and the Professionals Who Serve Them!

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A Day of Discovery, Learning & Entertainment Presented by Atlanta Parent

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Stroll through the neighborhoods of: Activity Avenue, Camp Court,

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Saturday, April 20, 2013 11 AM - 4 PM Northlake Mall • 4800 Briarcliff Rd. NE • Atlanta, GA 30345

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Kaitlyn Morris 678-222-1911 • Kmorris@atlantaparent.com • atlantaparent.com

We don’t compensate for a kid’s challenges. We conquer them.

At Brain Balance Achievement Centers, we don’t just work with a child’s strengths or provide strategies to compensate for a weakness, we tackle your child’s learning, behavioral or developmental challenge head on, by addressing the core issues at the most fundamental level. We integrate cognitive, sensory-motor and nutritional training into a unique, drug-free, whole-child approach that goes beyond the symptoms to address root causes.

Every child deserves the opportunity to reach their fullest social and academic potential. Stop in or call to learn more about the Brain Balance Program® and how we can help your child succeed.

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357 Hwy. 74 North

780 Peachtree Ind. Blvd.

30 E. Crossville Road

Peachtree City, GA 30269

Suwanee, GA 30024

Roswell, GA 30075

770.631.3033

770.614.4790

770.650.8010 ©2012 Brain Balance Centers

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